I love to make quilts. I also have my handful of quilty blogs I love to read. Over the years there have been quilt a longs that I have been dying to join. The promise of a finished quilt in 12 weeks (or 12 months) sounds amazing! There is a catch though, you have to keep up with their schedule. That's my hang up. Being on baby time most of the last 20 years usually inhibits me from keeping up with someone else. I've finally learned to just not join in, after all, I'm still trying to finish my quilt from the quilt a long I started in 2017. (I just finished month 3!).
But seriously, I am about to start on another step-by-step project, and I hope you will join me! My schedule will be pretty slow (I'm still on ultra baby time!), I will have something new for you to do every other week.
For some time I have been wanting to get a preparedness grab-and-go binder together. This binder will house all my family's pertinent informarion so that in an emergency, I don't have to think about what to gather, because it is already gathered.
I know some will cringe at having all this information on one spot. Yes, there are risks, but at the risk of not being prepared, I am going to do this anyway.
If you feel like a binder is not for you, feel free to do your preferred method. For many years, I have kept our important docs in a portable file box, I have heard of some that prefer an expandable file. Do what works and what makes sense for you and your family. My hope is that I can share ideas that will help you be more prepared than you currently are.
I like to do things step by step, so over the next few months, I will be sharing what steps I am working on and will encourage you to do the same. If you feel the need to jump in and get your binder together all in one blow, go for it! There are many great pintetest sites that will give lists and such of what to include.
This week, I am gathering my supplies. Based on the research I have done and what I want my binder to look like and include, I have a good idea of what to get to be ready.
Since I never leave my house (it's still flu season), I will probably exclusively shop from Amazon. Other stores will likely have the same materials, so feel free to get it wherever (there's no hard rules here). Also, packages of page protectors, etc will likely come with more than you need. Consider joining up with a few friends to split packages.
Ok, here we go.
1. GATHERING SUPPLIES
3-ring binder(s). I am choosing 2" binders, mostly because I hate anything bigger. I may need to do 2 for the size of my family.
Pocket dividers. I am getting the 8 tab so I can have lots of sections. Pockets give an extra option to contain papers.
Sheet protectors. To keep my documents organized and semi-waterproof.
Divided Sheet Protectors. Each pocket is the right size to hold copies of cards.
Pencil Pouch. I am getting two, one to keep cash, and the other for small items like a pen and mechanical pencil. Consider waterproof options as well.
Thumb Drive. To keep a photo inventory of my home. Consider getting two and giving one to your insurance agent.
Binder Envelopes or large pouches may be a good thing if you have odd sized items you want to include, but will fall out of a regular sheet protector. (E.g. passports)
I CHALLENGE YOU to make the decision to get a family emergency binder together. Join me on my quest to be more prepared for disaster, or to just be more organized in general.
And, since it's more fun in a group (and to add a bit of accountability) leave me a comment on my blog saying you are in and letting me know when you have completed the challenge! Ready, Set, GO!
