Yesterday I showed you how I organized the three drawers in my studio that hold my jewelry-making materials, using removable trays that I can use to easily transport my materials to and from my desk. I had been imagining that organization for a while, so it was relatively quick and easy to implement.
But when I was done with that, organizing the rest of my studio seemed like a daunting task. All I could focus on were the piles of seemingly unrelated items littering the surfaces of my work tables and the long countertop. So I used a process someone told me about several weeks ago that she called organizational mapping, if I recall correctly. Even if I got that name wrong, organizational mapping is a pretty good description of what I did yesterday.
Instead of trying to go through everything in my studio, one item at a time, and deciding on the spot where to put everything, I decided to sit down at my computer, find pictures that showed the three different cabinet sections in my studio, and then use my photo editing program to label the different drawers and cabinet sections. I did this process while sitting at my desk in the studio so that I could see everything that was currently on my work tables and long counter (i.e. all of the items that I needed to store).
As I looked at the items I needed to store, categories of items began to emerge. And as those categories came to mind, I began mapping them out in my photos, placing them in an area and arrangement that made sense to me.
Here’s an example. I found this old photo that shows the entire mural wall of cabinets…
And then I used my photo editor to divide all the drawers and sections of the cabinet…
Then I started thinking about what category of items I wanted to put in each section. And since I could see everything I needed to store right in front of me, this process was pretty quick.
And I was so excited to see that I have empty storage space that I can put to good use! What if I want to learn how to crochet? I have plenty of space now!
I did the same with the other two sections of cabinets. I found this picture of the paint sample cabinet…
I have to admit, this was pretty easy and I probably didn’t need to map it out. I always knew this closet was going to hold my gallons and quarts of paint and my fabric. But I also have some empty storage space in this closet.
And lastly, I did the office area. This one was also pretty easy because, well, it’s an office area.
I’m actually going to use the left and middle sections for office supplies, while reserving the entire right section of the cabinets for more arts and crafts supplies. I don’t know what I’ll put in there yet, but like I said, I like the idea of having plenty of room to grow as new interests arise.
Taking the time to do this mapping has made this organizing process seem a lot less overwhelming. And another benefit of doing it this way is that I can now plan out what I’ll need to buy for each section: drawer dividers, baskets, small bins, paper trays, etc. This has really gotten me a little excited. The process to get organized!
I can’t remember who recommended this to me (and I can’t remember what post the suggestion was made in), but I am so grateful for this suggestion! Tips like this make the whole organizing process so much easier for those like me who yearn to get organized but have a harder time than those who thrive on making sure there is a place for everything and that everything stays in its place. But as I’ve said a thousand times, once an organizing system is in place, I’m pretty good at keeping things organized. So, this map system is going to help me reach that goal of getting my organization organized with a lot less stress.
Note: You don’t need to use a computer or photo editing software to do this! If you prefer to use paper and pencil, simply take pictures of your cabinets, print them out on large paper, and then use a pen or marker to label the shelf sections and drawers. This can be a very easy and low-tech process. I decided to do this on my computer using my photo editing software because (1) I’m used to using that software and can do it pretty quickly, and (2) my printer is not usable right now.
Addicted 2 Decorating is a place where I share my DIY and decorating experience while remodeling and decorating the 1948 home my husband Matt and I purchased in 2013. Matt has multiple sclerosis and is unable to do physical labor, so I do most of the work around the house alone. You can learn more about me here.
