- First published on
- Authors
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- Name
- Jeff Leong
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Johnny Decimal looks like a flexible and structured system for developing a document filing structure which spans digital files and physical paper.
I struggle with the KonMari method approach to filing papers, which is to simply throw them away. I also struggle to cross-reference files between my paper records and computer-based files.
In the Johnny Decimal system you establish up to 10 categories, each of which can have up to 10 sub-categories. In turn, each sub-category can have up to 100 folders but there is no further depth.
The clever part of this method is that each folder has a unique identifier (e.g. 24.15) made up of a two digit number for the category and sub-category (e.g. 24) followed by a decimal then another two digits for the folder (15). This can make it easier to remember a handful of common folders and it is easy to apply the method across digital and paper systems.
I will be interested to try this out for my work files and personal files. Some of my open questions are:
- How does it work for files other than documents e.g. music, videos, pictures?
- How does it work for projects rather than reference material?
- Will I get confused if I use the same Johnny Decimal system for personal files and work files?