The Folder System: Because “Final_Final_ReallyFinal” Is Not a Strategy

Let’s talk about folder systems.
Not the kind you buy at Target in a moment of optimism—but the digital kind you swear you’ll organize “someday.”

If your current system includes folders named things like:

• Stuff

• Photos 2

• Old iPhone Maybe

• Final_Final_ReallyFinal_v7

…this post is for you.

Step 1: Start Big (Yes, Really)

When organizing photos (or any files), resist the urge to get too specific right out of the gate. That’s how we end up with 47 folders called:

“Trip—Wait—Which Trip—Hold On”

Instead, start with broad folders that make immediate sense, like:

• 2023

• 2024

• Family Events

• Travel

Think of these as the big, friendly bins that say, “Put things here for now—we’ll figure it out later.”

Step 2: Then Narrow It Down (Gently)

Once everything has a home, then you can create subfolders:

• 2024 → Italy Trip

• Family Events → Thanksgiving

• Travel → Austin Weekend

This keeps your system easy to navigate and—more importantly—easy to maintain. Because if your system requires a spreadsheet and three cups of coffee, it’s not going to last.

Step 3: Make It Human-Proof

The best folder system isn’t the prettiest one—it’s the one you’ll actually use. A good rule of thumb:

If you can find a photo in under 10 seconds, you’re winning.

No overthinking. No perfectionism. No renaming every file at midnight while questioning your life choices.

Final Thought

A solid folder system is like a good label maker:
simple, logical, and quietly life changing.

Start broad. Narrow later. And remember—your future self will thank you for not saving everything to Desktop.