No matter what format you use to keep your family organized and on schedule, a home organization notebook can be a valuable addition to any well-run home.

What You Need:

• Three ring notebook
• Tabbed folders
• Paper
• Sheet protectors

What goes in a family organization notebook? Here's a list of common items and tabs:

Calendars

Addresses and phone numbers

Emergency phone numbers

Babysitter information sheets

Phone trees

To Do lists

Medical records

Take out menus

Travel checklists

Shopping lists

Clothing and shoe sizes

Family favorite recipes

The idea is not to try to put everything into the notebook, but only those things that your family needs on a daily or weekly basis. You may also want to have enough information in the notebook so that you can ‘grab-and-go' when leaving the house, knowing that you have everything you need. (Mine has printed maps and directions to hockey rinks in five states!)

The Notebook Makes Life Easier

Putting together a notebook is a wonderful way to get all your information in one place to access easily, but it can be so much more. For example, the babysitter page can be used to avoid those awkward conversations. Simply print up a list of rules along with your cell phone numbers and emergency information.

Slip the information into a sheet protector and file it in the notebook. When the sitter comes, just take it out and set it on the counter. This should get you out of having to tell each sitter that your home computer is not for Facebook surfing and that the front door remains locked at all times.

Great Idea - Who Has the Time?

You've read this far and you're thinking, sure this would be great, but I don't have the time to put this all together. I understand. Mine took a while to formulate, and it's still evolving. All you need to start is a notebook and some paper. Then next time you reach for the phone book to call your favorite pizza place, jot down the number and add it to your notebook.

Over time you'll collect the resources that are important for your family. It doesn't have to be this big project and it doesn't have to be perfect. In fact, it never will be so you may as well just give up the excuses and start already!

What's Next?

Sections you may want to develop in your family notebook:

• Planning - calendars, vacations, major purchases
• Contacts - names, addresses
• Family information like clothing sizes and birthdays
• School information and calendars
• Meals & Menus
• Money & Finance

Want more? In Home Organization Notebook: The Sections, I go into more detail about what sections you might need and what to include in them.