Organisation 101 : The Command File

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One thing that has always interested me is the way the American people majorly the Woman run their households, they have what they call “Command Centres”. Now anyone who knows me, knows that I thrive off lists and charts and to do’s and filing. Yes, I know as odd as it may be, this is where I find my happy place. I’m an Admin person at heart. Organizing and planning, scheduling and filing. However I don’t seem to find enough hours in my day to do this in our home.

In my head I have this perfect vision of how the “Thomas Command Centre” would look but in reality I have all our goodies packed away in draws where only I know where to find it. No exactly the point of a Command Centre right, right.

I recently started researching organization tips and tricks (yes I know, even more boring, I have Pinterest boards dedicated to this), my vision is to have this perfect home with everything in its place (definitely not what I have at the moment, would love to be able to DIY some of my storage wishes thanks to Pinterest), and a home office filled with my files (all labelled and colour coordinated for each member of the family) on individual shelves (also, no home office but I have hopes of converting a portion of the spare room or garage into this).

Now its always easier at looking to big international companies for inspiration (The Container Store, who currently have a SALE and BIG score they also ship to RSA or IKEA) then trying to match that with our local guys (Mr Price Home, my favourite or Nevada Furniture who, surprise surprise stock some IKEA goodies or @Home), so I thought I’d share my ideas / inspiration behind my Command Centre.

Currently I have my Thomas Command File, which I’m rather impressed with content wise (most people have this and don’t even realize it, all you need to do is sit and organise it). However it could do with more fluff.

If there’s anything you think I can add to my file, please let me know by commenting below.

In our file you will find:

• An emergency quick sheet
• Certified copies (ID’s, Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates and Baptism Certificates)
• Routine
  • Eat, Sleep, Homework etc of each child
• CV’s
• Certified copies of qualifications (from Matric till present)
• A insurance information section
  • A medical information sheet
    • A prescription sheet
    • Copy of our MA cards
    • Copy of our MA benefit guide
    • Excel spreadsheet of our MA contributions
  • Auto insurance sheet
    • Copy of document
    • Annex of benefits
  • Home insurance sheet
    • Copy of document
    • Annex of benefits
  • Life insurance sheet
    • Copy of document
    • Latest Anniversary Letter
    • Latest Integrator statement
    • Annex of benefits
• SARS section (all claims and correspondence – last 5 years)
• Monthly budget template
• Bills / Accounts
  • Filed monthly
    • As well as proof of payment
• Last will and testament
• School information Section
  • Per child
    • Name, Address
    • Proof of payment (Fees monthly)
  • Further qualification (Adults)
    • Proof of registration
    • Fees (Quote and Proof of payment)
    • Subjects
    • Time table : Assignments
    • Time table : Exams
• Address section
  • Emergency
  • Family
  • Service Providers
• Birthday and Anniversary Section
• Cleaning Section
  • Daily quick clean
  • Weekly clean
  • Monthly
  • Seasonal

How do you stay organized? Feel free to share what works in your work environment or home life.

I love learning new tips and tricks!

*Pictures compliments of Pinterest