Finding your organizational style

To put it mildly, getting your digi-stash in order can be a bit… frustrating. You’ve got a folder full of downloads, but how will you ever find them again? This post will help you decide what level of organization will work best for YOU.

The Basics
There are a few steps that even the most minimalist “piler” should take. Immediately after downloading, create one folder for the entire kit (if in multiple parts) and choose a labeling scheme that is consistent. For example, I use “Designer – Product Name type”. So this kit would be:

Eva Kipler – Getting Fresh kit

I also choose to separate my supplies into three categories: purchased, freebie and creative teams. This step is up to you, but it helps me when I am deciding what kit to use.

Finally, having a backup plan is super-critical for ensuring your supplies are safe. Whether you choose an EHD or an online service, having a duplicate will save you from potential heartache and loss.

Selecting the right tool
In the new few days, we’ll showcase the many software options to assist you in getting organizing. For now, you need to decide if you need software at all. Some digiscrappers swear by their folder-based organizing system.

Often, they organize by designer and ensure the Preview file appears as the folder icon (PC only). Mac Scrappers even use Spotlight to tag and find their supplies, all without any special software. This is the most simple of systems and it could be right for YOU.

Tag, you’re it!
This is where you need to make the toughest decision. Will you tag/label/categorize everything or just select items? You should start by thinking about how you create a layout.

I tend to use mostly one kit for any layout, with a few elements added on, like alphas and word art. So, I’ve only tagged Previews, Quick Pages, Holiday-themed and Alphas. I want to add Word Art too, but don’t see the need to tag by color or with any more detail. However, YOU may completely disagree… and that’s OK!

There are varying levels of detail and a very large number of tagging schemes you can follow. DigiScrapInfo provides a fantastic comparison of styles at simple, medium and high levels of detail. They also offer a completely new style called Foundations.

Tips to Remember
Simple Scrapper doesn’t think there is any one way to organize. Only YOU can decide the best way to keep your digital scrapbooking supplies neat and tidy. How detailed is your tagging scheme?

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Don’t Forget
On Saturday, Simple Scrapper will feature YOUR best organizing tips. Visit yesterday’s post to share yours!

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Sneak Peak
This Thursday, Simple Scrapper subscribers will have an exclusive opportunity to download a Quick Page from Serene by RW’s Young Love kit. It’s free and easy to subscribe by RSS feed or by email. In the meantime, you can visit her blog to download another beautiful QP from her kit.