A Fingertip File is a place to store papers and other miscellaneous information so that it is right at the end of your fingertips when you need it. There are several products available on the market but I prefer my own custom-made version.
Here is what I use to build a Fingertip File:
- Avery® 3-ring, 1 inch Recyclable Binder made with 100% recycled chipboard.
- Avery® Economy Sheet Protectors
- Avery® Business Card Pages
- Avery® Big Tab Two-Pocket Insertable Plastic Dividers
In the clear sheet protectors I insert phone lists such as emergency contacts, family members, friends, co-workers, piano teacher, hockey coach etc. Other items that could be stored in the clear sheet protectors are the monthly school calendar and the cafeteria menu.
In the business card holder page, I insert the business cards of all the places I do business. This saves time when looking up the address, phone number and business hours (I write the store hours on the back of the card).
In the two-pocket dividers, I put the schedule for the public pool and ice rink, take-out menus from local restaurants, community and tourist information, street maps and even a floor plan of the local shopping mall.
If you move to a new city, transfer the contact information from your fingertip file to your filing cabinet. This will make it easy to look up your previous doctor’s or dentist’s) phone number and get your medical records transferred.
Standard Forms
Businesses run efficiently because they have a standard set of forms for repetitive tasks. A home can run more efficiently if there is a set of forms. Instead of rewriting the grocery list every week, write a list of items that are purchased frequently. Print several copies to keep in your Fingertip File and hang one on the fridge. Check off items as soon as they are needed. Prepare a form for the babysitter that includes emergency contact numbers and the bedtime routine. Store copies in the “Fingertip File” and just pull one out when the babysitter arrives.
Another handy item to keep in your Fingertip File is a list of items borrowed and loaned. You will always know to whom you need to return the snow shovel and where to collect your favourite scarf.
Address Book Update
Summer is coming which means “moving season”. As you receive new addresses for your friends and family members, take a few minutes and update your address book. You can do this while you are waiting for an appointment or while watching your kids’ soccer practice. Fill in all of the data you are missing from each person. It does not matter if your address book is paper based or electronic (PDA) you should still set aside a few minutes 2-3 times per year to bring it up to date.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that I am not paid by Avery® to tell you I like their products. I recommend their products because of their high quality and the fact that they are easy to find in just about any office supply store or department store.
Mr Very Right not only prints off a standard grocery shopping list, he even has the items ordered by aisle in the grocery store. Now THAT is efficiency
I love having the list close at hand because as I think of things throughout the week, I just add a check mark to his list. No more “Oh crap, we forgot to get …”
@ Eliza – I used to do the very same thing as your Mr. Very Right until the grocery store was re-arranged. (Interesting note is that they raised the prices at the same time.)
I’m currently using my iPod Touch to keep track of groceries. The kids get excited about putting things on my list because it’s on the iPod so I never run out of stuff.
Everyone needs to tweak their system until it works the best for them.
There are a lot of fairly expensive organizing products on the market, but for this type of thing, I think your homegrown version is the best. Not only is it less expensive, but you can customize it to your own needs and not end up with a bunch of sections you don’t even use. That’s actully how my Personal Medical Organizer came to be!
Exactly Janet. This is especially important for military families who can have a completely different lifestyle depending on the city they’re in and the type of job of the military member.