. Active Life, Feebler Mind

I’ve worked with many women, some of whom (including myself) find it more and more difficult to keep track of everyday personal papers which need only temporary keeping and yet seem to disappear just when they are needed most.

I’m experimenting with a friend’s system that seems to keep my counters clean, my active life in place, and yet accommodates my sometimes feeble mind (caused in my case by pressures, distraction, or stress).  As with all systems, once it is in place, the key is to look in the filing system on a daily basis to find the relevant paperwork.

So far this detailed system has worked wonderfully for me.  It keeps my frig clean of wedding invitations, keeps unanswered letters in place to remind me to follow up, and allows me to address some paperwork needs down the road and maybe even a month of two from now.

I would appreciate your feelings and feedback about this system.  Maybe it will work for you, too.

Supplies:

- 31 folders, labeled 1-31 (for the days of the month)

- 12 folders, labeled January-December (for the months of the year)

- 1 folder, labeled Next Year+

- One container for folders (such as a desk drawer, plastic tote container, or handy shelving slot)

With my supplies in place, I now have a system to keep myself “ahead of the game.”

The System

Wedding and shower  invitations go in a daily folder one week before the wedding/shower to allow time for wrapping the gift and arranging to attend.

I put unanswered correspondence at the beginning of the next month (allowing one-three weeks for it to be answered).

I put written notes to myself about possible plans about one week before I want to do them (visit my ailing aunt with some garden produce, write a get well card to an uncle who will be having surgery at the beginning of next month, ask a cousin for some more family history information).

When I plant bulbs this fall, I’ll put the packaging and my notes in September’s folder to be convenient when I plant bulbs again next year.

I hope this filing system will simplify your mind’s need to remember even as it accommodates your active life.  No use letting on how very much it keeps you “ahead of the game.”

Find more helpful ideas in my House of Order Handbook.