Home Management Notebooks absolutely, unequivocally work for me.
Here’s are quick links to my Home Management Notebook series:
- Having a Home Management Notebook is good.
- Identity and target your Most Important Tasks.
- Consider using a Daily Docket.
- Use a Weekly Checklist as your main reference point.
- Brainstorm ideas for what else you might need in your Notebook.
Photo by Patrick Ng
I hope you found this series useful. Using a Home Management Notebook isn’t a new idea - chances are, many of you already use one. But if this is new to you and trying one is uncharted territory, here are a few pointers:
• The point of a notebook is to have all your management tools in one place. Include what you need, leave out what you don’t.
• Do what works for you. If you prefer to scribble in pencil on a Moleskine Notebook, then by all means, do that! You could even have it all online using your favorite tools in one location. I’ve thought about doing that myself, but I just can’t handcuff myself to the laptop - I share it with my hubby, and I’m up and around too much during the day. Maybe one day, though.
• It helps me if my notebook looks pretty. That might be superficial, but I know I use it more when I like to look at it. I use scrapbook paper, magazine clippings, and whatever else strikes my fancy to personalize my baby and make it mine.
• If it doesn’t work at first, don’t throw in the towel! Give it more time, or change it up, or take a short break and think about what might work better for you. We all manage our households differently - the point is to do it well, simply, and stress-free.
As promised, here is a FREE PDF download of my Daily Docket and Weekly Checklist. I’ve made them a bit more generic, so maybe you’ll find them useful. In fact, I’ve included two Daily Dockets - one is identical to the one I use; the other has two areas with blank titles for you to fill in, in case mine aren’t something you need. You’ll see what I mean when you download it. If you have any other suggestions, I’m all ears.
I’ve added a button on the sidebar that will lead you to this page, so that you can easily find it again.
And finally, here’s a little more inspiration juice to get you going on a notebook that works for you:
- Here’s a basic list of more ideas on what to include.
- Organized Home has a few downloads you might like.
- DIY Planner has some good ideas using the Getting Things Done system.
- And my favorite… a beautiful visual homemaking journal, courtesy of Ann at Holy Experience (follow other links for inspiration!)
Here are some related posts from Simple Mom:
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These are awesome, dear Toblerone, simply awesome!
Suzannes last blog post..Play
Thank you for this great idea - I think it is something that might work for me, I’ll have to give it a try!
Blesseds last blog post..The Contest - 2nd Clue
Thank you so much for this series! I think I really need a home management notebook! I’m saving this to del.icio.us for future reference!
Lynnaes last blog post..Kyle’s Coupons: On the Road Again…
So glad they might work for you all! Let me know if you have any feedback. And yes, I’d love some bookmarking love if you’re up for it…
This is great info! I have been meaning to start a Home Management Notebook as a way of gecoming more organized and eliminating some of the clutter- both physical and mental- that come with trying to keep track of papers and coupons and just trying to remember everything that needs to be done!
Can’t wait to get started!
Thanks for this series
Lavonnes last blog post..Ways that I make money online
Thank you so much for the pdf. This will work for me great! I also like the suggestion of making your notebook pretty and appealing.
Rachels last blog post..Reality Check: Downgrading Monthly Services
@Lavonne - So glad this might help you! Keep me updated on your progress, and let me know if you have any feedback.
@Rachel - Oh, I wouldn’t use it if it wasn’t pretty.
Silly but true. And I’ve been meaning to tell you that I LOVE your blog, too! I spent quite a bit of time over there the other day. I like your composting ideas.
I just found this for free printable planner pages: http://www.diyplanner.com/templates/index
In the ‘templates directory’ you can search by what size page you need. Looks like the dynamic pages list is actually software to let you customize it to use electronically. In the ‘diet’ area there are even Weight Watchers point-tracking and water intake tracking pages. Fancy Schmancy!
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I luv these! I suffer from getting seriously overwhelmed when I see everything that needs doing. Then I get depressed, adn nothing gets done at all. I hope this will change things for me.
One idea I had was about chore charts - we have them for each of our kids, but I made one for myself too and pinned it up next to theirs. The kids call me on it a lot “Oh MOM! You haven’t finished YOUR chores today!!” Motivational tool.
I also printed the worksheet from Mypyramid.gov to help track my diet. This way I can make sure I am eating right.
Hi this looks great - I have Stumbled it so I can rfer to it later. Quick question (sorry if this is obvious) - what are ‘MITs’?
@Kate - MITs are “Most Important Things” - #2 on the list above.
I’m psyched to try this out. All my stuff is in various places, folders, files, and how much simpler it would be to put it all together!
One question, do you use a 3-ring binder? Or something more like a daytimer, or a diary-like journal? A 3-ring binder seems easiest, but then do you lug that whole thing to the store with you?
Just trying to think of what work best.
Especially since I really like the idea of making it pretty.
nicoles last blog post..Just came across this… twice!
@Nicole - Mine’s a basic three-ring binder. I’ve thought about taking photos of what mine looks like, just for those who are curious. It’s nothing extraordinary, though - just all the important papers in one place.
I just found this particular series and love this one, too! I’m so grateful for your blog! : )
But in response to your post to Nicole, I know that I would love to see what your binder looks like. And do you tote it places? Or does it live on a counter in your home?
Allison’s last blog post…4
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