UHeart Organizing: Planning Ahead Binder

This week I am excited to welcome back Courtney, author of A Thoughtful Place blog.  She is here to share how she "keeps it all together" with the help of my most favorite organizing tools.  Printables and binders!

 

Hi I Heart readers! Today I am sharing my planning ahead binder or “3P Notebook!” I’ve created one convenient spot to keep track of parties, presents, and packing. It’s fantastic to be able to look back as a reference for meals I cooked for a holiday or appetizers I had at the last Thanksgiving. I also am a fan of planning ahead with Christmas shopping. You’ll see how easy it is to keep track of who you have bought a gift for and how much you spent. Lastly, my sister inspired me to keep track of lists we make when packing for vacations. It really does make it so much easier the next time hit the road. Here’s a look at the binder I use.

I used the Martha Stewart line for my dividers. I really like how heavy they are. They seem to hold up to daily use very well.

I also use the Martha Stewart calendar in the front of the binder. If we are planning a party or planning a trip, a calendar close by is a must have. The removable stickers are a great way to make sure your events aren’t missed.

When I am getting ready for a party or holiday I like to plan ahead. The planning sheet has a section for Table Décor, Drinks, Appetizers, Dinner, Dessert, To-Do List, and Last Minute. This really helps me be organized and stay calm. If it is a potluck than I list the name of who is bringing each dish next to the item. The one below is from Thanksgiving 2010. I love that I can see how I decorated the table so I can be sure to switch things up the next time. It also makes planning the next event so much easier as I can see what we needed. If you have ever popped over to my blog than you know how much I love to entertain. You can check out a couple of parties we have thrown here and here. 

{click HERE to download your FREE party planning printable}

When it comes to shopping for Christmas I need all the help I can get for staying organized and on top of it. This spreadsheet lists everyone that I buy for {including my children’s teachers}. I can jot down what I plan to get them as well as how much I think it will cost. The “spent” column is what I fill in once I have purchased the gift. I just like to keep track of what I spend each year on each person’s gift. 

{click HERE to download your FREE shopping list printable}

I also {thanks to my brilliant sister} added the “hidden” column. This helps me remember where I tucked it away. Sad to say I often forget where I put things. I use the second spreadsheet just to keep track of the gifts for my children. That way I know what I have bought and need to buy. I can also circle if it’s something we are giving to the kiddos or if it’s something Santa will be delivering!

Lastly, I have a section for “packing” and keep track of what we need for our trips. The categories on this form include: Clothing for Adults, Clothing for Kids, Items for Car/Plane, Things to Take, and Wish We Would Have Brought.

{click HERE to download your FREE packing list printable}

There are always things we end up wishing we had on each vacation. We take a couple annual trips each year so when we return, I jot down what it was we forgot. This comes in handy when we plan for the next year.

I hope you find some helpful tips from my Planning Ahead Binder. You will be able to download these printables so you can make your own if you are feeling inspired. As always, it’s such a pleasure to hang out over here and chat it up with Jen’s readers. Enjoy your day and happy organizing.

"Do you believe in love at first sight? I sure do because when I first stumbled upon I Heart Organizing I immediately fell in love with Jen's mad organizational skills. I think we all long for a calm, organized, well styled life. I am the author of A Thoughtful Place blog where I dish on all things related to decorating, organizing, entertaining, and of course DIY-ing! To be quite honest, working on making my house a home is my happy place. It fulfills my need to be creative and I love sharing ideas {both big and small} with my readers. Along with my blog, I am a contributing writer to House of Fifty and have recently started my own decorating firm, Casey Grace Design, LLC,  with my talented sister.  I call Orange County, California home where I live with amazing husband and two children. At the end of a busy day, I love to enjoy an ice cold beer on the front porch with my hubby while we watch our children ride their bikes or run around. Life is sweet and I am thrilled to be a part of the IHeart Organizing Team."