How to Organize Instruction Manuals

Stoves, dishwashers, microwaves, vacuum cleaners--all appliances large and small have instruction manuals. What usually happens to them? The manual usually gets tossed in a drawer and forgotten--until the day you need it and can't find it. There is a simple way to organize instruction manuals that will only take about an hour or two.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One 3-ring binder, 1- to 3-inches thick, depending on how many manuals you have
• Plastic protection sleeves
• Labels
• Pens or markers
• Dividers (optional)

1. Gather your instruction manuals from wherever they may be hiding-drawers, desks, counter or table tops. Stack them on your work table where you can reach them easily.

2. Place plastic sleeves into the 3-ring binder. Make sure the open end is at the top.

3. Organize the instruction manuals in whatever order you choose: by type, alphabetical order, or by room of your home. Use the optional dividers so you can find the manual you need quickly.

4. Slide the manuals into the plastic sleeves with the cover of the manual facing up.

5. Stick a label on the front cover of the binder, and write "Instruction Manuals" on it. Place the binder in an accessible drawer or other safe place you won't forget. You're finished! Now you have a simple, organized notebook for all of your instruction manuals. As you add new items to your home, just add the manual to your notebook and the manuals will never be lost again.

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on 7/21/2009 An even easier way is to register for free on www.manualsonline.com. They have tons of free manuals that you can download and store in an "online filing cabinet." Very cool stuff!