Why Every Home Needs a ‘House Handbook’

What Is a House Handbook?

Homeowners know that over time, appliances stop working, walls need repainting, and other inevitable headaches pop up around the house. And when these issues arise, you may not be entirely prepared to deal with them. Let’s say your stove conks out — do you have any idea where you put the instructional manual back when you bought it? Or if you need to repaint the living room, can you recall the exact shade of white you used?

The best way to prepare for these problems is to put together a house handbook filled with necessary information, all in one convenient place. This includes instruction manuals, paint swatches, flooring samples, spare keys, and so on. Keeping these items organized will go a long way toward solving any unexpected issues.

Assembling Your House Handbook

To create your house handbook, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. Purchase a three-ring binder (the kind you used in school) and a pack of sheet protectors. You should also pick up some Ziploc bags — they’re perfect for storing tiny parts and tools.

Now it’s time to build your house handbook. There’s no right or wrong way to customize it, but here are a few suggestions for what you might want to include:

• Instruction manuals for each current appliance

• Details about paint, flooring, or carpet that may need replacing

• A copy of your deed and home insurance policy

• Spare keys for every door, plus your car

• Extra screws, nails, and other tools or bits of hardware

Keep your handbook up to date with each new purchase. Swap out old manuals when you buy a new appliance, and add updated chips or swatches when you paint the powder room a new color. Again, what you include is entirely up to you. The idea is just to stop shoving those instruction manuals into random drawers and start organizing your home and life with your new house handbook.