3 Keys Thursday: 3 Keys for the Cram and Jam Organizational Style

Photo: Dodgerton Skillhause via Morguefile

No one ever accused the cram and jammer of wasting space. This organizational style probably fits more stuff into less space than anyone else. In addition, these folks don't usually have to worry about remembering where they put something, because pretty much everything is stuffed into the same place. Wrinkles and crinkles aside, you've got to give the cram and jammer credit for putting things away.

For this organizational style, storage and retrieval are the key issues. Oh, that's all? you say. Just storage and retrieval?

 Yes. But it's not as bad as it sounds. In fact, it's really just a matter of a few tweaks.

• Stick to one-step, one-stop storage. One-stop storage means one-stop retrieval, so go ahead and give in to the urge to put everything in one good-sized place. When it comes to containers, think Goldilocks -- a space that's not too small to fit things into, not so large that things
  accumulate, but just right for no more than a week's worth of whatever you're storing.

  

  containerstore.com

  Whenever possible, use storage that has a little wiggle room (fabric containers work well because of their flexibility), but is compatible to the items going into it (try a legal-sized folder for letter-sized paper, for example). Avoid storing things in small, dark places that tempt cramming and threaten retrieval. 

• Sort regularly. Sort papers and other easily crumpled items daily, if possible, and everything else as the container approaches maximum capacity. The closer the collection gets to the top of the container, the more likely the cram and jam tendency will take over and the integrity of the items will be compromised. It's easiest to avoid cramming and jamming if you don't allow the space to become too full.

• Skip the pockets. Cram and jammers don't use the pockets in folders or the rings in binders, so don't even waste your time or your money. Stick to one-step solutions: replace the pocket folder with a file folder and the three-ring binder with a spring-clip binder (for the kid who loves gadgets) or just an accordion envelope with a big opening and room for plenty of papers. Some cram and jammers do well with accordion folders, but for others, the openings are too small and papers get crumpled within minutes. Again, size is key. 

If you're a cram and jam organizer, what are the key ideas you swear by? Share in the comments below!

For printable information sheets 
about containers and the styles, 

click on the CHARTS tab at the top of this page.