Hello, Friends!

Has this ever come out of your mouth? Have you ever found yourself searching for the manual for your
surround sound system, especially when you’ve moved into a new house or are setting up a new TV?

I have had a lot of success using a simple technique, a 3-ring binder, sheet protectors, and tabs.

Don’t get me wrong, I started my file folders, like most people and filed them away in the filing cabinet. I had 2 file folders – “Purchases > $500” and “Purchases < $500”. This process worked for many years, but like most couples, the longer we stayed married, the more we acquired, right? I found myself having to replace these file folders every year, because the file folders would break because the glue wasn’t supporting 5lbs of paper.

When we moved into our house 20 years ago, the owner handed me a binder with sheet protectors, with all the warranty manuals that were remaining with the house. That was a godsend! We have referred to that binder on many occasions. I liked how it was arranged and loved having the items at my fingertips. When we sold our home, I did the same and left the manual for the house we sold with the home.

I also took it a step further. I decided to organize all my manuals. I use one binder for large items, such as
furniture, and then I have another binder which helps us organize smaller items like our electronic equipment, stereo system, camera, kitchen appliances etc… (That’s where the tabs come in handy, breaking the binder into categories.) When I go to file something now, I put the manual with the receipt (if your receipt is starting to fade, make a photocopy of it) and any extra warranty purchased. This way everything is together, in one place.

Organizing Home Improvements

Now that we have been in our house several years, the home improvement receipts were starting to get a little out of hand so just this summer, I organized my home improvement file folder. I used an accordion file folder and organized items into categories and then placed the appropriate receipt behind the tab.

I also created a sheet with a list of names of businesses/resources that we have used in the past, so we know who to call the next time something goes wrong.

If you have had any major work done, you should also take pictures along the way. (This may come in handy if there is a dispute).

I hope this prevents you from searching your house for manuals and receipts. Let me know what organizing tips have helped you along the way.

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Instagram @logical_placement.

Your local professional organizer,
Betty Huotari

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