Macro vs Micro

Last month we talked about Visual vs. Non-visual organizing styles.  This month,  we're going to determine more of the macro vs. micro organizing styles.  Just like visual & non-visual,  you could be a bit of both depending on space and things.  

Let's start with getting a general idea of 'macro' organizing.  This style tends to be more successful with bulk categories for organizing.  Using broad categories in place of detailed systems will allow for a quicker put away process.  For example,  instead of have tools sorted by hammers, pliers, wrenches, etc....there would be a dedicated 'home' labeled tools.  Another example could be a container for 'paid bills' instead of a filing cabinet concept. When organizing for a macro style, using containers without lids is a great option. A good sign of a macro organizer is finding stuff on the shelf next to the container instead of actually inside it. Macro organizers are usually on to the next thing before the idea of removing a lid even registers.  When creating macro systems for your home team,  think broad categories with a quick put-away system.

The other side of this style defining is 'micro' organizing.  If you've followed us on social media or caught our videos,  you'll know I'm more of micro organizer.  I lean toward using a bit of time in putting things away instead of digging for stuff later.   An example of a micro organizer is tools sorted into type of tool (hammers, pliers, wrenches) and then probably sorted again by size or use.  Another example is paid bills filed away in the traditional file cabinet sorted by date or category of bill type (house payment, water bill, gas/heating, etc..).  A sign of a micro organizer are piles waiting to be put away 'properly' into a system that isn't in place yet.  Other than containers with lids (probably with containers inside too) another great tool for macro organizers are tackle boxes and peg boards.  These are easy to setup or sort into very detailed systems.  

Now, compromising systems can be difficult but when it comes to the common areas throughout your home-  we're going to lean toward the macro organizing style.  It's more successful for a micro organizer to let a little control go on the detailed systems than it is for a macro organizer to process multiple steps on detailed systems.  Examples to consider when compromising,  have a battery box instead of containers for each size of batter.  Consider an electronics container instead of sorted into details of cord type.  

Let's recap:

*Yes,  you can be a bit of a macro & micro depending on the area you're working in

* Macro- quick put-away with a board category, lid-free option

* Micro- quick find system with multiple detailed categories  

* Compromise toward the macro organizer for more simplistic systems and over all 'home team' management success. 

Stay Hopeful and be sure to use #hopefulsimplicity when sharing your Hopeful solutions!