Tickler File: Weird Name, Amazing Tool

Some people had to leave a little early because of other commitments (like putting kids to bed). 

And I hate for them to miss out on the amazing Tickler File.  So amazing my husband even loves it. 

So it is amazing, but also so simple.  43 file folders.  And something to put them in.  That's it. 

Lable one set 1 through 31 for the days of the week. 

And the other set Jan through Dec for the months.

I happened to have a labeler but it isn't necessary.  If you want to borrow mine just let me know. 

Then I put it together like this.

The current month goes in the front (in this case March).  Then the days that are left in the month go behind it (in this case 20, since today is 3/19).  I don't have a fabulous photo, but the days that we have already gone through (1-19) have now been moved to April.  Because, you know what, it is a perpetual calendar!  And it is amazing. 

Why is it amazing?  Because I can put all sorts of things in it that I don't want to forget and it saves it for me.  And I can pull it out exactly on the day I need it.

Examples:  Wedding Reception Invites, Party Invitations.  I leave the invitation on the day (so I can grab it for an address).  I put a sticky in the folder a few days before the party with a note that says, "Buy present."  or "Mail card."

See below for the example with Kohl's bonus cash (or whatever). 

I put in my husband's itinerary on the day he flies out.   I put in checks that I need to send with my preschooler.   I put in reminders to sign up  for dance classes before the deadlines. 

What is amazing is that it frees up my calendar for the things that I must do.  And I can put things in it, like things I would like to do if there is time and the kids are not to fussy or if the kids are too fussy and I need to get them out of the house!  I put in library fliers for story times.  Something I don't HAVE to do, but I could do. 

And it is such a nice little friend, this tickler file, because it helps get it all off my mind and I don't worry about missing anything.  I will review it often enough (like every night before I go to bed) to know what is happening.  But I don't worry.  And it is fantastic!

Get your folders!  They even fit nice in a milk box from costco, and you were just going to recycle that anyway.