How to Reduce Stress with a "Tickler File"
What is a Tickler File?
Wikipedia’s definition is the following,
A tickler file or 43 Folders System is a collection of date-labeled file folders organized in a way that allows time-sensitive documents to be filed according to the future date on which each document needs action.
We implemented this process a few months ago. It has already reduced so much stress from our lives when it comes to mundane tasks and handling our todo lists on a daily or weekly basis. A few items that I keep in our Tickler Filer are water the plants, clean makeup brushes, and wash the rugs.
All these things need to be done routinely, but already having enough on my mind as it is, I don’t want to have to think about when the rug in the bathroom was cleaned last! I put it in the tickler file and free my mind of the task. When that card comes up, the task gets done and it moves to the next due date.
Not only is this system helpful in routine tasks, but it’s also helpful for planning future events. The 43-folders system, will include 31 numbered “day” folders and 12 labeled with the months of the year. Everything you need reminded of on a future date goes into your tickler file. Each morning, you pull out the day’s folder and complete the index cards and when you are finished you will put them back in the folder for their day, month, or even next year!
This process makes it easy to set reminders up to a year in advance. Each numbered folder represents a day of the month. Followed behind them, all the folders labeled with the months are arrayed, with next month’s folder being first. If you were starting on April 20th, you would see the folder labeled 20 at the front, followed by 21-30. For the monthly folders, May through next April. When I empty today’s folder, I’ll place it at the back of the numbered folders, leaving “21” standing ready to be pulled out tomorrow.
At the end of the month, the May folder is opened and its contents placed into the appropriate numbered days, and the emptied folder is placed at the back of the months. This will create a rolling cycle of folders, presenting each morning the folder with that day’s contents in it.
I am able to set short term reminders by adding the index card to the daily folders, and long term reminders by placing those to the monthly folders. We have also added a “Legal” section where we place and store documents from the previous year. This makes taxes and organization of super long-term documents much easier.
Below are some photos of our Tickler File. Please don’t judge my painting skills, I tried to make the plain black box a little prettier. Not sure if that was accomplished though… :). The Onnit stickers are from Jeremy, not sponsored tho….I wish ;)!
How to set up your Tickler File:
Go to the store and pick up the following items:
Pen or Pencil (if you don’t already have one for some reason)
Hanging File Folders
Number the 31 plain folders - “1-31”
Label the 12 colored folders “January-December”
Start with today's date and choose the day numbers for the remainder of the month. Follow this with next month's folder, then the days from the 1st of the month up to yesterday, and finally the remaining months.
The hardest part of any new process or habit is getting started. There is a bit of setup involved with this. Once you have all the materials though, it’s all execution and remembering to use it. The more you use it, the more you’ll love it. Ensure you check your file first thing every morning so you can plan your day accordingly. For example, if I see a hair mask card, then I know its hair washing day and I better not be lazy and get it done when I get home from work. Setting a reminder on your phone to check it each morning will help you remember until it becomes a habit. If you aren’t able to get something done that day, simply add that card to the following day or the next day it needs to be done.
Today, we live in a very tech heavy world. That is great and we are blessed to live during this time but there is something that makes this extremely simple and effective. Sure, you could set a recurring reminder on your phone but your phone could break also, you would end up having numerous reminders each day, that can get confusing and overwhelming. Reminders on your phone have to be set at a certain time to alert you. The problem with this is you might not know what's the best time for each task on each day. This system gives you the flexibility to get things done when it's convenient for you, and things are much more likely to get completed.
Things to add to your new system
When to wash the bedding.
When to water the plants.
When to clean all the rugs.
When to replace loofa/facial cleansing sponge.
Reminders on when to throw the out the leftovers in the fridge.
Bills/Other Mail received - on the date it needs to be paid/addressed.
Tax Information.
Car registration Information.
When to change the water filter.
Reminders when to call family and friends.
Vet Appointments
I would love to know what you guys think of this type of system. If you are already using something like this, what are some things you have in yours that are helpful? If this is new to you, what questions do you have and how can I help get you started?
Let me know in the comments! :)