Crate File System

Being the organization junkie that I am, when I see an idea that seems brilliant (and involves a nifty crate that I actually already own), I am game to try it. My take on the system ---

Each month gets a hanging folder.
Each hanging folder has three manila folders.It works like this:

The first manila folder is labeled with the month. In that folder, any general ideas that I have for that month can be stored. For example, I have a sheet on President's Day filed in February's folder.

The second manila folder is labeled "liturgical". Our church year follows a calendar that includes many holy days and special feast days, so this is an ideal way to have notes, handouts or project ideas on hand to help us learn about and celebrate those days.

The third manila folder is seasonal. For example, my January folder has a sledding page by "Draw Write Now" that was offered as a free download.

When I get to the end of a month, that hanging file gets moved to the back and the current month's file is in front.

The reason I like this system is that it keeps things out in the open-- for me, a closed drawer = out of mind. I also like that it gives me a place to print and store things that I might just bookmark (and then forget about) from online.

I have to confess that this has not been my most successful organizational endeavor.

It is a good system. It should work. One problem is that my crate has not had a permanent home. It has been stored under desks and scooted all over the room. As I still think this is a good idea, I have found a place for it. The other problem is that any system requires follow through and maintenance. When I get to the middle of one month, I should be looking ahead to the next. I am not ready to call it quits yet--- I am going to see if I can make this as useful as I think it can be. :)

To give credit where it is due, I believe the post that first inspired this file folder system is here at the By Sun and Candlelight blog.

Comments

  1. Happy Healthy HomeMay 3, 2010 at 11:20 AM

    Hmmm...sorry if this is a repeat, but I think my first comment got lost. Anyways,

    Hi!! Love your blog here, love the Keeping it Simple. Glad I hopped on over, this crate idea is a great one. I agree, things like this to be entirely successful do NEED a home! :-)

    Also, thank you so much for the comments on my blog. You really encouraged me today when I saw it. Thank you! Please let me know if you try any recipes and how you like them! :-)
    ~Lindy

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMay 7, 2010 at 5:52 PM

    I made up the crate system last fall and I never used it! I think because I stuck a lid on it to keep little fingers out and then promptly forgot it was there. I really should use it, it really is a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  3. KimSeptember 25, 2010 at 5:31 AM

    This is a great idea - thanks for sharing. I'm like you, if it's out of sight, it's out of mind. I'm definitely going to try this in our home.

    Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete

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