This year, get organized!

Wondering if getting organized is worth your time? Here are a few fun statistics to help you decide:

• Getting rid of clutter eliminates 40 per cent of housework in an average home.
• 23% of adults say they pay bills late (and thus incur fees) because they lose them.
• Eighty per cent of the clutter in homes is a result of disorganization, not lack of space.

(Survey results from Ikea and the National Association of Professional Organizers)

PLUS, as the parent of a child with a disability, you will feel very powerful when you can put your hands on critical information and documents when you need them!  If you have a child with a disability the paperless society is still a long way off, you will accumulate paper, paper and more paper.    Attending a meeting? You might be asked to bring a document that you last saw on your kitchen table 3 months ago.  Where is it now?

First, pick an organization system you are comfortable with.  If you don't like punching holes in paper don't use a binder system just because your friend does it that way. 

Try experimenting with ideas you find on-line or that other parents have used and see what works for you.  At home I use a simple system of a few active files which I keep handy in an open file holder. Once or twice a year I file older items but I always keep current documents like IEP's or assessments on hand.  Get a filing cabinet or a storage box and use it for old documents that you may need again but be ruthless and  THROW OUT outdated information. 

Some people have been successful with accordian-style paper holders.   You can buy these with many or only a few sections, it depends on your family's needs.

Try Googling "Organization systems", "Get organized now" or "personal organization".  There must be a million ways to get organized and I think they are all on the internet! Look for good hints and tips, you don't need to spend money for a fancy system.

A  few places to start:

Binder system (make your own):

Find lots of examples and links to sites for templates:

http://www.medicalhomeinfo.org/for_families/care_notebook/

Vermont Family Network Care Notebook:  "Parents can purchase the
necessary components of a Care Notebook themselves at any office supply store",  and this site includes downloadable templates.

http://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org/i-need-help-with/health/care-notebook/ 

Start the school year out right and get organized early.