Today’s topic, reorganizing files and paperwork, not so interesting but definitely helpful if you need to get organized. We did have a fun, eventful Father’s Day weekend. So, I’ll talk about both in this post.

For organizing files and paperwork, I have a great Pinterest find from Simply Fabulous Living. I’ve had a system in place that’s similar, but her breakdown is more specific and I also implemented the color system she uses.

Basically, you get a bunch of files and a file holder box (I won the file-holder we use from thirty one gifts; it’s called a Fold N’ File). Then, you label a folder for each item you can think of and color code it based on its overall category (example below).

I would also suggest keeping your files in a lock box or safe (fireproof if possible), so no one else can get ahold of them or if there were a fire, they could survive. It might also be wise to give the lock combination to a close family member or friend in case anything were to happen. 

This is how we categorized our files:
Important Documents [red]

• Birth and marriage certificates
• Driver license/passport copies
• Education records
• Social Security cards
• Voter registration
• Will
• Vehicle title

Money [green]

• Income tax info
• Stocks info
• Retirement info
• Children college fund info
• Credit card info
• College loan info
• Other loan info
• Insurance info–renter’s, car, home, medical, life, etc.
• General bills info and receipts–electric, water, gas
• Bank account info
• Donation/personal business deductions

Household [yellow]

• Home and vehicle receipts, info (tires, maintenance, etc.)
• Project receipts/budget
• Furniture/electronics’ manuals, receipts and warranties
• (If renting) Copy of lease, payment receipts, before/after pictures of rented home/apartment, any other paperwork
  (trust me, doing this has saved me from a landlord trying to wrongfully and dishonestly screw me over once–completely worth it, do it!)
• (If own/making payments on your home) Copy of deed, real estate info, agreement paperwork/receipts when purchased, etc.

Health/Wellness [blue]

• Immunization records
• Medical and health insurance info
• Child one’s medical records
• Child two’s medical records
• Dental records/receipts
• Chiropractic records/receipts
• Veterinarian records/receipts

Other [purple]

• Volunteer info
• Organization info/memberships
• Certificates, certifications, awards

 

And Father’s Day weekend consisted of…

• Father’s Day Eve dinner
• Swimming
• Breakfast in bed
• Chipotle
• Homemade Father’s Day dinner: honey-sriracha ribs, fries, asparagus and chocolate-cookie dough balls
• A gorgeous picture of our children
• Pecan, whiskey ice cream
• And Rails and Ales Festival tickets

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful fathers out there! 

The Countdown List:

1. Create the segment “Countdown to Oliver” and make list
2. Make a hospital bag
3. Create a baby registry
4. Prepare the baby’s space
5. Set-up pediatrician visit/appointments
6. Install the car seat
7. Have a pampering day
8. Prepare birthing plan
9. Wash shower curtains, rugs and sheets
10. *Reader’s idea* Virtual gift-opening
11. Finish an art project
12. Finish a book
13. Create an exercise regimen for the final 4 weeks
14. Take a sewing class and make something for the newest babe
15. Have a special mom and daughter day with Ella
16. (Re)organize files and paperwork
17. Finalize plans with the OB
18. Prepare for visiting family
19. Cleaning day
20. *Reader’s idea* Clothe diapering
21. Meal prep (frozen meals)
22. Write a letter to the new baby
23. Design birth announcements
24. Date night
25. Invest in post baby clothes
26. Clean pumping and feeding items
27. Take a class
28. Clean the carpets and floors
29. Stock up on toiletries, diapers and groceries
30. *Reader’s idea* Put feet up and rest