Household Binder: Getting Started

Welcome to the world of Household Binders! If you are a life-long planner addict and organizationaholic like me, you're in for some fun.

This post is meant to guide those of you starting out with Household Binders 2.0 with a free printable checklist and some helpful tips. 

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Like any big project, getting started is the hardest part of a Household Binder. The key to doing it successfully is to go one logical, efficient step at a time.

So pick out a sturdy 3" binder, grab some dividers (durable plastic dividers with pockets work best), and print or view the Getting Started Checklist below. You'll be walked through filling out Section 1 of your Household Binder step by step. Don't forget to check out the tips and hints below!

Click here for the full-size printable!

Tips and hints:

• It may be useful to write the social security numbers in code (for example, backwards or shifted one digit to the right) if you are concerned that your binder may be stolen. Personally, I have never been worried that a burglar will steal the random flowered binder on my bookshelf, but you can never be too careful. 
• Make sure to highlight or clearly mark the policy periods on the copies of your home, auto, and medical/dental/vision insurance booklets before storing them in Section 2 of your Household Binder. 
• "Proof of Ownership Documents" are original or official copies of documents showing (you guessed it) ownership of physical or financial assets. These documents are typically only needed when making transactions in reference to these assets, but due to the high value of the assets, the documents are extremely important and should be stored in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. 
• Record online usernames and passwords in pencil so you can easily update the information when it changes. If you do not have a record of your online passwords, the best way to start is to print out the pages and keep them by your private computer with a pencil. Each time you go to a new website that requires a login, quickly jot down your username and password on the appropriate page. After a couple of weeks, it should be fairly complete for frequently visited sites. 

Finished the checklist? Congrats! You've finished Section 1 and have a huge start on Section 2.

Next up: Current Year Insurance and Spending.

Until then...

list it | stick it | do it | track it