How to Organize Magazine Clippings

Magazine clippings can become unmanageable if left unorganized.

Magazines can have exceptional decor ideas, succulent recipes and on-target self-improvement articles. If you don't clip the articles out when you encounter them, however, you'll be doomed to flipping through the pages of back copies -- that is if you can remember in which magazine you found the idea in the first place. The problem with clipping items out of magazines is that the clippings can disappear between the pages of a book, underneath a pile of bills or in a folder at the back of your file cabinet. Organize your clippings and you'll have the articles you need at your fingertips.

Things You'll Need

• Binder
• Page protectors
• Tabbed dividers
• Black pen

Instructions

1. Sort your magazine clippings according to broad categories that fit the majority of the clippings you are filing. If you typically read women's magazines, you might have a category for home decor, one for recipes and another for fashion.

2. Place each magazine clipping in a plastic page protector. Put the clippings on both sides of the sheet protector to save space in your binder.

3. Using a black pen, write the names of the categories into which you are dividing your magazine clippings on the pieces of paper that come with the tabbed dividers. Insert the paper into the tab.

4. Place the clippings in their protectors into a binder that has enough room for your current clippings as well as future ones. Insert the tabbed dividers between your chosen categories.

5. Clearly label the binder and place it somewhere easily accessible to you when you are reading magazines. Tuck a small pair of scissors into the side pocket. Clip and organize future interesting tidbits as soon as you find them.

6. Cull your clippings. Go through your papers every four to six months, says professional organizer Marilyn Bohn, as it will make room for new. You'll refine your collection when you look at the clippings with fresh eyes and get rid of the ones that are either outdated or no longer interesting.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your computer to print out neat labels for your tabbed dividers if you wish.

• Keep a few extra page protectors in the binder for new clippings.

• Err on the side of too large when buying a binder, otherwise you'll have to cull through your clippings too frequently in order to have room for new ones.

References

• Marilyn Bohn: Organize Clutter Now For 2011 From SMEAD