Creating a management notebook is an important tool in organizing the business of your home. It may take a little bit of time to put such a notebook together, but it will be a great reference for your family. In case of an emergency, this notebook will be a great resource for anyone who wants to step in and help you out.
You will need the following items to assist you in creating your own home management notebook:
three-ring binder with a clear cover
pocket dividers
alphabet dividers
notebook paper
three-hole punch
TITLE AND GENERAL INFORMATION PAGE
This page should include your name, address, and phone number. If desired, choose a fun title for the cover of your home management book. Home Base or Home Helps are both useful titles.
SECTION ONE – EMERGENCY INFORMATION
On the first page of your notebook you will need to have emergency contact information. Include phone numbers for the following:
Minister
Police
Fire Station
Ambulance
Hospital
Doctor
Friend
Neighbor
Place of employment
Cell phone number
Place of spouse’s employment
Spouse’s cell phone number
Babysitter
Handyman
Housekeeper
Plumber
Electrician
Electric Company
Gas Company
Phone Company
Water Company
Cable Company
Internet Company
Other
SECTION TWO – CONTACTS AND ADDRESSESS
In this section of your notebook, write out the name, address, phone number and any other pertinent information of all contacts that you keep in your address book. There are several ways that you can prepare this section. One way is to write all this information on notebook paper. If you choose this method, you will have ample room to add notes such as birthdates, anniversary dates, and how each person is related to you. Make a note if a contact is a family member, friend, or business partner. Another method is to simply copy your address book and place that copy in the binder. Review this section occasionally to make any additions or deletions.
SECTION THREE – HOME OFFICE AND INFORMATION
This section should include a page on account numbers and policy numbers. It should also include information on how to find items such as checkbooks, bills, insurance papers, etc. Here are a few examples:
Checkbooks – kept in purse or wallet
Bills – kept in bottom right-hand drawer of wooden filing cabinet
Insurance papers – car, health, etc. – kept in hanging file in drawer by computer
Will – kept in safety deposit box at ABC Bank – copy in file cabinet
SECTION FOUR – BILLS AND DUE DATES
In this section, list out ALL bills that are due and the date that each one is due. If any bills are automatically deducted from a checking or savings account make sure to note it on this page.
SECTION FIVE – MEAL MENU AND GROCERY LIST
Write out two week’s worth of menus to keep in this section. Keep a grocery list with each menu.
SECTION SIX – HOME MAINTENANCE – INDOOR
Include the information on maintaining the interior of your home in this section. If you have specific cleaning routines list them in this section. Be sure to list all the cleaning supplies needed for each routine. Include any special instructions on the use of your washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc., in this section. Note the size of vacuum bags required for your vacuum. Don’t forget to write down the date that the batteries in the smoke alarms need to be changed! Make a notation of where the smoke alarms are located.
SECTION SEVEN – HOME MAINTENANCE – OUTDOOR
This section should include a year-round maintenance checklist. Items in this section could include such things as cleaning out rain gutters, winterizing outdoor faucets, repairing screens, etc.
Now you have created a complete home management notebook for your home. Keep it in a handy place so you can find it easily whenever you need it.
