Kick Overwhelm to the Curb with the 43-Folder Planning System

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by trying to remember all the little (and big) things you need to get done? Do things always seem to slip thru the cracks or do you have a running list of 1000 things to do going thru your head while you try to sleep?

How about trying all the latest planners and productivity tips and getting no where?

We’ve all been there, I know I certainly have! My to-do list grows faster than I can check things off.

It’s overwhelming and usually leads to procrastination.

Why Other Planning Systems Fail

If any of this resonates with you- first thing to know- it’s not you!

The problem is the system you are using to tackle it all. Not all planning systems are created equal. While the goal is to help you stay organized, other planning systems often miss the mark when it comes to practicality and ease of use.

Some systems require so much setup and maintenance that they become more work than they’re worth. You spend more time planning to plan than actually getting things done. Don’t get me wrong, I completely love getting a good journal session in with my washi tape, stamps, watercolors, and fancy pens but that’s not what I use to keep my life moving.

Traditionaol to-do lists are basic and quick but they don’t give you clues about timing. Without knowing when something needs to get done, you might end up working on working on things that you don’t need to while missing a more urgent deadline.

It’s frustrating and makes staying organized feel impossible.

What to do instead

I came across an organizational method a few years ago so I can’t claim it as my own. You may have heard of it. It’s what I like to call the 43 Folder Organization System—others call it the Tickler File. I can honestly say is a total game changer!

This system is genius in its simplicity and incredibly effective for staying on top of appointments, tasks, and deadlines. My favorite part about using this system is getting it all out of my head and knowing for a fact that I will get to everything when I need to.

The hardest part about this system is actually remembering to use it! Ha! So write a sticky note and put it on your bathroom mirror if you need to remind yourself. If you follow the system for 30 days and I swear you will love it! There is something to be said about having your *$#! together!

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How the Folder Planning System Works

The system uses 43 folders—12 labeled for each month of the year and 31 for the days of the month. Here’s how you set it up:

1. Create Monthly Folders
   Label 12 folders with the names of the months (e.g., January, February, etc.). These will hold tasks, reminders, and items you need to address during each specific month. For example, if you need to schedule a dentist appointment in June, you’d drop that note into the June folder. You go thru your stack of mail and get a bill that you pay quarterly, you drop the bill in the month it’s due in. You have to get the oil to your car scheduled. Make a note on an index card or piece of paper and drop in the correct month.
2. Create Daily Folders
   Label 31 additional folders with numbers 1–31 to represent the days of the month. These are for daily reminders and tasks that require your attention on a specific date. For instance, if you need to send a birthday card on the 15th, you’d put it in the folder labeled “15.”
3. Organize and Cycle Through
   Each day, you pull out the folder for that date (e.g., on the 10th, grab folder “10”) and check what needs to be done. At the end of the day, move that folder to the back of the daily folders stack, so it’s ready for the next cycle.

When a new month starts, take the folder for that month (e.g., January), review its contents, and distribute the tasks into the appropriate daily folders. Anything that’s longer-term stays in the monthly folders for later.

How to Set up Your Planning System

1. Get your Folders set up

You’ll need:

• 43 folders (12 labeled with months, 31 labeled with days).
• A place to store the folders, like a file box, drawer or a cute basket.
• Sticky notes or index cards for writing tasks and reminders.

2. Label the Folders

• Monthly Folders (12): Label each folder with a month, from January to December.
• Daily Folders (31): Label each folder with numbers 1 through 31 to represent the days of the month.

You now have a folder for every day of the current month and one for each future month of the year.

3. Organize the Folders

Arrange the folders in this order:

1. Daily folders for the current month (e.g., 1–31).
2. The folder for the next month.
3. The rest of the monthly folders in chronological order.

Example: If it’s currently March, your folders will be ordered as follows:

• 1, 2, 3…31 (daily folders for March)
• April
• May, June, and the remaining months.

4. Add Tasks and Reminders

Write down tasks, reminders, or items and place them into the correct folder:

• Daily Folders: For tasks that need to happen on a specific day of the current month (e.g., a doctor’s appointment on the 15th goes in folder “15”).
• Monthly Folders: For tasks or reminders that don’t need action until a future month (e.g., “Schedule the dog’s grooming” goes in July).

The beauty of this system is how flexible it is. Here are some examples of what you can add to the folders:

5. Use the System Daily

Remember this only works if you use it! So each day:

1. Pull out the folder for today’s date.
2. Review the contents. These are the tasks and reminders you need to focus on today.
3. Complete as many tasks as you can.
4. At the end of the day, move today’s folder to the back of the daily stack.

When you reach the end of the month, move all daily folders (1–31) behind the folder for the next month. For example, at the end of March, place the “April” folder at the front, followed by the daily folders.

6. Review Monthly Folders

At the start of each new month:

1. Pull out that month’s folder (e.g., April).
2. Distribute the contents into the appropriate daily folders for that month.
3. Add any new tasks or reminders you’ve thought of.

What to Add to the Folders

• Appointments: Notes to schedule dental or vet visits, oil changes, etc.
• Birthdays: Cards, gift ideas, or reminders to plan celebrations.
• Bills and Deadlines: Papers or sticky notes for upcoming payments.
• Projects: Break larger projects into smaller steps and slot them into days or months.
• Random Tasks: Anything that pops into your head, grocery lists, reorganizing a closet, calling a friend. Anything you want can go into the folders.

Why It Works

This system keeps things simple by letting you focus only on what you need to do today, without stressing about the stuff that’s coming up later.

Everything has its place, so you’re not constantly trying to remember deadlines or random tasks. Plus, moving the folders forward each day means nothing gets forgotten—even if it’s months away. Once it’s all set up, it’s super easy to keep up with and makes staying organized a total breeze!

There is a digital method for this system coming in. a later post if you prefer paper free planning. I hope you find this system helpful. Let me know if you use it and how it’s working for you!