Keeping track of all the paperwork involved in running a household can be overwhelming. There are appliance repairs, phone plans, receipts from new furniture--not to mention all the sales slips from day-to-day expenditures and mailings which need to be kept. Here is one simple method for keeping the information you need accessible and easy to find. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Make a Home Log Book
1. Start by labeling the dividers into the categories below. Use the titles which apply to your particular situation and needs. House or Apartment Utilities & PhonesHousehold appliancesFurnitureTaxesHousehold InsuranceNeeds and wantsContact Information
2. Insert your labeled divider pages into the notebook. Behind each divider page, insert a pocket folder. Label the pocket folder across the front.
3. Work on your “House” (or Apartment) folder first. If you are a home owner, put the following information in the pocket folder:Copies of your title and deed (the originals of these should be kept in a safety deposit box)Record sheet of renovations and repairs done by you noting materials used and dates. For example: “Living room repainted 7/30/04; Sherwin Williams Eversheen paint “Always Ivory.”Record sheet of renovations and repairs done by others with dates. For example: “New roof 9/3/99 Parsons Roofing.”Receipts of this work should be placed in the folder.
4. Keep your “Utilities and Phones” folder relatively streamlined. There is no need to hang on to any bill aside from the current one. However, it is a good idea to keep track of what you are paying every month. Start a sheet for each utility modeled after the following: Electric Bills: 2005January $80.89February $90.15Keep your cell phone agreements and booklets in the folder.
5. File all of the informational booklets which come with major appliances in the folder in the “Household Appliances” section of your Home Log. Keep a sheet listing purchases of major appliances with dates as well as repairs on each. Keep the receipts for this repair work in the folder.
6. Use a sheet in the Furniture section of your folder to list all large items, their date of purchase, and any repairs, refinishing or reupholstering. If you have been given any warranties, place these in the folder in this section.
7. Store real estate tax records in the “Taxes” section. Make a record sheet so that you can see what kind of increases you have had in the past to make predictions about what your future taxes will be.
8. Keep your household insurance policy in its own section; in the folder. Keep a record sheet for any claims you make.
9. Discuss your “Needs and Wants” section with whomever shares your living quarters. Lists should be compiled about what non-regular household expenses will be coming up and on what date, as well as a list for what your priority is for the first item that would be purchased as a “want” rather than a need.
10. Keep a record of all names, addresses, phone numbers, cell phone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses of all people and/or companies you need to know for household purposes. For example: plumbers, painters, insurance agent..
Tags: pocket folder, about what, cell phone, dates example, folder Keep, Home Book
