As a professional educator, mother of two, and wife, a huge part of my life is paperwork. It presents itself in various forms– bills, medical information, homework assignments, lesson plans, recipes, and of course, those original masterpieces created by my two children.
As I began formulating a plan this past summer to help me wtih my mountains of papers, I had two requirements: creative & simple. I did not want this endeavor to be a big expense…and it wasn’t.
I found this three drawer plastic bin at my local Target ($9.99), the labels were a part of my teaching supplies, and the pictures were in a computer file. It was a perfect fit from the start!
Each family member has a designated drawer with paper and supplies. I have taught my children to place all of their papers from school into their drawer as soon as we get home from school. How do I make it work? Well, as with any routine, you just have to make it a habit, (believe me it took a couple weeks of constant reminding). Since I am the one who cannot stand the clutter on our dining room or kitchen table, it has become my bedtime routine to check each drawer–sign the forms, “ooh and ahh” over the graded papers, and admire the beautiful pictures made with every color of the rainbow.
It is wonderfully simple and works for our family. Now, when the kids ask me for crayons, paper, pencils, etc… I simply say, “check your drawer!”
How do you organize your family’s paperwork? Share with us your creative ideas.
On a sidenote– The black wine bottle holder (Pottery Barn) was my latest find at a local thrift store for only $6.00! My 4 yr. old put her shoes inside one of the slots one day… and voila! Hey it works for me…I was never going to drink that much wine!
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