Organizing Important Documents {how to}

We have been enjoying the sunshine so much...thought that these pictures were a bit cuter than looking at a binder! We actually had a modified water fight that was really a blast!!! AND since we no longer have little ones to bathe outside in the summer evening before bed time...our little doggie fell victim...oh.how.she loved it!!!






This is the time of year, if you aren't organized, that you might start thinking about trying to do exactly that...getting organized. I am by no means an expert on the subject, but I love the end result.

Being organized can really eliminate stress and frustration. There is nothing worse than a child informing you that the school has to have an updated sports physical in two days, or they can't start with their teammates. That means YOU need to have insurance cards, immunization records, doctor's numbers and birth certificates handy for SPORTS. ALL of this on top of Script orders, school picture forms, music lessons etc. can quickly become overwhelming and almost paralizing! {I am NOT exaggerating...ever find yourself sipping on tea, chomping on candy corn, not doing ANYTHING because you don't know where to start?...That is what I mean.} :)

I am NOT a fan of technology. I want to be able to grab and go. I need to have it in my hands without having to scan for passwords and wait for the laptop to boot up.

When my hubby finished his academy, we revamped our "DOCUMENT SYSTEM". Since he became the expert on Emergency Evacuation and Catastophe Preparedness, I listened and we figured it out together!

{You might invest in a larger fireproof box to keep your binder in.}

This is what works for us and it might be helpful for you as well.

One binder is LABELED and categorized like this:

CERTIFICATES:


Marriage
Adoption
Little Dappled Doggie
Baptism
EMT
School
College
Birth...each family member has their own protected in a plastic sleeve protector {STOCK UP! These are available at COSTCO}

MEDICAL:

Insurance card copies...these are easily misplaced
Immunization documents

Miscellaneous:

Passports
Social Security Cards
Frequent Flyer Miles
Budget Document...a complete list of everything that needs to be paid during the month. Be sure to include phone numbers and Passwords etc. in case of an emergency

Insurance:
Life Insurance numbers etc.

Small, zippered binder pockets work great for keeping little cards together without falling out. They can be found in with school supplies!

It is important to be able to go to one spot and grab everything at once in case of emergency. There might NOT be time to be going through files!

Remember to keep this information in a VERY safe spot.

WE ALSO INCLUDED PERMISSION SLIPS AND BLANK POWER OF ATTORNEY sheets that could be grabbed at a moment's notice. In my hubby's opinion, they are better than grabbing a recycled envelope and scribbling down the info with eyeliner!!! Then again, we even had the last power of attorney notarized at THE BANK!! Every family needs a safety monitor!



Shared with: women living well, titus2sday, totally tuesday tutorials, a bowl full of lemons