2021 Final Countdown, Task One
Posted on December 29, 2021 by prairiemoonquilts in The Final CountdownAre you ready? It’s time for Task One. I’m actually more excited than ever to do these!
I had a hard time deciding which one to put first. And then I decided that I’d do the one that needs doing worst first, because that gives me more time to work on it until the 7th.
And what is that task, you ask? Well . . . it’s:
Deal with the paper clutter
Yes, after all this time, paper clutter is still a problem for me. I DO have to say, however, that I am down to only 2 small piles, and that is exponentially better than it has ever been before.
I offered this as one of the monthly tasks in September, and also back in April, and made a bit more progress each time, but yes, there’s more.
And now it’s time . . . time to tame those last two piles, finish setting up my system, and make rules for the paper like I did for my cutting table and fabric stash. Time to build better habits regarding the paper clutter.
First and foremost, my paper clutter problem is that I am not quite sure where to put some of it. In a little corner of my mind, I’m also afraid that if I file it away somewhere, I won’t be able to find it when I need it. But, that’s silly reasoning, because honestly, do you think I can find things now, in the mess they’re in? NO! My brain’s sense of logic fails me quite often.
Second, I don’t want my paper to take up any more space than I’ve already allotted for it, so I have to be diligent about what I’m keeping and what I don’t need to keep. It’s kind of like going through the clothes in my closet — have I used this in the last few years? Do I even need to keep it? If I do need it, could I find a copy elsewhere (like online, on my computer, or from the original source)?
Also, paper can be anything you deem it to be in your own space: books, magazines, patterns, paperwork, mail, and any other forms of paper you keep for your own purposes.
For example, I have all my own personal files in a box in my studio office. It just makes sense to keep them in the office, so here they are. Thankfully, I manage to keep personal files in better order than my quilting files, and they all fit into one small filing box that I keep in the closet — I don’t have old appliance manuals stashed away, and I miraculously manage to find my tax receipts when I need them!
Over the last year, I have:
- • Cleaned out my filing cabinet and reorganized my filing system
- • Finally got my bookcase organized and stocked with what I want in it
- • Made the piles that are laying around a lot smaller (but they’re still annoying and need to go)
So . . .
I still have papers that need to be put INTO the new filing system.
I need to do my business paperwork on a more frequent basis, while my memory is still fresher (like monthly, instead of quarterly, at least)
I found one last box of books while cleaning that needs to be gone through. I will get rid of some, and find room in the bookcase for the ones I want to keep.
And those two final piles on the mailing counter have to go. I need to remind my brain that if I file them, I won’t be losing them, but instead, will know right where to find them when I need them!
And then I’ll make some rules for myself. I’ll have to let you know what those are after I get all set up. I hope this is the last big push to finally fix my paper system.
So how about you? Do you have a system already set up? Does it work for you? Do you work it like you should? Or is paper still a problem for you like it is for me?
What categories of paper clutter pose the most problem for you? Do you need to make a system? If you have a system, and it’s not working, do you need to make a different one? Do you need to set yourself up some rules, like I’m going to?
Part of my determination to get mine under control, is to save my poor daughter having to deal with it should something happen to me. She’ll have other more important things to deal with besides having to go through mountains of paper to find the important stuff, and being afraid to toss it in case there’s important stuff buried in the pile. I want to spare her that, and get it organized NOW.
And it’s not like I’m planning on leaving any time soon, but seriously, folks, we never know when it’ll be our time, and My Cowboy always says: Be Prepared!
What if you needed to explain to someone in your family how to find a document you are needing if you can’t go look for it yourself?
While I don’t envision myself lying in a hospital bed asking my daughter to locate “that Dresden Plate quilt pattern”, it’s just an example of needing to have ALL your papers in order, because she really might need my birth certificate, or an important password.
Have I gone on enough about this? Are you ready to tackle your paper clutter and your paper system? Let’s go! Cos there’s another new task on tomorrow’s docket!
Ah…this one is a good one. I have one area in need of attention and shall get on it shortly. Thanks for the nudge.
I actually have all of my paperwork under control! During the year I got my books organized. My income tax paperwork goes into a box to be dealt with at the right time. I process my mail when it comes in and I even have my scrap paper under control in one spot. I’m glad I have this one area under control!
YES! Tackle this once and for all. I had to empty Mom’s home in 1 weekend (d/t cash offer for possession in 7d which included a full cleaning). She had checks dating back to 1987. That was 14 y ago.
I tackle each task as if life is ending. Once a year I toss anything “now outdated”-meaning tax audit window has closed.
And when I notice something ‘new’ I think about when it was last used and into the donation box it goes if I can’t recall.
Yes everyone, please do this for your children. They will be in enough pain without the mess.
Yes, I too have gotten better at paper clutter but still need improvement. I’m in!
I have done some organizing of papers, quilt patterns but there is more to do. I also have checked out quilting books which haven’t been looked at in a long time and have made the decision to get them out of here.
Ok, ok. I don’t want to do this task which probably means I really need to. It feels overwhelming. 🤪 I will make sure I have all the parts of the BOM for 2021 (that I didn’t finish) downloaded and in a spot I can find on my laptop. I’m going to do that right now! Before they disappear! Since I’m working on going thru my projects and UFOs to get an inventory I will add on making sure the pattern/notes are together. That might be it for me on this task right now…..
The other part of paper clutter for me is patterns I have printed off the internet. Lots of times more than once. It’s time to take a look and see what I can cull. Could be true for books too, but think I’ll wait on those.
I really, really want an inventory not only of projects but tools and probably books too. I’m dedicating the next days before the year ends to this humongous task I’ve put off. So here I go…really, I’m going😂
Thanks for the nudge!
I have gotten better at paperwork this year, but yes there is more to do, so I am in and hopefully at least clean up the paper laying around. Thinking about filing cabinet and storage containers next year.
I’m so glad you chose this one for the first challenge. A few years ago, in one of your studio organizing challenges, I’d made a file box of sewing tutorials and patterns. I’m so glad I did that, as it’s been so easy to find things and to keep it up. I have a big pile of needlework patterns and now I’m going to do the same with them. Thanks for the push!
My paper work is under control. as when I print off things on the computer i put them in to sleaves and right in to a 3 ring binder…..still have a few patterns that i need to put with the others and I will do that after I get done doing this message…..
look forward to the next challange
I need a better system for patterns. I have filed magazine patterns for years in file folders in a file box, but hardly ever look at them. There must be a better way.
I am good at filing! It’s just that I want to keep everything. This is a good challenge for me. (I added to my paper collections recently when my neighbor moved and gave me the patterns she knew she would never get to or had already made). I can’t seem to resist adding more paper. I like your idea of making rules for yourself as part of the challenge.
Hi all, I use three ring binders. I label each one. Like baby/kids quilts, an other table runners. I have them labeled Christmas, Halloween, 4th of July, Easter and Thanksgiving. I even label some by the designer. I’m good with paper clutter . Can’t wait for task 2!
Three ring binders have been a great way for me to store patterns. I have designated binders for specific type patterns – Christmas, appliqué, baby, tableware, etc. Papers go in plastic sleeves so easy to take out and return. When one gets full, I start volume two for that title. Separate binders for specific designers I like and separate report style binders for each mystery quilt so it is easy to keep with fabrics and pieces. I have even set up one for quilting tips (cheat sheets and how to cut to use fabric with less waste, etc.) My problem is when I pull out a binder for a pattern I’m looking for, I see five more and pull them. If I come to my senses and know I’m not starting those extra pulled patterns, I don’t always put them back at the moment and they stack up in a “File Me” basket. So, although I have a pretty good control on paperwork, I do have a very full basket of sleeves waiting. Off I go to work on this task and look forward to tomorrow’s task.
I need to rework my paper system. There are files, but I have to clean them out and catalog what I have and where I have it. I’ve purchased several patterns twice, because I either forgot I purchased them in the first place or forgot where I put them.
I’ve also noticed with my projects, out of sight is out of mind, so I leave lots of “stuff” around so it gets my attention, but it is not a clean look.
My sewing room is a lovely room with lots of windows and space, but is cluttered with stacks of bins of fabrics just waiting for me to create with them.
Oh such problems, I remember a time when I would have envied the position I find myself in now.
I’m going to work on this paperwork thing!
My paper piles are full of partial quilt patterns, recipes, etc. I have finished projects I have made but want to keep the pattern. Too many times I pitch a freebee pattern, never to find it again.
Paperwork isn’t a real problem for me. I keep patterns in plastic sleeves in a 3-ring binder. Smaller projects I scan and save to a dedicated flash drive. Magazines and books are being passed on to a friend, keeping only the few I think I will use. If questionable I will scan and save before passing on.
I am getting better with paper/patterns/projects. But i need to be realistic on what i will make and eliminate the rests so task of tossing old copies or donate them. Will make it easier to decide fabric for patterns. Thanks for the task!
I am definitely working on the paper clutter. Over the past week, since I hurt my back, I have been shredding lots and lots of unnecessary paper. Which is very freeing. A couple of months ago I went through my older quilting magazines and donated them to the Hospice Thrift store. I organize important papers (like medical, and receipts) in files. So I think I have got a pretty good handle on paper.
My paperwork isn’t too bad although lately I’ve been printing recipes and quilt patterns and need to put them in a binder that I have or each. I also want to go through the files I have on my mom that I’ll be able to get rid of.
AH! I had control of my paper stash until my husband decided Sunday to remodel our walk-in closet, so I had to move everything out, and that included a chair, a comforter, and bins of paperwork – and guess where they ended up – yep, my sewing room! So now…
I need to organize my patterns into a better system, so I’m in. I tend to pile my patterns into “organized” piles (ones I want to make, ones that need to be put away, etc.), so this will be a good time for me to figure out a better method.
I have decided that any pattern I want is available on the internet, therefore I do NOT need any more paper patterns. Between ideas on Pinterest, and patterns I’ve put in Ebooks, I have no need for paper patterns. It has freed me immensely from the temptation of random paper patterns. Junk mail? Deal with daily. Recycle bin is close by! Good luck on this great adventure!
Got it! So nice to have that paper corralled (for a while, at least). https://weddingdressblue.wordpress.com/2021/12/30/final-countdown-task-one-4/
Ah, this would be books and magazines. Not the worst of my clutter by far, but the situation can definitely be improved.
I need this I love to print every quilt or knitting pattern I like and they pile up fast. I have binders but it is getting it filed. For important papers for emergency an elderly lady gave me her system-RED binder w/ ins. Info, end of life care, legal documents and account information keep it in a small safe.
Thank you for challenge.
Today I spent 3 hours going through paperwork. My goal is to empty one file drawer and use that for my quilting and crafting papers. That means I have lots more to do but I have freed up some space. Clearly I have too many patterns and personal papers.
I try to stay up on paper piles. Just finished a quick purge of patterns & quilt books. These will go to a local charity quilt group. As for household paper, I sort and deal with it when in comes in. I keep a “Just in case” binder with all important documents that is updated yearly. Thanks for keeping me motivated!! Off to the next task.
I need to work of year end paperwork first. Am pretty well caught up with it but let Nov and Dec pile up. Then I can start on quilting magazines etc
I actually organized a lot of my paper earlier this year into binders, but there were more bits of paper accumulating around the room than I had realized. All cleaned up now.
I still have too much paper, even after diligently working on it for ages. I’ve just been weeding through some older magazines and printouts, and now have 2 empty mag boxes and a folder full of empty plastic sleeves. Woohoo.
I’m playing along this year, but since I’ve previously won a fab Shelly prize, you can leave my name out of the hat this time to give someone else a better chance.
Stephanie
My task for this day was to get all the patterns from magazines, downloaded from websites, and printed from EQ8 put in the appropriate three-ring binders. I always put them in page protectors immediately, but then put them in a basket rather than getting out the binders to put them away. Quite a bit gets accumulated before I get around to that last step.
Put away a pattern or two into a drawer that I have creatively called Patterns
This challenge inspired me to go through my filing cabinet and sort the quilt patterns in there. There are patterns I’ve made and patterns I want/ might make someday.
Now I have a nice little pile to take to my Guild to share with others.
I have patterns filed that I have made and have a specific fabric bundle or person I’d like to make again.
I have a file of patterns that I will be making in the next 2 years (always allowing time for Squirrel projects of course).
It feels good to start the new year with an idea of what I have and more space in that drawer for new patterns.
Thanks for the encouragement and suggestions! Got the sewing room free of stacks of papers!
YES!!! This is one thing I really needed to do and IT’S DONE!!! I tend to collect patterns and just put them in a pile with no organization what so ever. I have gone through all those patterns and disposed of some I’ll never do, and then organized all the others and put them into 2 binders with dividers! It’s awesome and my cutting table looks much less cluttered!
I got this one done. I made a filing box of the needlework magazines that I used to get years ago, and another one for patterns, filed by type of craft, like knitting and tatting. It’s helped clear up lots of piles of magazines and patterns. Thanks for the push!
Loose papers taken care of. Thank goodness I hope I have this one under control.
Got the year end papers where they needed to go. And weeded out some magazines!Should go through more but it’s a start.
Done! The main goal was to eliminate the stacks of papers that had mysteriously collected in my sewing room. Things got behind during the holidays…I still have more work to do, but I sorted everything into folders and moved them neatly into the den where I can file, shred or recycle what I don’t need.