Household Records File

Adventures in Home Ownership

The good news is I am on a clutter busting roll! The bad news is I’m exhausted…whew. I have just enough energy to share my mistakes that you may learn from them. It all started when a VCR of fairly recent origin ate a tape. I wasn’t sure where I had put the book for it, let alone the receipt. I had one huge file labeled “warranties” that I’ve been throwing things into (when I remembered to) for awhile. Others had made their way to various locations around the house. I was inspired to make separate hanging files for all major appliances and label them: dishwasher, refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer, air conditioner, etc. Then I made a list with the information: date purchased, where, price, brand, etc. Next I will make more files divided by location: small appliances-kitchen, electronics and so on.

So from now on, here’s the plan every time I purchase something over $20.

• Right away, make a file for the book.
• Write the date & where purchased on the front cover and staple the receipt inside the back cover.
• When something breaks, or is otherwise no longer around, remember to take out the book and discard it.
• Less expensive versions of some things can be more inclined to break sooner. Sometimes you get what you pay for.
• When gifts are received that have a book, make a file for them too.
• Some books may contain pages with information you may need for maintenance or operation. Make a copy of those to add to a Household Notebook (Printables from OrganizedHome.com.) For example, instructions for a thermostat or for telephone functions.
• Include a seasonal maintenance checklist in the Household Notebook.
• Keep track of home repairs and improvements (EHow.)

Further Resources
File It, Find It Home Filing System (pdf)

Home Maintenance and Repair A-Z

KState Organizing Household Records (pdf)

LifeOrganizers Article

About dailyplanit

I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.