Organize Household Manuals

I organize my household manuals, warranties and instructions in a very simple way and simple is always good!  Yesterday I was looking for instructions on how to reprogram my thermostat and I was able to find it quickly and easily.  All it takes is a few hanging file folders.  In my case I have 3 hanging file folders labeled: 

1. Manuals
2. Manuals-Kids
3. Manuals-Appliance

For the first one (manuals), I store any type of general manuals that come our way such as from furniture purchases, cameras, camcorders, electric toothbrushes, ceiling fans, crock pots, etc.  It’s quite a mix really.

For the second one (kids), I keep any instructions/manuals for kid’s toys, electronics, furniture, bikes, etc.

For the third one (appliance), I keep our manuals for refrigerator, gas fireplace, dishwasher, washer & dryer, stove, etc.

It’s really not very often that we have to access this information, so I have found that the way I have separated these papers has been effective in finding what I need quickly enough.

I like to keep this information because:

• We might need to refer to directions for batteries or how to use something in the future
• If I sell items at some point, I think it’s nice to have the paperwork to go with it for the next person

Important things to do:

• Keep the receipt stapled to the manual for large purchases in case of a need for a return or proof of purchase for a warranty
• Go through the files once a year to make sure you haven’t given away or donated something at some point and need to just recycle the paperwork.

Grab your manuals today, part with ones if you don’t own the item any longer and then organize the rest!

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