File Organization

Posted at 5:30 AM, Jun. 13, 2006

I've seen people that use various methods of filing stuff on their PC's most of which really aren't, organized that is.  I thought it might be useful to show you what I do.  Not that I have the best way, but certainly "A Way" that may get you thinking about getting your "stuff" organized.

FIRST, EVERYTHING is under "My Document"  I NEVER take the application program default.  For one thing, it make backing up everything easier.  See  http://peterscottnj.realtownblogs.com/equipment/backup-suggestions/

Here is the basic outline:

My Documents

1. Downloads (all downloaded software)
2. Real Estate
   1. eNeighborhoods
      1. Denville
      2. Rockaway
      3. etc
   2. FSBO
      1. Ultimate Challenge Stuff
      2. Prospecting
   3. Houses
      1. 2 Larch Rd (I use the address and the folder name)
         1. Documents (CMA, Brochures, etc)
         2. Orig (pictures)
         3. Slide Show (pictures)
         4. Virtual Tour (pictures)
         5. Other (pictures)
      2. 3 Amato Ct
      3. etc.
   4. Marketing
      1. Market Mailing - 2006
         1. 1 January
         2. 2 February
         3. etc
   5. Advertising
   6. Graphics
   7. Training
   8. Point2Agent
   9. ProQuest
   10. SRES

I guess my point is simple.  Create your own file structure to meet your needs.  I personally find that organizing everything about homes by their addresses works best for me.

In dealing with pictures, I download everything to "Orig".  I can then do a quick preview and whack anything that doesn't meet muster.  I then select those that will go to the virtual tour or other uses and COPY them to the folder - yes I use disk space to store all this stuff.  BUT, if you check the backup link about you find out I have external hard drives.  They can be use to archive unused home addresses and all their pictures by moving one folder.

Another reason for keeping the original pictures separate is that I may crop or resize pictures for specific needs.  When I change my mind (it does happen upon occasion) I always have the original.

Do I have the best way?  Who knows, it's a way and it's certainly better than nothing.  Hope this gives you a thought or two.