I wish I could find the words to tell you just how much reading Paperless Home Organization by Mystie Winckler has changed my life and household management! It has been such an exciting transformation and came at a time when simplifying was much needed.
I knew I needed to do something different because the clutter of my notes and binders was overwhelming and not functional in the least, but I had no idea how to make it work any better. In fact, my binders were literally collecting dust on top of the refrigerator. The only household binder that saw regular use was my Blogging Notebook, and even that I was finding increasingly useless.
When Mystie contacted me about reviewing her ebook Paperless Home Organization, I thought it was definitely worth it to look into something else. Little did I know how much it would revolutionize the way I manage my home!
The ebook opens with these words:
“I have put together at least three household management binders in my 11-year career as a homemaker to date. All three times I thought it through, made it well, and used it
for about 2 weeks.”
Mystie goes on to say how paper never stays pretty in her home and she hated to give up space to a binder (in my case, several binders). She had me nodding my head and anxious to keep reading to learn the secret of making a functional binder.
Before I go any further, I want to be completely upfront and honest. I did not implement everything Mystie suggested nor did I end up using every program she used. What Paperless Home Organization taught me were the skills I needed to take her method and make it my own.
For instance, it taught me how to make Gmail work more efficiently. For years, I’ve had people tell me I needed to set up filters, mark my emails, and organize them accordingly, but no one told me how, and no one had instructions and specific steps I needed to take to make this work as a homemaker. With Mystie’s guidance, I finally got my email under control!
She also taught me how to organize Evernote so it made sense and worked for my homemaking needs. I’ve been using Evernote for quite a while, but I wasn’t proficient at it. I knew I was missing a big chunk of what it could do, but I didn’t know how to remedy that. Paperless Home Organization answered that for me!
It also made sense of Google Calendar. I was randomly inputting things in my calendar, but once again, never using it the way it was meant to be used. Boy, was I missing the amazing power of this tool!
And finally, it gave me the confidence to step out on my own and make these online tools work for me as a streamlined home management system! I made meal plans that can be archived and revisited instead of the endless pieces of paper I was throwing away week after week. I link my menus to the actual websites where the recipes are and have those menus available from my computer, iPad, and phone. I set up folders for all the Trim Healthy Mama recipes I find on Facebook and through friends that are not pinnable to Pinterest. When we were house hunting, I compiled everything in Evernote as I browsed from my computer at home and made them available to my husband on his phone via the Evernote app. I share my calendar with my husband and kids, and I have created reminders to keep me on track.
I am still tweaking and I have revisited Mystie’s ebook several times along the way, but I finally feel like I have a system that works for me. Mystie is the first one to admit this way of managing your home isn’t frilly and pretty, but it also isn’t collecting dust the way my frilly and pretty binders were. I’d encourage you to check out Paperless Home Organization today and consider if this is something that would help out your homemaking!
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Julie says
This sounds like what I have been needing for a while now! After trying many different ways to get things organized I’m not sure what to do. Seems that nothing we try sticks. Homeschooling takes so much of my time, I end up just winging everything else. I knew there was a better way to do things. Maybe this is the answer to my prayers. 🙂 Tanks for all your advice and encouragement!!
Jessica says
I’m so glad you did this review! I have the same issues with Gmail, Google calendar, and Evernote that you mentioned, but I thought “well, I’m just a paper and pen kind of gal so this is never going to make sense to me!” But my binders don’t get used as much as I would like, mainly because they are so bulky and too big to carry around! I would love to win this giveaway.
Thanks!
Jessica
Shana Mullis says
This seems really great. I didn’t even know you could do some of the things you mentioned! What great ideas.
Amy says
Would LOVE to read the book!
Alene says
So far anything I’ve tried to organize my home management has not even lasted a week. I’d like to give this a try.
Tiffany says
I would love to win a copy of this e-book about organization!
DL Harmon says
How do I use the coupon code if I’m downloading it as a kindle file?
Amy says
The coupon code does not work with Amazon, only via pdf. Amazon doesn’t allow for the usage of coupon codes.
Susan M. says
I do the same thing! Set up binders, then never use them! Would love to be able to try this!
Mona says
I’m constantly loosing things – having them organized on my computer and/or online would be great!
Cindy says
I would like to streams line because there is just too much paper around. This sounds like a great resource.
Tracey says
It would be wonderful to have all my “lists” and organizational tools like my calendar in one spot.
Diana says
I would LOVE to win this!!
Ann says
I love reading your blog. We are on a tight budget and this would be great book for our family. I’ve looked at Evernote and find it daunting. I don’t do binders because of the space they take up. This book would truly bless our family. Thanks for offering the giveaway!
Sara says
Thanks for the giveaway! I start with printing stuff and then it all ends up in a pile unused. Looking for something with less clutter and easier to manage.
Erica says
Wow! I would love to receive this e-book. It sound to good to be true. Thank you for the information.
Kathryn P says
I need to organize my entire home so badly! Thanks for the giveaway!
sherri says
I just created another binder organizer for unit studies, all the while thinking ‘there has to be a better way to do this – electronically!’ Not even kidding. Would live, love to learn how to put all these great tools to work for me.
nancy says
l enjoy your blog. It’s not too lengthy and full of useful information. Thank! ~ Nancy
Kim White says
Do you have to have a smart phone to make this system work for you everywhere? I could sure use some organization that doesn’t add to the clutter but use a very cheap phone so I don’t know if this can really work for someone who doesn’t live their life connected to all forms of social media 24/7.
Amy says
I do not have a smart phone, but my husband does (that’s what I will take shopping with me). So, no, I am not connected 24/7. Evernote can be used on your desktop without the internet.
Lisa says
This book sounds very interesting! I would love to read it and learn how to use some of these online resources. I am very interested in how to organize my THM recipes and my calendar.
Mrs C Webb says
I’ve tried of few things that haven’t worked. Also, I have GTD for Homemakers, and it has been helpful.
Kathy Petty says
Maybe this would work for me. I like paper organizers, I just don’t actually use them.
teresa says
Sounds like a book that would really help!
Becky says
WOW ~ this looks great! I’ve never heard of some of the tools you mentioned but am anxious to check them out & see if they’ll help our household 🙂
Caroline says
I need to streamline my home management system so I don’t have to keep stressing about it. I would love to get something in place that just works. Between business, blogging and homeschooling, the last thing I need to constantly worry about is what we are having for dinner or what chores the children should do! I’m slowly working on getting those things scheduled, which is helping but I know I can do a lot better.
Nora says
This might just what I need. I keep trying to do my home binder system but seem to never last more than 2 weeks.
Cindy says
Sounds like a great book! Would love to read it. 🙂
Trish says
This sounds like it’s worth reading so I can start using somethings I’ve heard of and never learned to use.
Cathi Updike says
Paper doesn’t work for me either! I love organizing all these pages and getting them in the notebook. Then I don’t use the notebook.
TimAyn Stafford says
I have five kids ranging in age from 11-4, and we are all genetically messy! LOL. Along with being inherently messy I am a perfectionist and can’t start a project until I “know” everything there is to know about it and it’s planned to a T. This combination makes housekeeping a difficult task. I grew up in a cluttered house where if you wanted a clean fork you had to wash it for yourself. Over my 11 years of being a Mom I have read a ton of books and implementing a BAZILLION cleaning and organizing systems. None of them stuck. I learned a little bit each time and slowly I have surfaced moderately successful at keeping my home. No one on the outside would know my track record by looking at my home now, but it’s not easy for me. This system sounds like it would put the finishing touches on my long journey! I use an online calendar and it revolutionized my scheduling, but I know there’s more to this paperless system and I want it! Thanks for always sharing such relevant information with all of us!
Becky says
We just started homeschooling our oldest, age 6, this year, and it’s hard to keep everything in track. I would love a paperless system to help accomplish that goal!
Bridgette says
This looks like a really great way to organize my life! Thanks for sharing this!
Helen says
If you could see my desk, you would know how desperately I need a paperless system.
Soo says
This book will definitely be a great help for me to organise paper clutter and much, much more! Thanks for giving us this opportunity
Pamela Ward says
Since my binders have been collecting dust, and despite my desire to make new ones, this sounds like something that might work better anyway! Thanks for introducing us to the next big trend!
Pamela Ward says
*IMPORTANT* the link to join the GTD website didn’t take me to the home page.
Amy says
There should be a purple bar at the top of the page where you can join. Is that not there?
Glennda says
This sounds like exactly what I need!!!! I’ve tried binders several times with no success!
Theresa says
I’ve just been thinking I NEED something like this to teach me to use the tools in front of me!
Kim Chance says
I need this because I’m drowning in paper clutter. I’m literally typing this with my arms resting on a stack of paper on my desk. Too much paper everywhere and I don’t know how to organize it and where to put it all!
Pam says
No smart phone here so I’ve been hesitant to go electronic for everything . . . but you make it sound like it might work. I’d love to give it a try!
Mystie says
You don’t need a smartphone to implement Paperless Home Organization. 🙂 I don’t have one, and I still wrote the book. 🙂 I use my laptop for 90% of what I do, and for things like shopping lists, I use my iPod touch with wifi only. I explain how to make it work without a data plan in the book. 🙂
jenn says
I can never make a binder work for me either. I finally found a system that combines my calendar and lesson planning. But nothing else. This could really work for me!
Crystal says
This looks great. I plan to look more into it. I need to get my home more organized b/c I have plans to go back to working full time in a few months.
Jennifer E. says
My husband and I both work from home and are starting to homeschool our four year old. We are always winging our daily schedule and responsibilities and hoping everything falls into place. Usually we end up in chaos instead. This book sounds like a great way to get us back on track.
Amber says
How awesome! I NEED less papers!
Wendy L says
This sounds like something I would love!! I am all about organizing and would love to do it electronically.
Lynda says
Oh no, what am I going to do with all those binders!?!?!?! Not really, I thought I might do the whole binder thing a few years ago, but knew it would never work for me. I couldn’t wait for the giveaway and just purchased the book with the discount. I’m ready to make my calendars start working for me not the other way around. Thank you!
Brandee Spohr says
Wow I just need something to TELL me what to do!! not just sit on the table and wait on me to LOOK at it…. I’m thinking these things can really help!!
Rebecca Smith says
This would be good for me. My house is full of hot spots with papers and all kinds of mess. I do my best to keep things in order, but with three littles, it is difficult. Help me with this book!!
Kassi says
I have 5 children and I homeschool. Between papers from home and church and wherever else they seem to come from, my organizational skills could use some help. I’m starting to figure out how to manage the papers, but I want to replace it with online organization, however, just like you, I don’t understand how to use some of the great tools available to me. I’d really like the step-by-step guide.
Siobhan Thouvenot says
Really looking forward to reading this. Praying I win. If not, will def buy the book! Love your website, too….have never been here before. Will be back!
pat says
This sounds like something I could use
Katrina says
I recently started utilizing my google calendar and have a similar experience with Evernote and gmail. The e-book sounds like just what I need!
Vikki says
Exact same story for me! Dusty, unused binder. And not enough space in my home to really make opening a big binder and paging through it work out very well.
Stacie says
I really need this book. I have been trying to get more organized and am struggling. Thank you for the giveaway!
Melissa P says
I need help best utilizing my time and efforts, and can’t keep up with paper to save my life. This sounds PERFECT for our house, and would be such a blessing! Thanks for offering!
sarah says
I’m completely inspired to go paperless and love the concept of a digital home binder.
Hannah D. says
This book sounds like it’s right up my alley. Thanks for reviewing it.
Kim says
Glad to hear of this system. Perhaps I could learn something from it. 🙂 Thanks for sharing honestly about the product. Love your blog.
Blessings!
Molly says
I would love love love this! Thank you!
Laura W says
I don’t need to streamline my home management. I need to implement something! I feel that this is an area in which I am failing 🙁
HeidiA says
I need someone to come here and implement something for me, because I sure don’t.:(
Nichole May says
Thanks for letting us know about the info, here’s hoping I win 😉
Rhoda says
As someone who should have grown up with Laura during “Little House” days, electronic anything is somewhat overwhelming. Paper binders don’t work–too much paper, not enough time to get it all thought through and put together, and life just happens making the paper obsolete anyways. About the time I finally get it all put together, life throws a curve ball and we are off and running again. I would love to learn the paperless method–maybe I could finally join the 21st century. Does this mean I have to give up my dumb phone? Thank you for the review and give away.
Mystie says
No, you don’t need a smartphone to implement Paperless Home Organization! I don’t have one, and I still wrote the book. 🙂 I use my laptop for 90% of what I do, and for things like shopping lists, I use my iPod touch with wifi only. I explain how to make it work without a data plan in the book. 🙂
Jennifer Lavallee says
WOw…..anything to help me be better at what I do, I’m all for it. Organization is the key to making a household run efficiently! Awesome give-away!
Liz says
This sounds perfect for me!!!
Sara says
Cool. I would love to win this and learn how to get rid of all the paper in my house
March says
Hi, I am a homeschooling mother of 6 [all under age 10, 2 in diapers, 1 potty training] with a 9 acre farm to manage. I could really use some tips on streamlining. I have a lot of trouble getting it all done and keeping it that way.
Amie says
I would love to be able to work a paperless system more efficiently. My phone is always with me, paper is always getting lost.
Jordan says
Would love to check this out– could use some education here!
Kim D. says
Because I have a mess of paper pile clutter!
Kelly says
Maybe this is what I need? I’m a to-do list clutterer! And then I lose my lists and nothing gets done anyways!
Melinda says
Going paperless has intrigued me for a while and I just started dipping my toe into a couple months ago. I’d love to learn more!
Jill says
My inbox is a complete mess! I would love to get that under control, along with my to do lists. And mail! Oh my, I could go on and on! LOL
Andrea Smith says
Oh my goodness. I so need to hear this. I haven’t organized my filing in two+ years. It is so overwhelming I don’t know where to start.
tina says
This looks like a good idea. I too have binders collecting dust.
Amanda says
Right now I have no system and my kids are getting bigger….
Shannon says
Can’t wait to read
kelly says
I too could use some guidance on how to put all of those tools to good use. I know I am not using them to their best potential, especially evernote.
Courtney says
My home management system is non-existent (except in my head) and it would be great to read some good tips.
Tiffany says
Com
Rosanne says
This might just be what I’m looking for! For the past year, I’ve been going back and forth between paper and paperless organizing. I end up doing both, which can get pretty crazy. Totally paperless organizing might just be “it” for me as I also don’t want to get stuck with bulky binders for everything.
Sara says
This sounds like just what I need. I have never been able to make paper home organization work for me. Thanks for the offer!
Becky says
I ran across this book sometime ago, was intrigued with the idea, but thought it sounded too techie for me; like it may be helpful to someone who has their smartphone attached to their hip, and tablets for each member of their family, but we’re not like that. Your review has made it sound usable and benificial, even to someone with a “dumb phone”. 🙂 Thank you!
Laura says
With 6 children, I have a lot to keep track of and not much time to learn on my own how to better use the tech tools you mentioned. I could really use the help from this book to increase my knowledge!
Michelle says
This sounds like a great book! Gmail and Google calendar have changed my life, and I’m always looking for ways to simplify, reduce paper, and be more organized. I would love to read both of these books. Thanks for the giveaway!
jen says
um,yeah… i could use some help! i am a very organized person by nature, but seriously lacking the time to set up a system that really works well and helps me not lose track of tasks, especially those that are future tasks.
Caroline says
This sounds great! Would love to win a copy of this book!
k says
We have files everywhere. We so need to have order with our paperwork. Thanks for offering this product and for all you do!! Blessings to you and your family.
Gabrielle@MamaGab says
You are singing my song, Amy! I need to work SMARTER, not harder. I have issues with paper too.
pam Keller says
anything to reduce clutter has my vote. I run multiple businesses and a home and homeschool, so I have a lot on my plate. Making things run more smoothly reduces my stress and makes me a nicer person.
Beverly says
I have tried soooo many different organizing systems… Your opening quote from the book really resonated with me… I’ve never tried to go paperless, but this books makes it sound helpful and doable… Hoping to get a copy soon!
Lori says
Would love to find the true potential of Evernote! Seems like this book could help start organizing me!
Pat Woy says
Organizing paper is needed in my home then I’ll teach my family by example.
Darcy says
With homeschooling, 10 children, and home-based businesses, the paper gets overwhelming!
Patricia DeMarchais says
I not only have my life and paperwork, but that of my younger sister, and all of my recently deceased mother. It is so overwhelming. I have a huge laundry basket full of receipts, letters, documents…and a 3 drawer rollie bin thing crammed full. I can’t ever find anything…Lord, this book sounds like a Godsend!
Mukkove says
This ebook sounds very helpful. I am drowning in a pile of unorganized papers right now…
Elizabeth Ours says
This sounds fabulous! My old household binder is definitely gathering dust on a bookshelf! I tried using my calendar on my phone exclusively, but that is not cutting it, so I bought an inexpensive calendar at @al-mart the other day. I’d love to win this giveaway!
Sheila says
Thank you. I am in need of something like this.
Alea says
I have made several home management binders, and none seem to really work for me. I have started using my computer and laptop more consistently, maybe electronic would be the way to go!
Barbara Castor says
The binder never really worked for me either. It seems like I’m always trying to find a better way to organize our days. This would be a great help.
Dawn says
Amy – thanks for the info, I got the ebook and opened an evernote and RTM account last night. I even cleaned out my inbox and send things to evernote!
Have you implemented this with your kids for tracking their own school schedule? My 8th grade girls have Kindle Fire’s and I am wondering how I can use this system to communicate with them on school schedules and assignments. Currently I am printing a schedule from Microsoft Word each week for each child The younger boys do not have electronic devices, so I guess I would need to keep printing for them?
Amy says
I use Scholaric.com for school and really love it, so while I know this would most definitely work (I’m thinking Evernote would be the best way and then share the notes with them or have them log into your account to see them), I plan to stick with Scholaric.
Juia says
I would love to be organized. I grew up in a very unorganized home and now that I have children I feel so lost on how to do things.
Rebecca says
How I would love to have some way of managing recipes and homeschool things and just everything I have binders for right now!!
Kelli Bogdan (Daze of Bogdan) says
Oh my gosh!! This would be an amazing tool! We’re always on the go, we’re always forgetting something. Most times I forget the paper, it gets thrown out.