Organize your instruction manuals

Do you read the instructional booklets that come with tools or "some assembly required" toys? I do. My wife laughs at me when I read the instructions for something that she thinks should be simple. But it can save time and frustration. Saving those booklets can also be helpful later. Last week I sold a weight machine that I no longer needed because I am working out at a new Wellness Center that opened up in Fremont. I still had the assembly manual and instructional booklets so I could pass them on to the new owner. That made it easier to sell when I could say I had all the booklets for him. It made reassembly easier for the buyer since I had to take it apart to get it out the door. So, how was I able to locate the manuals from something I had purchased years ago?

I keep all my instruction manuals in organized in alphabetical order in a portable file holder. That way I can easily find a booklet I might need again some time. When I need a part for something that needs repair, I can look in the booklet that came with it to find the item number. If I forget some of the ways to work some of my electronic gadgets, I can find the instructions again. Every once-in-a-while I go through my folder to get rid of the booklets I no longer need, like a lawnmower instruction book for a mower I no longer have. I have saved a lot of time by still having those booklets. And I have saved a lot of time searching for them since I keep them all in one place, and all filed alphabetically. I use a fireproof hanging portable file holder. That way, besides having them organized, they will be protected from fire and water. Organize your manuals in a place you'll easily find them when you need them. You'll be glad you did.

By the way, a fireproof file holder should be used for all important documents, like birth certificates, insurance information, wills, etc. That will keep them organized and safe.