Inventory Challenge Week 3: Picking an organization scheme

Ohai friends! It's been way too long, and my inventory just keeps getting bigger and bigger! So, if you haven't done any maintenance in the past couple weeks, go back and do the quick checks I described in Week 1 and Week 2 of the Challenge.

Next, we're going to try to setup a semblance of some organization for you. Before we start this part I have a disclaimer: What works for me, may not work for you! I'll share as many ideas as I have, but you have to find a system that works for you.Since I know we all have our own styles of organization, I asked a few brave people to share screenshots of their inventory so I could have some examples. So look through, find one that looks likes yours and go from there!

(Click the picture to enlarge)

The starting point on an inventory like this is to create some "main" folders and start putting folders within them. For example, there's a lot of hunt folders here. Make one hunt folder ((To SORT)) - HUNTS, then a folder for each hunt under that for each hunt and put the hunt folders in it  RAWR Hunt, etc. Next, start moving all clothes to a NEW CLOTHES folder.

A hint: To create a new folder, go to Create--> New folder
Use multiple inventory windows to make it easier to drag items around. File--> New Window (Or Viewer 2: Gear--> New Window).

(Click the picture to enlarge)

 

This would fit the same need, but since this inventory doesn't have quite as much out of the regular folders, this person could start creating some sub-folders. Like under Body Parts--> Hair--> then categories for Updos, Short, Pigtails, etc. Some people prefer to create folders for specific shops, others prefer to categorize the item type.

(Click the picture to enlarge)

This inventory has the beginning of organization, but it starts to fall apart once you look in the folders (I know this, it's mine!) However, one thing that I picked up from someone else that I love now, is I now keep ((To Sort)) Folders. These can be for hunts, recent purchases, etc. It helps me find new things, know what I still need to clean up when I get a few free minutes, and a way to clean up folder mess when I get a chance. The Needs Unboxing folder I have is for hunt, or purchased items that I need to unbox and can't completely sort.

(Click the picture to enlarge)

Depending on how you search/look for things/use SL, you might have different first tier folders. Nara has a Nara folder, containing clothes, hair, shoes, hunt items, etc specific to her. When I asked, she said she does use some of the system folders- like home things, landscaping, toys, etc in the objects folder. (Nara, forgive me if I'm wrong!)

(Click the picture to enlarge)

 

  This inventory has a great start on structure! The clothing folder (on the left) is awesomely organized! The owner of this inventory expressed that the area, like furniture on the right, doesn't really work for her. I think this brings up a good point-- you might start with certain folders, but find that you really can't ever find what you need with them. From there, you've got to find something that *will* work. Maybe you need themes, maybe you need rooms. I used to organize my poses by designer, but that doesn't really work for me. I've started reorganizing by number of people in the pose.... SO much more useful for me! (2 person- Parent, child) (3 Person- Parent, 2 children),(3 Person- 3 friends pose), etc.

Here's what it comes down to: You need some sort of organization. You've got to find what works for you. A beautiful inventory does not happen in one night, it doesn't happen in a week... it's going to take time.

Here's this week's challenge:

Pick ONE target area to organize. Don't pick the biggest problem in your inventory, pick one manageable area. It might be Objects, animations, hunts, hair, skin, house things. I'll let you choose. Go through the items, decide what you do and don't need. Don't be afraid to trash things you don't like or ever use! Then make an awesome folder organization for it. 

This week we're not going to focus on size, I want you to share the category you picked and the sub-folders you put under it. 

Finally, here's an inspiring inventory to look at... The organization in this inventory is a great example of the power of sub-folders.... and how you can really personalize this to meet your needs!

Special thanks this week to SierraAlexandnia Ahn, Riley Sapphire, Naralina Ordinary, Giselle Melune and Crissy Linette for sharing screenshots of their inventory.