By Betsy Kramer

The weekly Clever Parents column, Clutter Busting is written by Betsy Kramer. After losing everything she owned to a devastating fire, Betsy Kramer was faced with the decision of recreating the life she had or starting fresh with a new beginning free from the emotional clutches of clutter, she chose the latter and out of it a new life and passion to help others was born. Betsy Kramer is a motivational speaker, professional organizer and member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers). With her business Cash in Clutter specializing in organizing for the busy family, Betsy helps others put things in their place (literally and metaphorically). Betsy has been a weekly columnist for Clever Parents since 2005. Betsy has taught classes and given workshops for various groups including private groups, schools, hospitals, universities, and more. Betsy is a featured speaker and co-creator of "Women of Quiet Confidence." Betsy Kramer and "Cash in Clutter" have appeared in various newspapers, web media, Sirius Satellite Radio, NBC-17 and featured on The CBS Early Show in September 2006.

Last 5 Articles by Betsy

Clutter Busting: Start a Household Manual

Your Clutter Busting task for the week of January 9th to January 15th is to start a household manual.Shopping List:

Three ring binder
Couple of packages of page protectors
Pack of 3-hole index pages

I am going to describe how I have put my Household Manual together, but please create a manual that will best suit the needs of your family. Stop writing list after list! Keep all of your to-do’s in this one binder!

Index 1: Weekly checklist
Index 2: Temp. File (Invites, appt. cards, upcoming events, etc.)
Index 3: Permanent File (Misc. Important papers, important contact names/phone numbers, CPR page, Birthday Card List, etc.)
Index 4: Take out menus

For the first section, I made up copies of my weekly checklist (see attached-we will discuss in detail next week how to make your own) and placed them in the binder. Throughout the week, I simply check off when I complete a task. It makes cleaning so much easier! On the upper right hand corner there is a place for the week’s menu. I work on next week’s menu page during this week. At the end of the week, I simply rip out the page and I am ready with a new page for a new week with a completed menu at the top!
The second section is full of clear page protectors. I slip into these pages: invitations (which have already been RSVP’d), and important papers for upcoming events (School, Brownie, Cheerleading, etc.). Don’t waste your time digging through piles of papers and risk tossing important papers inadvertently in the garbage!!
The third section is also filled with clear page protectors. This section is full of long term and permanent important papers such as important contact names and numbers (mechanic, plumber, gas company, etc. etc.), babysitter information sheet, Birthday Calendar, and I even have an emergency CPR page.

The final section is yet again full of clear page protectors. This is where I keep take-out menus.
It is so handy to grab your manual rather than digging through a junk drawer or looking for a misplaced post-it! Throughout the many missions ahead, I will often times refer back to the household manual. Please do not think this is something that you should be even attempting to finalize this week, as this manual will continue to be a work in progress. Next week we will focus on planning a chore checklist.