When Are Binders Appropriate?

 When Are Binders Appropriate?

There are a million ways to file paperwork. One that I sometimes see is the use of binders. It’s not a system that I would personally use. (that’s why there are a million ways to file). You’ve got to find what works for you. It works for some people and is an excellent option for some types of paper (in my honest opinion).

Using a binder makes use of the sorting system, where you group similar types of paper together. For example, all of your statements from a financial institution are together in one place. By placing the latest (and greatest) statement in the front of the binder you keep things in chronological order. Also by clipping the binder rings closed, you ensure that they will stay together.

What I don’t like about this type of system, is that you need to pull out the whole binder to find something. That can be a lot of weight to lug around. When would you need to see paperwork from the past?

Binders, though, can keep you honest. If you use the size of the binder as your limit to how much paper you keep. A good rule to use when the binder gets full is to shred the oldest documents. Don’t cheat by getting a second binder for those docs!

When is a binder appropriate? Again, in my opinion, medical documents for someone with a chronic condition are a good candidate for using a binder. This way, everything is contained so you can take it to each doctor’s appointment. You are able to refer to it when asked a question by a physician. You do have to be diligent and update all the documents.

Another good use of a binder is if you collect recipes. By using a binder, tabs, and plastic sleeves, you can make your own personal cookbook.  Using the recipes that you pull from magazines or print out on the internet. I still like looking at a printed recipe when cooking, as opposed to a screen. But I’m still not a binder user.

Have you ever thought about using a binder to collect your kid’s artwork? This is a great idea if you start young. You are ready when they bring home all their Picasso paintings!  By being proactive and setting up a binder for each child, you are prepared. This way it doesn’t become clutter on the kitchen counter or frig.

How do you use binders? Send me your ideas.

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Janet Schiesl

Janet Schiesl

Janet has been organizing since 2005. She is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Basic Organization.

She loves using her background as a space planner to challenge her clients to look at their space differently. She leads the team in large projects and works one-on-one with clients to help the process move quickly and comfortably. Call her crazy, but she loves to work with paper, to purge what is not needed and to create filing systems that work for each individual client.

Janet is a Past Board Member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and a Past President of the Washington DC Chapter of NAPO were she has been named Organizer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Janet Schiesl

Janet Schiesl

Janet has been organizing since 2005. She is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Basic Organization.

She loves using her background as a space planner to challenge her clients to look at their space differently. She leads the team in large projects and works one-on-one with clients to help the process move quickly and comfortably. Call her crazy, but she loves to work with paper, to purge what is not needed and to create filing systems that work for each individual client.

Janet is a Past Board Member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and a Past President of the Washington DC Chapter of NAPO were she has been named Organizer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

4 Comments

  1. Anita Damron on July 1, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    I have a bill paying binder. I keep the latest statement for each of my payables in a plastic sleeve with handy un and pw information plus any origination paperwork (eg. insurance policies).

    • Basic Organization on July 1, 2014 at 3:39 pm

      Great idea Anita. Whatever works for you. It sounds like you are a visual person and like being able to see everything.

  2. McKenzie on March 24, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    Great advice! Binder organization only works for certain people, but I can see your point. I like how clearly you can organize a lot with binders. Thanks for sharing!

    • Janet Schiesl on March 25, 2017 at 7:17 am

      Thanks for the comment. Yes. Binders work for some people very well and others don’t like them. Organizing is a personal exercise.

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