Comments on: The Tickler File–The Key to a Clutter-free Refrigerator

By: April Perry

April Perry — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 05:31:24 +0000

I love the “Family Tickler” idea. I’ll have to try that with my family. Great idea.

By: Melody

Melody — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:10:05 +0000

This has been a life saver, I work full time, have a toddler son and I just started a business. My fridge was a mess before. I’m a lot less stressed using the tickler system. It’s also helped because I don’t have to be the only one who knows what’s going on. The tickler is available for my husband to use too, so he can help out.

By: April Perry

April Perry — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 06:32:13 +0000

I love all these creative suggestions. One comment I get from all my friends who use GTD is that the flexibility of the system is the reason why it works so well for moms.

There are tons of systems out there suggesting “one way” to do things, but when you’re running around town with your children, carrying a baby on your hip, or working around the clock to keep things going, a flexible organizational system is a huge benefit.

Thanks for sharing such great tips!

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:00:13 +0000

The family calendar that hangs on the fridge has pockets for each month and that’s my tickler file. I put concert tickets, bills, invitations, etc in that month’s pocket and then discover them again when that month rolls around. It has been very effective for our family!

By: Kristine Jones

Kristine Jones — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:10:48 +0000

April, you sure know how to speak mom-language! You have done a marvelous job of tweeking David Allen’s brilliant system for moms. I love using a tickler for invitations, order forms, etc. although I had never thought of your ideas in point #3. I keep finding the same great ideas at the wrong time of year. I can see how easy this would be and it would help tremendously.

By: Angela

Angela — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:33:43 +0000

Hi 3stepsforward – I don’t like Tickler files either but I figured that it’s the fact that I’m putting something into a place where it is not readily visible so I throw my stuff into clear page protectors in a big binder and it helps me a little. They are labeled the same as the standard 43 folders. I use them like big envelopes but they are wearing out and I need to get heavier plastic ones someday. I leave the binder upright on my desk at home. Hope this helps.

By: Carlo L Pena

Carlo L Pena — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:00:11 +0000

An alternative to the tickler file system that I use is to referance the file that I have placed the subject document into in my calendar on the day that it is needed. And if I can help it, I will scam the document so I can gain access to it anytime.

By: Lisa Peake

Lisa Peake — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:30:41 +0000

Hi 3steps,
I’m not a big tickler person either, so I use my Google Calendar for all day-specific reminders. Any paper associated with the reminders goes in some type of Action Support folder, or an Errands folder, etc.

By: April Perry

April Perry — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:57:02 +0000

Jeff, I love the idea of mailing yourself articles for inspiration. I’m going to try that!

3stepsforward, as far as an alternative to tickler files, you could just utilize a Google Calendar or the calendar on your phone to email/send you alerts regarding items that would normally go into a tickler file. In each alert, you’d need to reference where the physical item is located (if there is something like an invitation, flyer, etc. associated with the action).

For birthday reminders, triggers regarding monthly responsibilities, etc., I really like my Google Calendar. Since I’m always checking email, I never miss the alerts, and then I can move action-oriented ones into my @Action email folder.

Just some thoughts…

Thanks everyone for your comments!

By: Christina

Christina — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 08:07:23 +0000

I’ve used a tickler file for 17 years, which is most of my professional life. It’s one of the pillars in my GTD system. So simple, so versatile, so… OBVIOUS. I completely agree with April that it cuts down on stress a lot.

By: 3stepsforward

3stepsforward — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:57:46 +0000

For some reason, most likely a self destructive one, I dont like tickler files. Anyone know of a successful alternative?

By: Jeff Robinson

Jeff Robinson — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:00:41 +0000

Great post…I’m a Dad as well and have used the tickler file for a couple years now and it has changed my life.

I also mail myself letters, quotes, articles for inspiration (it is fun that they appear randomly)

I love the tip about marking calendar entries with a T.

By: Christopher Masiello

Christopher Masiello — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:01:00 +0000

April,
I’m a dad and this looks like a good idea for me too.
Nice work.
Chris