I’ve created many homemaking binders through the years, and I’ve found that for me, the simpler it is the better. If it’s too complicated, it just doesn’t work for me. After almost 10 years of using the same planner, I decided this year that it was time for a new binder.
When I found this one I knew it was just what I was looking for. It’s very plain and simple. It does have a clear front pocket, but I decided not to decorate it because I use this front pocket to hold my daily docket.
My daily docket is a daily to do list that I use to organize each day. I have daily chores, menu, school focus, relationship focus, and more listed here, because I’m prone to forget! (You can find a very basic blank daily docket form here. Hint–it prints better as a doc than a PDF–I also printed mine on both sides to save paper.)
I fill out a new one of these each night so I know what to focus on the following day.
This binder also comes with plastic dividers that hold papers. I keep new daily docket forms in one of the folders, and I love that it has a little pocket that holds 3×5 or larger index cards. A perfect place to keep the memory verses we’re working on.
I also love that these binders fold completely over like a spiral notebook, which makes it more user-friendly to me. My daily schedule is right in the front where it’s easy to see as soon as I open it.
A section with calendars allows me to keep track of our activities and plan for the future (I designed these for myself, but you can find free printable calendars here.). I love to look back at my monthly calendars, as it gives an overview of all that took place that year.
I added tabs to the pages in my binder for easy reference. I have sections for schedule, calendars, school, cleaning, budget, and more. Everything I use on a regular basis and want to be able to find quickly I keep here.
I carry this binder around with me everywhere, and then I have other binders that live on the bookshelf next to my desk. These hold information that I need, but not on a daily basis. There are binders for gardening, home inspiration (for decorating and organizing ideas), crafting, Bible study, home education, family health, etc.
I love using binders to organize my important papers. Do you use a homemaking binder, or do you have another way of keeping your life organized?
Anonymous says
September 26, 2015 at 4:57 pmIs there a way to download your daily docket without paying membership to scrdb? Thanks for all that you share 🙂
Joy Kincaid says
September 26, 2015 at 8:53 pmIt used to be free…I guess now they decided you have to pay a membership–sorry about that! I couldn't even get into my account to look at it, and unfortunately I don't have that file on this computer anymore. 🙁
There are several free daily dockets online. Here are a couple:
http://theartofsimple.net/downloads02/
http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/MSM_Customizable_Daily_Docket_.pdf
Hope that helps!
JES says
March 11, 2013 at 6:16 pmHi Joy, I am a binder girl too 🙂 Just wanting to ask your permission to attach a link to your Scribd page which has your daily docket page on an upcoming post? I am using it for my home management binder and would like to share it with others. Of course, I will absolutely link back to you and give due credit. Will wait for your reply 🙂
Joy Kincaid says
March 11, 2013 at 11:54 pmSure, JES, link away! 🙂 I'm so glad you found it useful! (It's the first document I've ever uploaded to Scribd, so I wasn't even sure if I did it right!) 🙂
JES says
March 18, 2013 at 10:11 amThanks Joy! Love, Jes 🙂
http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.com/2013/03/keepers-at-home-home-management-binder.html
Joy Kincaid says
March 30, 2013 at 12:25 amGreat article–thanks for linking to me, JES!
♥Joy
Ariana says
January 28, 2013 at 10:45 amThank you for the inspiration! I really like the font you used on your calendars. Would you mind telling me the font's name?
Joy Kincaid says
January 28, 2013 at 11:52 pmI'm glad if it was helpful, Ariana! The font I used is called "Edwardian Script."
Sarah says
January 22, 2013 at 4:06 pmYou are so organized! I think I need to come take organizational and planning lessons from you. 🙂 The post you shared was inspiring!
Joy Kincaid says
January 28, 2013 at 11:48 pmThank you, Sarah! This does make me look very organized, doesn't it?! 🙂 I do enjoy trying to plan and organize my life…but circumstances don't always cooperate with my plans! 🙂
Shannon says
January 11, 2013 at 1:27 pmConnecting with you today by way of Raising Homemakers. I'm in the market for a home management system that will get this girl organized and running her home in a timely manner. Thank you for the great binder ideas! http://vintagewifeslife.blogspot.com/2013/01/encouragement-for-home.html
Joy Kincaid says
January 11, 2013 at 4:41 pmThanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Shannon! Glad it was helpful to you!