Project Files Help/Ideas wanted

[jenniferp8]

I think I’m having a hard time figuring what should be project files and what should just be filed in resource files somewhere. I am also going back and forth between whether to use file folders in a drawer or some kind of “cubby” for my project files. Can you give me an idea of what some of your project files (topics) are and what kind of materials you are keeping together for them? Then maybe I can see what kinds of things I need a project file for and what space would be best.

So far I have:
Personal projects: scripture study resources, cookbook project, menu planning, family history research, journaling, health/fitness information.
Family Projects: Garden plans, food storage information, school reference papers, financial information (budget), activity ideas.
Beyond: not sure what to put here yet…

Also – I have lots of “projects” I want to do but many of them are not critical and so they get put off for awhile. At what point do you move things between “Someday list” and “Project Files”. I read that anyone may have between 30-100 projects at any one time. Really? Can you really be actively working on that many things at once? Or do you just do many of them without making a specific “project file” for them?

Thanks!

[Kelli Connell]

I love my cubbies for my current project support materials. I try to keep them somewhat tidy by moving items to the file cabinet (or trash) when a project is finished. I’ll give you a couple examples from my cubbies I use a lot. I teach a weekly class, so I have a cubby just for that class that has the class manual, class lists, ideas for activities with my students and current lesson plans. This could be a file in the “Beyond” cubby, but I like to have plenty of space for all my class materials. Another cubby I use a lot is my “Parties”. I love to throw parties and I always have one or two in the works. I have a file for each party as I’m planning it. Each file has guests lists, menus, decoration ideas, etc. When the party is done I make notes on what worked and move the file to my permanent file cabinet. I think your cubby and project files look good. You’ll probably add and subtract as you find what works for you.

As for having a lot of projects going at once, I guess it’s possible. I have some projects that go very slowly, but are considered current (like a vacation 18 months from now.) Some of my current projects don’t have any support materials, or they are all kept on the computer. I’ve discovered I like a slower pace and I only move projects from “Someday” to “Current” when I actually have the time to work on them. Right now I only have fourteen current projects. That seems manageable to me and I don’t get overwhelmed as easy.

I hope that helps!

[Author]

Posts