A few weeks back, in my August 29 newsletter issue, I
asked GON readers if they collected articles (organizing, quilting, cooking, educational, etc.), whether they ever looked at them once they saved them, and how they organized them. I received a ton of responses. Here are eight of them.
Reader Letter #1
I save a lot of recipes and exercise/health information. I seldom go back and look at them.
-- Carole
Reader Letter #2
Yes, I have always saved articles over the years (now in my 60's) and frequently referred to them when decorating/cooking/household management etc.
Then a few years ago, I discovered Evernote which I can access from phone, iPad or computer. What a game changer! Now everything is saved in folders within this program, especially my large collection of craft stamps, etc.
With a few typed-in words I can find anything within a few seconds. Freedom from files and clutter.
--
Lynne
Reader Letter #3
I'm always behind in reading my magazines. Sometimes I'm reading about Christmas ideas in February!
My solution is to
tear out the pages I like and store them in my planner so I can enjoy them next Christmas.
-- Donna
Reader Letter #4
Oh my goodness! I have been saving articles for decades! Most of my articles are filed by topic, like Decorating, Gardening, Obituaries, and Organizing . They're in alphabetical order.
I do go through the files periodically. Last year I came across an article our attorney presented on estate planning. It was nearly 30 years old! I recently "gifted" him the article and he was very pleased to have it.
Recently, I came across a 14-year old article in regards to a local meat processor that we frequent, winning a state award for their Black and Blue Burger. The owner was thrilled to have the article and said he was going to frame it. (This article was in "Papers to Keep" so I am still tweaking this process!)
I look forward to hearing what your other readers do!
Blessings to you,
-- Nancy
Reader Letter #5
Hello Maria,
You asked about keeping articles. I created a binder of health information to assist in caring for my sick mother-in-law. She died 18 months ago and I disposed of the specific health records, but I kept the info about health conditions.
Yesterday, I showed my husband (her son) the info about strokes and his risk factors because of the family history. Very helpful!!
-- Anne S, Salem OR
Reader Letter #6
Regarding collecting articles on how to declutter or organize, yes, I used to do this,
but then it was just a giant folder of paper.
What I have come to use much more so is YOUR monthly calendar. I read the whole month, make a list of the things that apply to me that month
(or jot down ones for another month on my master list, if it isn't the right time for me), and make sure they get done before the next month.
I no longer need the folder with helpful hints,
because I know you will always provide the calendar each year to remind us what needs to get done seasonally! Thanks SO much!!
-- Ellen
Reader Letter #7
Regarding collecting articles: I've cut them out since high school, still do at almost 80!
I jot the category on the top, such as Personal (advice from articles, quotes, cartoons), Decor, To Buy (appliance, car, furniture ratings), and so on.
Some "clips" date back forty years(!), most get filed, some are still in boxes and no, I don't cull as often as I should.
I now toss recipes (no longer cook), craft articles I'll never do, and articles about places I no longer want to travel to.
I don't want to scan. I like shuffling through paper and am slowly culling, but it is fun to see old ads, decor, ideas, etc. It's like my history of popular culture.
-- Peggy
Reader Letter #8
Hi Maria, You asked about saving articles. I thought I was the only one!
I'm in my 60's, have an art background and USED TO hoard magazines for the ideas, instructions, and inspiration they provided. In a massive declutter years ago, I went through each magazine (while watching TV, traveling long distances, etc. making the project rather painless) and tore out things I wanted to save for reference so that I could discard the publication itself. I no longer subscribe to any magazines, which was my end
goal.
Eventually, I made four binders: Decorating, Craft Instructions, Holidays, and Gardening. Using page protectors, I very loosely organized them in each book in a way that allows me to refer to general categories (but I didn't get hung up on details).
For example, in the gardening book I have tabs for containers, herbs, vegetables, flowers, etc.
I refer to these books even now and occasionally add a page or two; I know I have ideas at the ready when I'm ready.
If these papers had been filed in a cabinet, I would have never used them. A digital option did not exist when I did this, nor am I a good Googler. Besides, I like the tactile quality of a book and I know in my mind's eye what I'm looking for.
My youngest son calls these my "Pinterest" books. (I refuse to have a Pinterest account as I know I will end up wasting a lot of time pinning and not doing!)
Happy Organizing,
-- Tracey
