Have a Project? Make a Project Binder
by Maria Gracia
My husband and I are
in the process of having a new home built. As you can imagine, the amount of
paperwork we've already accumulated in relation to this project is enormous.
I knew that if I didn't organize these papers from the very beginning, that we
would end up losing or misplacing something important.
I went to the store and got a 2-inch, D-ring, 3-ring binder and inserted a set
of index tabs numbered 1-31 inside.
As we received new papers that had to do with our building project, we began to
organize those papers, by subject, into different tabs. I didn't write the names
of each subject onto the actual index tabs, because I figured that I might need
to rearrange a bit.
Instead, using my computer, I started a word processing document to create an
index. I typed in the numbers 1-31 down the left hand side of the page. Then, I
began listing my major categories next to each number-- Bank Info, Builder Info,
Exterior Specs, Interior Specs, etc. I then organized my paperwork into the
corresponding index tabs as indicated on my computer document. I printed out my
computer index, and inserted it into the very front of my binder.
When I need to locate a sheet of paper, I just look in my index. Bank info is in
Tab 7. To find it, I just have to flip to Tab 7. Landscaping info is in Tab 29.
It's a cinch to find when we need it.
I also included some plastic pocket folders, into certain tabs, that can be
inserted into 3-ring binders. These pockets are wonderful for holding things
that can't easily be 3-hole punched, such as large blueprints or catalogs.
We now have a New Home Project Binder, that is constantly being referenced, and
has already proven to be a critical tool in keeping this project organized.
Whenever you have a project you're working on, make yourself a Project Binder,
applying the techniques I've described above. It will make your life a whole lot
easier, time will be saved, costly errors will be reduced or eliminated, you
won't feel stressed, and you'll be able to find everything you need when you
need it.
Copyright 2002 by Maria Gracia
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