Okay, so you’re probably thinking, “A tour of a binder? Really?” Well, last year I mentioned our home binder a few times on the blog, and every time I did I got several requests for a sneak peek, so today is the day!
I know there are tons of binders and printables out there, and I think that’s awesome because everyone has different needs and different ways of doing things, so it’s good to have a variety of options. I’ll often end up creating my own printables because I can’t find other ones that are just right, and I have a solution to that problem, too, so be sure to stick around until the end of the post!
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
Home Binder Supplies
Before we jump into the tour, here are a few of the items you’ll need to put together your home binder:
- A 3-Ring Binder (I like this one and this one.)
- Dividers (I like these ones with pockets and these ones without.)
- Clear Sleeves (Like these, optional.)
- Hole Punch (I use this heavy duty one.)
- I like to use this label maker + clear tape to label my divider tabs.
Ready for the tour? You’ve seen a few of the pieces of my binder in other posts, but anything I haven’t shared before, I’ll provide a printable for today. Here we go!
The Cover
A bright, cheery cover always makes me want to open up my binder more often, so I started with that. I designed it in a similar style to my budget binder cover because, well, if they’re going to be sitting beside each other on my desk, they need to look good together, right? #nerdalert 😉
Update: Click here to download a cover without the date to use every year!
Dividers
The next thing I did was set up my tabbed dividers. I like the kind with the pocket in the front, just in case I have anything that’s not able to be clipped into the binder rings. I used washi tape to dress up the tabs a little bit and printed labels from my label maker on clear tape to mark each divider.
Goals
The very first thing I see when I open my binder are my goals for the year. They serve as a reminder of what my priorities are and what I’m working toward, so it’s nice to have them in front of me all the time. {You can find my “Goals for the Year” printable in this post.}
Planning
Next up is the “planning” section of my binder. Because I am a huge nerd {consider yourself warned 😉 }, this section has three subsections, the first of which is my monthly calendar. This calendar acts primarily as a blog editorial calendar for me since Donnie and I keep our schedules and appointments in a shared calendar on our phones.
{Head to this post to download a free printable 2016 calendar.}
The second subsection of my “planning” category holds weekly planning sheets. I like to be able to plan specific goals for each week and schedule in time to work on them, so I created a printable {which I shared at Mom 4 Real here; I also shared an updated version in this post} to help me do that. I print out a bunch at a time and keep them in the binder so that I can just grab one at the beginning of each week and fill it out.
The third and final subsection under my “planning” tab helps me break down my day. I am a huge fan of time blocking, and this page helps me to schedule in everything I want to get done for the day so I waste less time and accomplish more. {This printable can be found in this post.}
So that wraps up the “planning” tab! Have I mentioned that I’m a bit of a planner? It’s true. 🙂
Blog Info
Next it’s on to my “blog info” tab. Here I keep a sheet for tracking my bi-monthly blog stats and a password cheat sheet. {I know there are online services that can keep track of your passwords, but I’m a pen and paper girl, so I like to have them written out just in case!}
These are new printables, and they’re yours if you want them!
{Click here to download FREE Blog Stats printable!}
{Click here to download FREE Password Cheat Sheet!}
Household
The household tab is up next! It contains our extremely simple cleaning plan. You are welcome to download the filled out version here or the blank one here. I have found that cleaning routines and preferences are usually pretty different from household to household.
I think I’ve printed and tried out every single plan ever pinned to Pinterest– complicated ones, straightforward ones, detailed ones– you name it, I’ve tried it! I ended up with this one because I felt like I could honestly commit to it and do it every day, and that’s the goal, right? I put all of my most common chores on a two-week cycle and assigned each one a day; I can handle one task per day! Add little morning and evening routines, and you’ve got a cleaning printable!
Our household tab also includes a list of projects we’d like to complete in our home this year. I wrote down my whole wish list from things I know we’ll accomplish {like changes in the living room} to big dream projects {like totally gutting the kitchen and renovating everything!}.
And here’s a blank printable version…
Update: Click here to download a version without a date so you can use it every year!
Meal Planning
I called the next tab “meal planning,” but really it’s just where I keep a bunch of copies of my organized shopping list. {Found in this post.} I know if I don’t have them printed out, I’m less likely to use them, so I just print a big stack, pop them in the binder, and grab one whenever I’m planning a shopping trip.
School Info
I have a section for all of the Cs’ school information– their handbook, schedule for the year, contact numbers, their extremely detailed snack policy, etc. That way I know it’s all in one place, and I don’t have to search the whole house looking for the info when I need it.
My final two tabs are pretty straightforward. I have an “Inspiration” tab where I stash Bible verses or quotes that stand out to me, and finally a “Notes” tab with a bunch of blank paper. And that’s it! Whew! And I thought this was going to be a quick post! Are you all printabled out yet? 😉
You Can Do It, Too!
If you’re like me, you may have trouble finding the printables that are exactly what you’re looking for, which is why I learned to make my own in the first place. In fact, one of the most common questions I get from readers is, “Can you teach me to make my own organizational printables?! Please?!” I certainly can!
Right now I’m offering a FREE PDF to all of my newsletter subscribers with detailed screenshots and instructions on how to create your own adorable printables. The tutorial on how to create your own pretty printables is part of my library of printables that is exclusive to my newsletter subscribers. You can get access to everything by clicking on the button below.
Thank you so much for taking our binder tour, sweet friends! Have a wonderful week!
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
*All printables are for personal use only. Thank you!*
This is an incredible resource, Abbey! I love that you have everything that you need to organize your home, blog, and kids all in one place. I’ll definitely be giving my printer a workout to get my own copies.
Aw, thank you so much, Paula!! Happy planning!
~Abby =)
This is awesome!! You are so organized! Thank you for sharing!
Oh my…You are so organized! This looks Awesome and I only dream of being so organized!
Thanks, Ariean! I have the problem that if there’s not a system in place, I am a hot mess, so I have become a compulsive list maker, lol! Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Thanks so much for sharing your notebook! Such a wealth of info! I just printed you blog stats sheet!! Happy to be touring with you this week. ~Christy
Thank you so much, Christy! It was such a great tour! Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Was just looking at ‘organiser’s this morning Abby, thank you so much for sharing, I will definitely be printing this! Jacqui http://www.brookeeva.com
Thanks so much, Jacqui!! Happy planning!
~Abby =)
I love this! I’ve printed off other blog planners, but I may just recycle those. I love that yours includes a household planner as well.
Thank you so much, Katie! You are so sweet! Happy planning! 😀
~Abby =)
Wow, your binder is amazing! I’m definitely going to try out some of your printables. It is all so pretty too!
Thank you so much, Megan!! Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Wow! Am I impressed. I need to bring out my inner nerd. Thanks for the free downloads. Love the password list. I’m always needing to have the website send me a password change because I forget it or can’t find where I wrote it down. Fun tour! ~Jeanette
Lol! Thanks so much, Jeanette! I totally hear you on the password thing. I definitely do that all the time, which is why I need the list! 😀 Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
What an amazing binder. You are so sweet to share the printables. Definitely printing and pinning!
Thanks!
Tami Michel
Thank you so much, Tami! I loved your binder, too! Bind everything, I say! Lol. Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
You are so organized, Abby! I need a little bit of you to rub off on me lol! I have never made my own printable checklist. I’m going to give it a go with your tutorial! XO XO
Aw, thanks, friend! I am a bit of a list fiend! (If you couldn’t already tell! 😉 ) Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I am in love with this! It is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you so much for sharing! I am glad I found you!
Yay! I’m so glad it’s helpful, Erica! Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Wow, that’s really impressive!! I need to implement something like this. (All except the “Daily Tasks” page, which reminds me too much of my former life as a bank manager! haha) Thanks for sharing- pinning!
Thanks so much, Jen! I didn’t know you were a bank manager! I worked in a bank for a while too before I started blogging– always an adventure, lol. Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Beautiful job, Abby! I will be compiling mine very soon once I move!!
Thanks, Renee! Are you guys moving soon? That’s always a big job! We moved 7 times during our first two years of marriage– yikes! 😀 It is really fun setting up a new house, though. Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
We’re moving this weekend! I ADORE packing and unpacking because it gives me the ability to purge and then organize from a fully clean slate! Oh I can’t wait! I can’t imagine moving that many times as you did. However, this will be my third time in three years. I’m hoping we stay rooted for a while!!
Oooh fun! Good luck with all of your moving stuff! How exciting!
~Abby =)
Thanks!!
Wow! What a wealth of information and organization! I may just have to get my act together! LOL!! Thanks Abby!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Miss Angela! Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Wow Abby this is beyond amazing. This is like 5 posts worth of information in 1, you are so fabulous. I bet you don’t sleep 🙂 I really need to implement so much of these ideas, I am going to print out your blog plans, goals, and cleaning schedule for sure. I’ve been working on “healthy living” printables myself but i like yours better lol
Sleep? What’s that? Lol. I do actually manage to squeeze a little in from time to time. 😉 Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet comments! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Wow! I am so impressed! I could definitely handle a bit more organization in my life.
Thanks, Alexis! I think that’s why I make so many lists– if I don’t have a system for it, it’s a hot mess, lol! Thanks so much for stopping by, friend!
~Abby =)
Thank you so much for sharing these awesome printables. I have your family shopping list printing as we speak. It will definitely become a staple in our house. I will be implementing a few of your other ideas as well. Seriously awesome post!
Thank you, Jade! You are so sweet! I’m glad the printables will work for you! Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Love this binder! I just tweeted and shared on FB. I also pinned it so I could save it as a resource! Great job!
Tanya! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
This looks great Abby, so organized!!! Thanks so much for sharing this at the Creativity Unleashed party, I’m pinning this for sure!
Thank you so much, Jessi! Your new party is awesome! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Abby, this is seriously amazing and soooo helpful! Organization is something I’m currently working on. Thanks for the inspiration!
~Katie
Thanks so much, Katie! I’m glad it’s helpful! Have a wonderful evening!
~Abby =)
Thanks for this! I can’t wait to try to get organized with it. I have such a hard time sticking to stuff, but this seems easy and organized. I couldn’t get the link for the cleaning schedule pdf to open up though. Thanks again, this is great!
Thank you so much, Leah! I hope it’s helpful for you! And thanks for the heads up on the cleaning printable. I’ll check into it! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Love your binders and organizing and thank you so much for the free printables! These are awesome and I’m super-excited to have discovered your blog – can’t wait to look around and discover more! : )
-Mel the Crafty Scientist
Love your blog and your printables and a giveaway! Yippee! 🙂
Oops – wrong post to comment on the giveaway…but I love your printables and was browsing…
Sorry!
Thank you so much for checking out my blog, Chris! Good luck in the giveaway!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby
Thank you for getting me back on track! I was feeling a little lost for a while during and after having my kitchen and bathroom redecorated and I was almost becoming accustomed to the mess and disorganisation! I’ve always kept a budget planner, but yours was so user-friendly, bright and inspiring that it led me into reading your blog. I ran out and bought two binders and printed the printables. Nothing can stop me now!
I’m inspire again! Thank you x
Yay!!! I’m so glad the printables were helpful, Nadia! Your sweet comment totally made my day! I hope they work well for you! Thanks so much for visiting my blog!
~Abby =)
Hello I just subscribed and I am wondering how to get the PDF with screen shots for creating your own printables
Hi, Heidi! I just emailed you!
~Abby =)
My printer thanks you for actually being put to good use since I bought it!!! I was wondering if you have a blank copy of the cleaning plan. I have an 8 year old and he has daily chores. By having one place that he can go to to know what he needs to do daily will be most helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Hi, Erica! I just emailed it to you! Thanks so much for checking out my blog! Happy Mother’s Day!
~Abby =)
I just discovered your blog yesterday via an pintrest
post, and I am stick to it. I cant stop reading and saving.
I love how organized you are!! Any way… Is there a
possibility you can send me this blog in a PDF
so I can save it. With Photos and text please.
Thank You.
Hi, Chantal! The easiest way to save a post is to select the whole thing and copy and paste it into a word processing document! You can even save it as a PDF from there if you’d like. Hope this helps!
~Abby =)
Just wonderful!!! These are great. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hello, I love the blog! I would to create my biender too; I just subscribed and I am wondering how to get the PDF with screen shots for creating my own printables
Hi, Joe! I just emailed you!! Thank you so much for subscribing!
~Abby =)
So this is horrible that I am finding this towards the end of the year but so happy that I did so that I can get started. Will you be updating at the end of the year for 2015?
Hi, Amanda! I recently shared my 2015 printable calendar (https://justagirlandherblog.com/free-printable-2015-calendar/). I will probably do another full binder tour sometime later this year. Thanks so much for checking out my blog!
~Abby =)
Hello!
Are there any particular label makers or binder dividers that you LOVE? Maybe you could link to them on Amazon? Thanks! This is SOOOO Helpful!!
Hi, Jillian! Great question! I use the plastic binder dividers with the pockets like these: https://www.amazon.com/Avery-Durable-Write-On-Dividers-16177/dp/B004HLZ1FM/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1412192495&sr=8-12&keywords=binder+dividers and I have this label maker and love it: https://www.amazon.com/Epson-LabelWorks-LW-400-Label-C51CB70010/dp/B005J7Y6GS/ref=sr_1_3?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1412192570&sr=1-3&keywords=label+maker . Hope this helps! Have a great day!
~Abby =)
Thank You Abby! Ordering a bunch today!!
Question: I went to the Amazon link for your label maker, and some of the negative reviews said that the font edges were jagged, that the font size was huge and couldn’t be changed when making “flag” labels (don’t know what “flag labels” are), and that it broke easily, and the Epson support was terrible. You mentioned that you love it. What do you like about it, and have you had any problems with it? Thanks so much for all you great ideas and inspiration, enjoy your blog very much!
Man, people are rough with reviews, lol! I have had my label maker for 3-ish years now, and I haven’t had any issues with jagged edges when printing and my machine is still going strong– no breaks. I have not tried the flag labels, so I’m not sure about that. I love it because it is easy to use, and I feel like the settings are pretty intuitive as far as changing font size, etc. It has never jammed for me, when other label makers I have owned did. I hope this helps! Have a great week, Kim!
~Abby =)
I love the idea. Now I just have to implemented.
There is 2 sheets that your not giving an option to print.
The “Our cleaning plan” and ” Goals for the week”.
Can you please put those in your blog or email them to me so I can just print them?
Thank you
Hi, Yailing! Those printables are included! 🙂 You can find the Goals for the Week in this post: https://www.mom4real.com/weekly-goals-printable-free-printable/ and the cleaning plan here: https://justagirlandherblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Our-Cleaning-Plan.pdf . I hope that helps! Have a wonderful day!
~Abby =)
Yes it does.
Thank you so much!
Hi, I just subscribed. How do I get the pdf to create printables?
Thanks!
I just emailed you!!
~Abby =)
Hi! First I want to say Thank you for sharing this amazing planner with us!!! I have a few questions… What do you use to carry around with you? I am assuming you don’t carry this with you out and about. Do you have a certain day/time that you use to sync up your “out and about” planner, with your family planner? I am a Consultant with Jamberry Nails, and I am looking for something that I can keep my Jamberry and my home life all in one spot. Can we customize these printouts? Thanks so much for any help and for all of this great info!!
I’ve subscribed! How long will it be before I should receive the PDF?
Thanks!
Hi, Shayla! I just emailed you!
~Abby =)
Hey I love, love, looovvvveee the household binder. Is there any way you can update the form to 2015. I’m really excited about getting more organized this upcoming year.
Thanks for blogging about this! I can’t wait to print these off and start putting them to use! You wouldn’t happen to have a blank version of the Cleaning Schedule that you could post or email would you? I could make my own up, but I love the design scheme you have! thanks!
Melissa
Hi, Melissa! The post has been updated to include a blank version of the cleaning schedule! (https://justagirlandherblog.com/home-binder-with-free-printables/) I hope this helps!
~Abby =)
Hi! I TOTALLY need your tutorial of “How to make printables”! I have already subscribed! Please e-mail me fast! I am making my binder and there are a few printables that I just CAN’T find in the internet! Please send me the tutorial!
Hi, Maggiesinha! I emailed you!
~Abby =)
I am interested in the Household projects printable. Do you have one that says 2015 not 2014? I have printed all of the other pages but wanted this to say 2015. Love your site!!! Very helpful!
Hi, Mindy! The post has been updated to include a date-free version of the household projects printable! (https://justagirlandherblog.com/home-binder-with-free-printables/) Hope this helps!!
~Abby =)
All signed up and can’t wait to get the PDF’s and the tutorial 🙂
I love this! Definitely using as some inspiration to create a 2015 binder for myself!
I definitely found myself not only pinning posts from here but printing as well! Thanks for making my 2015 home binder all the more awesome!
I just found you (through Pinterest, natch) and just wanted to say: Will you marry me? I’m sure our husbands would understand 🙂
But seriously, I LOVE all the info and advice and printables. I’ve been working on my own binder and will definitely use everything you have so generously shared! Looking forward to working my way through your blog. Thanks again!
Thank you for all this! Very helpful, I have so enjoyed reading through your posts and feel better equipped as I organize my own household. Many thanks for your generosity and wisdom!
This is basically the most amazing binder I have ever seen!! I absolutely LOVE it!!
Thank you so much! I have spent a happy hour or so here and will no doubt return as I put together my binder. Thank you for all your free printables. This is the best binder I have ever come across. Cheers and here’s to a more organised me!
So glad it was helpful for you, Rachel!
~Abby =)
Does the Our Home Binder come in the 1/2 sheets?
Hi, Robin! These are only full sheets. If you are looking for half sheets, my eBook Simplify: 35+ Printables to Help You Organize Your Life has them– https://justagirlandherblog.com/organize . I hope this helps! Have a great day!
~Abby =)
What a great primer on home binders! You’ve got some really helpful info as well as resources. Keep up the great work, lovely lady, and live unstoppable!
Aw, thanks so much, Rhonda! So glad they’re helpful for you!
~Abby =)
Thank you so much for sharing these cute and free printables!! I have a very busy household so they will definitely make our home more fun:) Thank you once again!! You are the answer to my prayers
Aw, so glad they’re helpful for you, Yvette! Have a wonderful day!
~Abby =)
thank you so much its helpful and beautiful
this is the first blog wherevi visited and fully satisfied 🙂
So glad it was helpful for you, Misty!
~Abby =)
you are awesome!
Aw, Thanks Ali! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
These are just amazing!! Where were you when I raised my five children?? I homeschooled them too, so I could have really used all of this. I tried every “get organized” idea out there, read every book. Some helped but really I ended up just winging it. I will tell everyone I know with kids, busy life or large family about you! Thank you so much, Abby!
You are the sweetest, Ramona! Thank you so much! Hope you’re having a wonderful week! <3
~Abby =)
Thks for your sharing, Abby! Happy planning!
You have come to my rescue ! I’m over whelmed and need your wisdom.
We have two homes in two countries. One here in Georgia and one in Haiti. We are Missionaries there.
We are back and forth every so many months. I’m retired and my husband will retire 3/2020. We then will sell our home he in Ga. We then will have completed our TN house (building from ground up and the home we will retreat to when state side. The Ga home will be sold. We need to prepare to home in Haiti more for the full time living there. We will buy a RV and use it for our travels when state side. Now I’m planning and designing the TN house as the work there will start this early fall.
My brain is fried.
Karen
Thank you so much, Abby! I love the printables, especially the student binder! It is so helpful, neat, organizational, and downright beautiful! Adding on, it is free! I have never seen anything like this! Once again, thank you so much, Abby! You are so creative!!
Aleena
Aw, good! So glad they will be helpful for you, Aleena! Have a great day! <3
~Abby =)
This is awesome give away. Are you still give away the free printables?
Hi, Deena! You can sign up for the free printables library here: https://www.abbylawson.com/p/printables
Thanks!
~Abby =)