My Mum's A4 Graphic - by Anita

My Mum has never been very good at organising her paperwork (I started helping her with it when I was a kid), so when I found a cheap grey A4 Graphic on eBay, she agreed that it could be a useful purchase for her.

I normally prefer leather binders, but I think that the microfibre and faux leather is better, in this case, as it helps to reduce the weight in such a large size.

On the back exterior, there is a full length slip pocket. You wouldn't be able to fit much in it as it's quite tight, but it could be handy for any paperwork that you need quick access to, or as a reminder to do something.

On the inside, you have a number of credit card slots, a smaller slip pocket, two full length slip pockets and space for a notepad. Again, the full length slip pockets are quite tight, so not as useful as they could be as they're not easy to get into.

The Filofax came with a flyleaf and a number of inserts, including expenses sheets, to do list, A to Z and a notepad.

For some one that normally uses personal size, the page sizes seem enormous! (one of my current to do lists for comparison)

Once it arrived, I suggested that Mum started keeping any hospital appointment letters under H in the A to Z.

Initially she started doing this, but ultimately I'm so involved in helping to care for her that it became obvious that it was easier for me to keep her paperwork for her. I did seriously consider setting up the A4 properly for this, but from a practical point of view, it's just too large to want to carry about with you. When she used to have regular appointments, I would pack a bag with my book, snacks for both of us, water bottle, reusable coffee cup etc. I certainly wouldn't want to also be carting about an A4, especially when we might be sitting in a crowded waiting room.

Instead of using the A4, I just have a Mum section in my Kensington's A to Z and any appointments letter are kept in a plastic popper wallet in date order.

Sadly, it means the A4 has been abandoned and is sitting in my Mum's cupboard. I have considered borrowing it for work, but as I have a much smaller desk at home, I think that A5 would be easier to use with less space.