Papercrafting Organization: Prep for Sorting & Purging
Good Evening Everyone!
Is everyone ready to get down to business – to sort through their treasures and let go of those things that are dragging you down, stealing your space, and robbing you of creative energy?
I sure hope so because that’s what’s next!
As I reviewed the many comments left on each of the Get Organized series posts I realized this series has come along just in time for many of you.
Quite a few of you have sent emails and left comments about needing the information being provided, and some of you have jumped right in and gotten started!
You have no idea how happy that makes me!
I get a lot of joy out of assisting others with organizing challenges and am thrilled that, according to the comments and emails, so many of you are taking the advice to heart and are going full-steam ahead!
Yay YOU!
For those of you who have not yet put into practice what I’ve shared, don’t fret.
Tomorrow’s post will help you start the actual organizing process and you’ll soon be caught up with the others.
In the meantime, be sure to read through the previous posts (links are included, in orange, down below).
Keep in mind that this is NOT a competition and everyone will approach the advice and tasks somewhat differently.
Again, there isn’t a right or wrong way to get organized. The only way I focus on is the way that works for YOU!
In light of how many comments are still coming in, many from papercrafters just joining in and who are trying to catch up with us; and, because I am still working on responding to every comment that’s been left – answering questions and offering specific advice when requested – I am going to postpone tonight’s regularly scheduled post (subject: the great sort and purge!) until tomorrow.
Now, before you get all pouty (because I know you were so looking forward to more homework!), understand that starting on this tomorrow, after you’ve collected a few supplies and enjoyed a good night’s sleep, will make tomorrow night’s homework easier, and likely more successful.
What supplies do you need for tomorrow?
- Boxes, Bins or Bags (at least five)
- Sharpie Markers or Broad Tip Pens
- Plain Labels or Masking Tape
- Notepad or Scratch Paper
- And, Energy!
What will we be doing tomorrow?
I will be walking you through the sort and purge process – the same process I’ve walked many clients through – and I’ll be sharing a few “tricks” I used to make that process go more easily and faster!
What’s your homework tonight?
- Write down your top one to three high-level goals – why are you going to sort and purge? Share your high-level organizing goals in the comments.
- Think about where you want to start first (what products or areas of your space need the most attention?). Briefly share this info in the comments as well.
- Assemble the supplies above
- And, get a good night’s sleep!
Quick and easy homework, yes?
One final thing…
a reminder for those who’ve been following along
and important info for those just now joining us…
YOU Could WIN!
We are so very lucky to have a wonderful sponsor for our papercrafting organization series – a series all about getting our craft rooms, creative spaces, craft business offices, art studios, portable craft kits (and our study spaces, office and entire homes!) in order – order that can leave us with more enjoyable and functional spaces, increased productivity, less wasteful spending, and more time and mojo for creating (and fun!).
But, they’re not just a product sponsor. Uh uh!
They’re a sponsor who not only provides quality organizing furnishings and products for your whole home, but a sponsor who wants YOU to WIN them!
Introducing Go-Organize.com!
What could be more perfect than a sponsor known for quality organizing products, products such as the Jetmax® craft storage solution?
And, Go-Organize.com not only offers products to get your creative space organized, but organizing products for the rest of your home too!
After all, once you get one space organized, it’s highly likely you’ll be so motivated by the results that you’ll want to take on the whole house! Or, office!
-
Papercrafting & Home Organization Series Sponsor: Go-Organize.com
Go-Organize.com
offers
FREE REGULAR SHIPPING
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Can you believe it?
Wow!
We are thrilled to have Go-Organize.com
join our papercrafting community
and we look forward to sharing their organizing solutions
with you as we work on getting our spaces more organized.
So, how do YOU WIN Go-Organize.com‘s products?
First:
Go-Organize.com is giving
THREE lucky papercrafters a chance to WIN
one of THREE $100 Shopping Codes!
I bet I have your attention now, right?!
Second:
You will have to actively participate in this
papercrafting organization series,
sharing your organizing challenges,
providing feedback on ideas and tips we share,
and showing Go-Organize some love (well, LIKEs).
No, it’s not hard!
Best of all? YOU benefit!
Now remember,
since you MUST participate on all six (6) Get Organized posts,
by leaving comments and/or answering the questions we ask,
in order to be eligible to win one of the THREE $100 shopping credits,
be sure to check out the last four organizing posts we published
Papercrafting Organization:
A Series for Papercrafters, Crafters, Artists & Students;
Papercrafting Organization:
A Series – The Back-to-School Edition;
Papercrafting Organization:
A Series – Back-to-School Pt. II
Papercrafting Organization:
A Series – Challenges, Opportunities & Solutions
and leave a comment,
with the required information,
so you’ll be eligible to WIN!
I look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow…
Prepare to succeed!
Sleep well,
Steph
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and miss out on your chance to WIN?
Subscribe to our daily blog feed –
you’ll be reminded each time an organizing series post goes live
(plus, you’ll see and hear about all sorts of other cool stuff!).
I know you want our three goals….however at the moment I have just one and if you saw my paper stash you would know why! lol! (Also I am going on a month vacation this weekend and I don’t have the time to get into a deep purge/organization thing)
I did get these pouches from the store that will house paper collections that are not in pad style and labels to adhere to them to identify the contents of each. I am going to box up all the unwanted paper for now and deal with what to do with it upon my return. I will check in tomorrow to see what you have in store for us and I am hoping we are near the end of this series only because I will be away and don’t want to miss any ;( Any who see you tomorrow.
*gina*
Gina,
Actually, I asked for 1-3, so you are good! Again, no right or wrong!
It’s great that you are going to bag up your papers and label them. I’m curious, how are you sorting them – by color, theme, manufacturer, or?
For the unwanted papers, I will suggest you seal that box. If you haven’t gone into it in the next 90 days, sell it or donate it…without opening it! Yes, I am serious!
I have used that technique for several clients and most find they don’t miss the boxed items (and I’d be willing to bet most couldn’t even tell me what was in the box!).
I hope your trip’s a good one – the info will be here, plus more, when you get back!
Steph
Write down your top one to three high-level goals – why are you going to sort and purge? Paper, Embellishments (that matches the papers , and Stamps
Think about where you want to start first (what products or areas of your space need the most attention?) I guess my paper.
Lola,
Do you have a plan for your paper? Need help?
Steph
Oh boy! Only 3….Lol. Got all the stuff gathered and headed for bed. I will say I have some filing of bills, receipts, etc. to do. So I’ll start with that. Can’t wait for tomorrow! Have a good night! 🙂
Heidi,
Great place to start.
I have “To Be Filed” folders for the household and our businesses and tackle the filing into the corresponding files monthly. It works so much better for me than doing it all the time (daily, weekly, etc.).
What’s on the agenda next?
Steph
Next will be my wooden rubber stamps and the cling ones too. Managed to get quite a collection and my old storage way I have outgrown.
Three ,Wow…Sorting paper…Stamps and inks…Me and my son use these most ..so I would have to say these three…:)
Irene,
Do you have a plan for your paper, stamps and inks?
Steph
My top 3 goals: 1. Empty garage after sale and sort into “keep” and “donate.”
2. Clean off craft table. Put things away or aside till I have a designated place for them.
3. Lable my drawers!
Debbie,
Labeling is a great idea. Do you know how you will label them?
Think about how you think and try labeling in that manner. For instance, if you are a visual person, you could use a tag to label the drawer with tags, etc.
As you clean off your craft table, take note of the items you clean off that you use often. You can learn a lot from the cleaning process – which items should always be close by and which need to be front and center, and which ones are rarely used and can be stashed away?
Have fun and enjoy the journey,
Steph
Write down your top one to three high-level goals – why are you going to sort and purge?
In short, I simply have too much. I want to clean out some more of what I may not be using (there may not be as much as I’d like since I sent 120 items/lots of things to a craft yard sale earlier this summer) or at least better identify what I have to make it all more accessible and useable. I think this time, the sort is going to be more important again, to simply be able to make it all more accessible.
jengd,
Great thoughts.
The more we let go of, the more space (physical and mental!) we have available for creating.
Good luck!
Steph
my goals:
1, to have easy access to embellishments
2, to be in a less energy sapping space
3, to know what I have and, therefore, to use what I have.
I want to start with the organizing the embellishments.
Laura,
Great goals!
Do you have a plan for the embellishments?
Steph
Yep! They are going to be put in colour boxes and then I will incorporate them (more freely) in to my scrap layouts 🙂
Write down your top one to three high-level goals – why are you going to sort and purge? Make space more managable. Easy to access supplies. Keep clean.
Share your high-level organizing goals in the comments. lol The three listed above are my goals, what I will strive to complete but am waiting to see if I can accomplish this and manage to keep up with it.
Think about where you want to start first (what products or areas of your space need the most attention?). Briefly share this info in the comments as well. Embellishements are the hardest to organize for me. Do I leave them in the package, do I really have the space to do that. Do I sort them by type, color, manufacturer?
Assemble the supplies above Done.
And, get a good night’s sleep! Done.
Hugs,
PattiM
{Pattie’s passion}
I Scrap So All Moments Are Remembered!
Patti,
Great goals!
For embellishments, how do you search for them? Do you think type, color, theme or manufacturer? Whatever you are drawn to first is a great way to store them.
I have mine in portable cases that have locking cases inside. I keep them by type and then by color or theme. That’s how I would search for them – I need a red brad that’s this big and matte vs. shiny.
Let me know how it goes!
Steph
Write down your top one to three high-level goals – why are you going to sort and purge?
1. TO BE ABLE TO FIND THINGS QUICKER
2. TO HAVE A “CALM” SPACE TO CREATE
3. TO KNOW ALL THE SUPPLIES I HAVE, AND AVOID BUYING DUPLICATES
Think about where you want to start first (what products or areas of your space need the most attention?). I’M JUST GOING TO START AT ONE END OF THE ROOM AND WORK MY WAY AROUND….IT ALL NEEDS ATTENTION.
I’m really loving this series! I just find your way of explaining things sooooo my level (if you know what I mean). Thank you so much for doing this series, Steph. It came at the exact time I needed it!
🙂
Jen
Jen,
Great goals and plan!
The key is to quickly experience success so you’re consistently motivated to do more. Starting in one place and making your way around can work well if you have the space to sort and purge.
I am so very thrilled that the way I teach works for you. Happy, happy!
I hope you continue to enjoy the series and that you make great progress. Keep us updated!
Steph
1. For better use of space I need to combine and efficiently put away items.
2. To limit my “excesses” so that my work space will stay open.
3. To find ways to take care of the little stuff – embellishment – so I can find them when I want them!
Starting in my work space, combining like items and putting away what I can. Three day weekend ahead – progress is certain!!!
Karen,
Woohoo! Great goals and I hope you’re making great progress this weekend.
Let me know if you have questions or need assistance.
Steph
Oh so much to do. 1) Get all like items and prducts togther and placed in correct storage binds
2) Purge and get rid of doubles or things not used, to a good home
3) Clean my work space off
I have been trying for months but I feel like I go in circles. One good habit I have form is to clean up as I go this helps a lot.
Connie,
Yup, lots of work, but certainly manageable.
Great plan to clean up as you go.
I have to do that because I can’t be creative with a bunch of stuff around, but I have found I create more freely if I can relax a bit about that too!
Sending you energy for your organizing,
Steph
my three are
1 to purge I have to much!!
2 to have an organized space that fits my needs
3 to find the organization that works for me!!!!
I’m going to start at one end and work my way around I don’t only do paper crafting so I have it ALL in my work room and it and I need help.
Karen,
Have you thought about setting up “stations” for the different things you do? Do you have space for doing so?
I have seen it work very well for my clients. It helped them to be more creative while doing each type of activity and to keep their space more organized by task.
Let me know if you need any assistance,
Steph
3 Goals
1. sort drawers of stuff not used since I closed store
2. get rid of all magazines , books, etc… I have pins for inspiration
3. Use the items I have saved for those special layouts
Kathy,
Great goals.
I gave up my magazines years ago and I have never looked back! I even used to keep a bunch of torn out ideas in binders and those have been reduced and will soon be completely gone. I can find what I need online – why do I need it in physical form, taking up valuable space? 😉
Best of luck with your progress,
Steph
Write down your top one to three high-level goals – why are you going to sort and purge?
purge the kits/papers/supplies downstairs – I want the space for other more important things
Think about where you want to start first (what products or areas of your space need the most attention?). I want to start downstairs and then do a quick clean up of my work space.
Ange,
Great plans.
Let me know if you need any help.
Steph
Steph I can never thank you enough for doing this series (and doing it so well – in depth, point by helpful point, with humor and candid honesty) on organization! What really hit me today was in Secret #3: During your breaks, focus on what you HAVE accomplished rather than what’s still left to be done. I am a “glass half empty” kind of gal. I am SO going to remember this!!! 3 winters ago my hubby made me the most incredible craft room on the main floor of our home. It was so overwhelming when I had to move all my stuff for sewing and crafting into my room. I got about 3/4 of it done and then stopped. I still have a pile of “containers to store stuff in” and lots of “stuff” shoved in a corner under a counter in my beautiful craft room because I don’t know where nor have room for the stuff in this pile. So looking back now after reading all your posts, today I recognize and learned that I didn’t give myself enough realistic time to organize my craft room, while I did do a purging I certainly did not do a sorting process and I definitely did not look at the process like you said in Secret #3!!! I am actually looking forward to finally tackling that pile AND the fabric, interfacings and embellishment (very messy) 3 dressers full and spilling out of all over the tops and side piles I have in the basement I was keeping a secret from you of. Does this sentence make any sense to you?!? 🙂 Anyway, bottom line is; I am excited to ORGANIZE my remaining “stuff” I never did when moving into my new craft room 3 yrs ago! All because of you Steph! Thank you. And I am sincerely sorry for this long convoluted post.
Woops! Somehow this got posted in the wrong days reply area. So sorry. I will copy and paste it to the right day and then answer the questions to todays homework just in case it didn’t get posted here either. So sorry!
No worries. I’m happy to hear about how much you like the series wherever you want to post it! 🙂
Steph
I am going to sort & purge so that my new craft room (it will be 3 yrs ago this winter that I moved into it) will finally have all my supplies in it and it will be completely organized. I will also finally be able to craft without the guilt hanging over my head thinking how my husband built me this wonderful room to craft in but I still have some of my craft stuff in his space in the basement.
I will need to start with purging and sorting the two piles; one in the corner of my craft room under the counter where I stuffed things I didn’t know what to do with yet and also the pile in the basement. From there I defer to you Steph to help me figure out where and how to store them in my craftroom. (just the left over stuff I keep)
Kelly,
How wonderful that you will soon feel a sense of completion in your wonderful space.
I’m sure your hubby will be happy too. 🙂
I will be happy to offer suggestions as you need help. Just ask!
Steph
Write down your top one to three high-level goals – why are you going to sort and purge? Share your high-level organizing goals in the comments.
1) stuff the kids have outgrown
2) storage area
3) declutter in main living areas
Think about where you want to start first (what products or areas of your space need the most attention?). Briefly share this info in the comments as well.
The main living areas need the immediate attention. I need bags and organizational bins for items that are keepers
Mary Beth,
Great plan!
Please let me know if you need additional help, help outside what I’m sharing for people to organize their craft spaces.
Steph
My craft table needs the most work. The rest is fairly organized. I do need to purge a little in there though too 🙂
What’s your homework tonight? I want to purge my papers, rubberstamps, and crafting tools, first. I want to start w/ tools b/c they are in clearly marked bins and bins and bins. When I make space among the tools bins, I will purge the stamps then move the rubberstamp bins off the table onto that shelving unit. Since the tools bins are already marked I am setting up the DONATE box only. Oh boy, when I get to the stamps and papers…aiyah! Then I’ll have multiple Donate boxes: crafters, school/library, Goodwill. Happy face! There’s a plan!
Yay for having a plan!
Let me know how it goes,
Steph
Write down your top one to three high-level goals – why are you going to sort and purge?
1. First all my paper
2. Then all of my stickers
I want to start with the stuff piled on my craft desk so that space becomes usable again.
Kristie,
Great plan!
Steph
I want to sort and organize my papers, my ribbon and then the other bin of miscellaneous items that I don’t know how to store. Each of these categories needs to be purged and cleaned and sorted. I think I have all my supplies ready!
Stephanie – you are just amazing! The work you have put into this is incredible! Thank you!!
Jean,
Thanks so much! I’m glad you’re finding the info valuable.
We will definitely cover ribbons and papers, and lots of other items.
Stay tuned,
Steph
1) write out my goals and what I expect to achieve
2) empty my scrapbook room and as I empty it sort according to tool paper die cut etc as this will make it easier going back in
3) organize so everything is at the ready and is available at all times. No digging to try to find something!
Sandra,
Sounds like you have a great plan in place!
Let us know how it goes, o.k.?
Steph
I want to start with my two sets of floor to ceiling shelving that contains glues, stains, sprays, and misc. mixed media items. This should all be contained in one unit and chances are many products are dried out, etc. Of course, I need to clear a path to the shelves first.
Sandy,
Get to clearin’, girl! 😉
You know, I had many paints and inks stored in a storage unit and they were all fine after several years! I thought for sure they’d be dried out, but they weren’t.
I hope you find the same with your supplies.
Steph
Goal #1: clean out all the extra computer monitors, old printers, keyboards and unused stuff from my crafting room closet.
Goal #2. Go through my son’s school work and select 4 or 5 pages from each year and toss the rest. Yes, I have every page of work he has done from preschool through the 3rd week of 5th grade. All are sorted into tubs and stored in order. COD, remember???
Goal #3 Create a paper organization system in all the newly opened space.
Wish me luck!
Shelly,
Goal #1 sounds like a great plan!
Goal #2 may be a bit harder, but I know you can do it. You can always take pictures of his projects so you still have the “evidence” without the bulk of all the actual projects.
I hope the paper organization posts were helpful. Please post questions if you have any.
Good luck!
Steph
I wish this series was numbered. I am having a hard time following the assignments since I just started today. Is there an organized order I can follow?
Cindi,
If you go to this post, the latest post, and scroll down you will find links to every post, in order, oldest to newest:
https://papercrafterscorner.com/blog/papercrafting-organization-goals-plans-action/
Please let me know if you have other questions,
Steph
1. Organize my craft room so I can USE it :-)!!!
2. Paper, Paper, Paper!!!!!
Tina,
I’m going back through all the organizing posts to look for common concerns and challenges and to see if I missed any unanswered questions.
It doesn’t look like you have any questions at this time.
I am hopeful that you found lots of tips and solutions in the posts we’ve added to this series since you commented.
If you have any specific questions you need answered, please feel free to email me at shackney {at} papercrafterscorner {dot} com.
Thanks for joining in and allowing us to help you get more organized!
Steph
My top 3 goals: 1. Sort through my papers and embellishments and lable “keep” and “donate.” 2. Clean off craft table. Put things away or aside till I have a designated place for them. 3. Lable my drawers! – See more at: https://papercrafterscorner.com/blog/papercrafting-organization-prep-for-sorting-purging/#sthash.ttrkPpDM.dpuf