amyjo

As far as not taping to the outside of the box--you can tape a pocket on the outside big enough to put an index card in with the contents listed on it. or even a picture if you have that ability. then no more digging in the box for a card to see what is in the box. it is readily available on the outside. and guess what the box can still be reused when it is emptied.

CindyA

I use a Sharpie and write contents on a large index card (in large letters) then tape it onto the inside of the box so that's it's visible from the front side of the box - the side that will be visible once the bins are stacked. Works like a charm and easy to write a new card as the contents of the box evolve.

nunnyJo

best of luck, wouldn't no where to start?

DebbE

Some good ideas on how to tackle getting the job done -- the timer idea is a really good one, and folding the fabric and putting into totes by color/theme, etc is good, too. Once you get that area done you can look around and figure out if you need to reconfigure how your room is set up. Need shelving for fabric? Can you group things together in such a way so you get more 'bang for your buck' in storage? Once you reconfigure the room, put those neatly folded fabric pieces away on it. Then you can tackle the other parts -- containers of thread, rulers, etc., that need to be organized. Cleaning my quilt room usually is started around 4 a.m. of a morning that I wake up early. It doesn't wake up DH, and before I know it, the room is clean, and hubby is waking up & its 4 hours later. I've had situations like your picture shows. It can be done, but do it in stages & in such a way that you feel 'rewarded' when you're done with each part.

BevF

Sounds like you're on the right track, biggest items first and work down to the smaller items (that way you're sure to have a place for the big items). I ended up setting my totes on end and folding and placing my fleece in so when I take off the lid I can see the assortment and not just the top piece. Totes are more forgiving for the fleece and I needed cotton on the shelves.

giquilt

I bought fabric closet hanging shelves for sweaters (they ran about $12-$15). I have divided my stash by basic colors, RBGOYBrBlW, then one for flower prints, plaids and building (planks, bricks, stone, roof) fabric. Really helps. WIP and UFOs are in an individual bag with inst. Leftover batting I roll starting at the large end to small end, then place back in batting bag. I sew these together for small quilts. I put all batting on a top shelf. That way if they fall it does not hurt to get hit.

I am by no means organized fully but every little bit helps. I have found if I have a few minutes (30 or less). I set my phone alarm, work in my sewing room then leave when the timer goes off. I get SOMETHING done and feel good. It might just be writing a list what I will do next time.

Reply to buying an Accquilt Go stripper, your plan sounds good. 40 hrs is a long time for 1 quilt with just cutting.

BellaBoo

Put everything in bins. Sort later. The mess will be gone and you will feel motivated to organize in a tidy space.

neece

I thought someone had been messing in my fabric. Caught yaI have tried not to use bags as I can't see what's in them. I start out really good but then I find something I forgot I had and it must be finished right now.I don't think there is hope for me. I decided to keep up the way I have. The numerous occasions I have started to organize I know I have that 1 fabric I need to finish this and by the time I find it everything has "magically" become unorganized

Milli

have lI would start in the closet , clear it then start piling bins in that u seemed to already have filled.
that would make room to start sorting buy tops, fq, yardage, I love a mess cause I love organizing.
i just have my bathroom vanity left to do then my closets will be as neat as my house.

needles3thread

I would love to come help you organize. I sort by colors, keep folded in metal cabinet with shelves & doors. Usually, I keep solids together. Also in a chest of drawers. Can hang folded on hangers in clear wide garmet bag. (can you get some hangers with cardboard on them? Start folding in one area at a time and it will look so good that you will want to keep going. (keep a container for things that you want to get rid of and throw things in as you go) I have one area for ufos (unfinished objects).
If space is a problem, remember height of storage.