After the umpteenth time of having to sort through dozens of loose manuals stuffed in a drawer, I have finally found a much better system for handling such materials. I purchased an Avery extra tough, locking rings 3" notebook (which holds up to 460 pages), a packet of clear Avery heavy weight sheet protectors, and a packet of various colored pocket dividers.
I collected every manual, warranty, instruction guide, etc., I could find (also found several from appliances we no longer have). After sorting for only those appliances we now have and are working, I divided the groups into the following categories: small appliances; larger electronics; household systems; and larger appliances.
I then assigned a color packet divider to each category. When the materials were safely sorted and stored within each category in the notebook (using one sheet protector for information on each appliance), I then compiled an inventory listing (via computer and then printed out) divided into sections (noting the color of that section on the sheet) and listing each manual using the full name of the product. This list is also in its own see-through sheet protector in the front of the notebook so that I can find what I am looking for instantly.
The notebook is somewhat bulky so sits upright but unobtrusively on a lower shelf in our bookcase, but when someone needs the information, it is all there, organized and in one place. And with this system, anyone can find it!
By Ronsan
By
06/09/2006
What a great idea! I have the same problem searching for manuals and they are in so many places, that I get sidetracked by the stuff they are with that it takes twice as long to find them! I will be implementing this idea right away!
By
06/09/2006
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