Paper’s definitely easier for me to keep track of too, especially when I’m juggling a few projects at once. I get what you mean about the binder—mine started out organized, but after a couple months it turned into a dumping ground for receipts and random sketches. The post-it system isn’t fancy, but if it keeps you from losing your mind, that’s a win.
One thing I’ve started doing is snapping a quick photo of any notes or diagrams I make on paper, then tossing them in a “House Reno” album on my phone. That way, if I’m at the hardware store or crawling around in a crawlspace, I can pull up what I need without hauling the whole notebook around. Not perfect, but it’s saved me from a few headaches when I can’t remember what’s behind a wall or where I left off.
Honestly, whatever system you’ll actually use is the best one. No sense in making it more complicated than it needs to be.
I’ve tried the “snap a photo” method too, but I always end up with a camera roll full of random stuff and then can’t find the right pic when I need it. Do you tag your photos or just rely on the album? I’ve been thinking about using one of those scanning apps that turns notes into PDFs, but maybe that’s overkill for home projects. Still, having quick access to measurements or wiring diagrams is a lifesaver—especially when you’re halfway through a hardware store run and can’t remember if you need a 2x4 or a 2x6.
Still, having quick access to measurements or wiring diagrams is a lifesaver—especially when you’re halfway through a hardware store run and can’t remember if you need a 2x4 or a 2x6.
- I hear you. My camera roll is chaos—random receipts, blurry pets, and somewhere in there, the one photo I actually need.
- Tried tagging, but honestly, I forget to do it half the time.
- Scanning apps are cool but feel like overkill unless you’re super organized (which I’m not).
- What’s worked for me: make a single “Renovation” album and dump everything in there. Not perfect, but at least I’m not scrolling past vacation pics from 2017.
- Bonus tip: scribble measurements on your hand... just don’t wash them off before you get to the store. Learned that one the hard way.
Yeah, I’ve tried the “album dump” method too. It’s better than nothing, but I still end up scrolling forever when I need that one sketch or measurement. Lately, I just snap a pic and immediately add a quick note in the photo description—like “bathroom vanity width.” Not perfect, but it helps when you’re standing in the aisle second-guessing yourself. And honestly, I’ve had more luck with sticky notes in my wallet than with apps. Low tech, but at least they don’t get lost in the cloud...
And honestly, I’ve had more luck with sticky notes in my wallet than with apps. Low tech, but at least they don’t get lost in the cloud...
Honestly, I totally get the sticky note thing—sometimes the simplest way just works. I tried using a notes app, but then I’d forget which app I used or what I named the file. One thing that’s helped me a bit: I started numbering my sketches and writing the number on both the sticky note and the photo description. It’s not fancy, but it’s saved me from digging through endless pics. You’re definitely not alone in the “scrolling forever” struggle.