life story binder

Tonight is our Life Story Binder class at the church in the Relief Society room. We'll start promptly at 7 pm, so be on time! I'm very excited about the response to this project. It seems we're all motivated to get more organized this year. I'm loving my first binder and can't wait to move on to the others.

What is a Life Story Binder?
It's a place to gather and organize documents, photos and/or journaling that pertain to your life or the life of a family member.

How do I get started? 
I would recommend starting small--one or two binders--so you don't feel overwhelmed in the beginning and drop the project all together. Like I always say, keep it simple and doable.

SUPPLY LIST:

• 3-ring binder* (2" ring size works well)
• sheet protectors (80-100) 
• Life Story Binder suggestions list (I've compiled a list of suggested documents, photos and journaling for you.) 
• Return Address Labels (80 per sheet) *optional, but it makes it simple to flip through and see what still needs to be added. I've put together a creating labels tutorial. 

What's next?
Step 1: Add sheet protectors to binder.

Step 2: Read through the Life Story Binder suggestions list and check off and/or add items that are applicable to you or your family member's life story. I store my list in the front of my binder for easy reference.

Step 3: Create labels using Return Address Labels and adhere to sheet protectors.I use Return Address size labels for other organizing purposes, so you might want to check out the creating labels tutorial even if you don't plan on adding the labels to your binder.

Step 4: Get organized by adding your documents, photos and journaling.

Step 5: Enjoy flipping through your binder, finding everything in one place and feeling organized! :)

Make sure sheet protectors will fit in your binder without sticking out. It usually says on the label.

I put the labels right on the sheet protector so I can flip through quickly and see what's missing. I use these Return Address size labels for other organizing purposes (love the small size!), so you might want to check out the creating labels tutorial even if you don't plan on adding the labels to your binder. I used Microsoft Word 2007 in the tute, but you can adjust by searching around a bit in other versions of Word.

Begin with the gathering process--adding documents, photos and journaling to each sheet protector as you find them. You can go back and organize things within the protector later.

One last tip: Costco is a great source for binders and sheet protectors.