Reddit mentions: The best office filing supplies

Oh shit, you're Irish!Anywhere around Cork?I'm maybe 100ish hours into a 4 player campaign and if you're nearby I wouldn't mind helping your first game go smoothly.


> after hopefully reading through the rulebook first

One of you (you) should 100% have at least read the rule book first :)


Its 30 pages, and it won't all stick, but having an a vague recollection of reading about X and an idea of where to find it after looking at the index will save you a lot of time googling and arguing. You can skip some bits, like the variants and enhancements for now. Keep the book on hand

As for party comps I'd say brute and tinkerer plus any two others, best probably being spellweaver and scoundrel (cragheart and mindthief are both great too though). Just dont pick four who are primarily melee or you've find yourselves having issues with pathing a lot.

All of Rasdits points are good to keep in mind. Pretty sure there's a list of frequently overlooked rules for new players somewhere on here. While it's not a rule, I would add that you want to be carefull with using your loss cards early, as the earlier you use them the fewer turns you will be able to take during the scenario before becoming exhausted.

Lastly, Gloomhaven helper is probably the only app really worth using (optional if you want to prevent spoilers from the scenario book). you can get everyone to download it, ideally one of you can host on a laptop and everyone else can join as a client on their phones (because if you close the app to look up rules or some weird card interaction on your phone no one else will be able to do things like enter their initiative or apply damage) and it will let you keep all of the monster decks, stat sheets and condition markers in the box as well track initiative. Using it, and having a storage solution will make it easier to fit 2 scenarios into a session and finishing at a reasonable hour.

I keep my map tiles in one of these sorted alphabetically.

That is really awesome progress. Love how neat the desk area is, plus of course all the garbage cleared out.

Two relatively cheap suggestions for the next step:

1. Decluttering paper can be hard because it's hard to know what to get rid of, especially if you're in school or at a job with a lot of potential reference material. This $11 file organizer is lightweight and easy to label, so you'll be able to find a home for a lot of different kinds of stuff in there
   
   
2. Decluttering "stuff" is also hard because not everything has its own space and you want to be able to see things easily, so just putting it all into a single box doesn't really help. I've used this kind of boxes-on-wheeled-cart organizer ($27) as a way to at least find a general grouping of "stuff," and the boxes are shallow and clear enough that it doesn't take much effort to look through everything when I need to find a specific item. Plus the wheels make the home of the cart itself flexible, too!
   
   Just some ideas. Good luck!

Congratulations! I teach middle-school ELA, and here are some of my systems:

• I invested in some two-tone folders last year, like these. I got a different color for each period, and I set up a system so that when the dark color is on the outside, the papers are ungraded. When the light color is on the outside, the papers are graded, the scores are entered, and the papers are ready to be handed out. A tip I found somewhere on the internet also suggests matching of the color of the pen you use for correcting/grading to the color you assign to each class, but I'm not quite anal enough for that.
  
  
• For make-up work, I have an expanding file like this. (When I taught multiple grades, I had a file per grade.) I just put each set of extra handouts in each pocket, put in the "wrong way", so that the papers stick up out of the organizer. (If you do it the other way, students always think the pockets are empty.) No worrying about labeling file folders; it's purely chronological. I got the idea from a teacher who actually filed them by date (things handed out on the 25th of a given month went into pocket 25, things handed out on the 3rd went into pocket 3, etc.), but that was somehow unworkable for me. I don't remember what the issue was, and YMMV.
  
  
• I also store copies of all my handouts online in public dropbox folders, linked from my website. (You can see it here, but I've barely started setting up for first quarter, so there's not much there) I only make a few extras and then students need to print out their own papers if they're not quick enough for an extra. This saves me from having to make more copies of assignments when I run out of extras. (I swear, some students go through five copies of an assignment before they actually get it completed and turned in!)
  
  
• For receiving late/make-up work, I have a drawer for each period. I know some teachers use just one or two bins (one for late, one for absent), but it takes too long to switch between periods in our gradebook program (Infinite Campus), so I'd prefer to have the assignments already separated by period. Also, we use late/absent/redo tags. They're three different colors, and students complete the tags and attach them when they turn in their work. When I'm running behind in grades, I'll sometimes prioritize grading absent or redo work over late work.
  
  
• A trick I learned from a colleague and love, but somehow forget to use way too often, is taking the time THAT DAY to note absences in the score box for any assignments that are either passed out or collected. If the student is absent when the assignment is handed out, I type in a lowercase "ab". If they're absent when the assignment is collected, I type in an uppercase AB. (If they're absent both days, I go with AB.) This makes it SO much easier to confirm full-credit absent work versus partial-credit late work.
  
  
• Finally, I suggest having a clear system for collecting papers not only for speed in collection, but for efficiency in handing out. My seating fluctuates between groups and rows (and a few other setups). I either have them pass their papers across (it's better than passing forward because they can make eye contact) or have them pile them up in groups. If you're fast enough in grading, you can then pass the papers back in their groups or pass them across in rows for students to pick out their papers. (I discuss the importance of looking only at names, not at grades, and the grades are not always/often on the front of assignments.)
  
  Whew! I think that's enough for today. I hope you find something useful in that verbal dump. ;) If there's anything you want clarification on, just let me know!

Totally agree mate. I’ve only had a handful of sessions but already been finding that digging out bags of monsters and tokens slows things down considerably! Thanks for the comment too.

1. Snopake 15174 Eligo 13 Part Desk Storage Expander A4 Landscape Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0012334Z2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_aQxZBbNX6N9P9 Here is an example of what I mean. Just make sure to buy an accordion style one and not one that splays open from the bottom as It just won’t be large enough to hold everything.
   
   
2. Exactly correct. Archers have one envelope, guards another, bosses another. Just sort the monsters out by their decks.
   
   
3. I used probably around 2x a3 sheets. I recycled all of mine as tonnes of the stuff is wasted at my work. Check on trade websites too mate, I think amazon will be expensive for that sort of stuff. The foamboard architects use to make their models is exactly what you want. Mine was also 3mm thickness although the link I provided in another comment used 5mm thickness (I just accounted for the 2mm difference in my measurements). I actually think balsa wood would be perfect mate. It’s nice and light too although it may well cost a lot.
   
   Hope this helps and if there is anything else I can answer then please ask!

1.) Something that is grey.

2.) Something reminiscent of rain. (It sprinkles all over you!)

3.) I've heard these are delicious

4.) For my best friend because birthdays! Also he loves superheroes!

5.) You must read this because I mean... V for Vendetta. The movie was fantastic, this will blow you away


6.) Well, it can be... ;)


7.) I am the crazy cat lady, so...

8.) I mean... It's beautiful


9.) Not the actual movie
But seriously, everyone needs to see this movie. It changed my life, really. I mean, it changes how you perceive things. Even your littlest actions. Not to mention, fantastic movie score... 10/10 would recommend.

10.) May not be real, but it still shoots...


11.) Definitely this or this but they're wicked expensive. The lens would absolutely change my photography career so much because photography is a lot more about equipment than people like to admit. The Macbook would help me with my photo editing, music mixing, and even my coding and programming. These things would open up so many possibilities for me...

12.) Ugh, stupid add-on... I just want to cure my chapped lips! :(

13.) This is the most expensive and I'd love it for photography... The MacBook, my second dream item, is only $100 less...

14.) Definitely bigger than a bread box...

15.) Earring are small.

16.) This smells glorious


17.) Because neurology <3

18.) This would be extremely helpful!

19.) I CAN'T STOP. I also may or may not have already finished the second volume...

20.) THIS COMIC OMFG but seriously, it is one of the best comics ever (according to statistics)


Thank you for the contest! :) <3


EDIT: Bonuses

1. I'm sorry, this is hilarious.
   
   
2. Hm, this sounds good!
   
   fear cuts deeper than swords.... muahahahahaa!

If you can afford it, the Broken Token insert is great. I tried using baggies at first and the insert is such a huge improvement. It not only reduces setup and tear down time, but it also keeps components well organized during game play. I recommend having some wood glue handy when assembling it, as there were several spots that needed it for mine. I also recommend watching this video after assembling it to see how everything is designed to fit in the box.

The only part that isn't great is the map tile storage tray. Everything fits in it, as advertised, but unlike most parts of the insert, it does little to help with the efficiency of setup and tear down. So instead, as many others have done, I'm using an expanding file to store the map tiles (outside of the box), and using the storage tray to store my custom standee bases and the dice I use to track monster health.

Ooh, sorting algorithms!

>Then I take one sheet of paper at a time and place it into the correct position (relative to the others I've already picked out).

Insertion Sort

>To address this, I've also tried sorting smaller stacks, and then combining the stacks. By that I mean, I take 50 of the papers, sort them, put that stack aside, do the same for the other 50 papers, and then pick the one with smaller integer from both piles until I've combined the two stacks of 50 papers into 100 sorted papers.

Merge Sort

>I'm not particularly confident in the efficiency of either method, and would really like to hear any ideas you all have.

Radix Sort:

Sort into 0-99, 100-199, 200-299, 300-399, 400-499 piles. Next, sort each pile into X00-X09, X10-X19, X20-X29, etc. Sort those piles of 10 pages into the proper order, then combine them with the other sorted piles.

---

EDIT: things to keep in mind:

How fast is determining the content of an item? (a printed number on a corner is faster than written name in the middle)

How fast is moving an item? (single sheets are easier than stapled, as you don't have to avoid putting an item in the middle of another one)

How many arbitrary buckets can you hold in your mind at the same time? How many on your table?

Can you change from a tabletop to an accordion folder to get more buckets?

Do you have more people that can parallelize it with you? Is the overhead worth it?

---

More things:

Is two the best number? Almost all algorithms compare two numbers at a time, but choosing the best of four takes less than double the time of choosing the best of two for a human. Similarly, Merge Sort and Quicksort have you split things in half and combine two things back together, but that seems less than twice as fast as doing the same for four things at once.

Congratulations in moving into your first apartment!

I would suggest in buying a few microwaveable tupperwares (or takeaway containers) for dividing up food when cooking to take to work/classes or for a easy quick meals at home.

Get a folder organiser like this to manage all the letters/bills you receive. Set up automatic payments if you can for things like the gas/electricity, internet etc and regularly check your bank balance online via online/phone app.

Set a day once a week to clean your laundry and other cleaning duties i.e. cleaning the bathroom/kitchen/floors etc.

Check out these subreddits for ideas on decorating /r/InteriorDesign /r/DesignMyRoom

Best of luck!

How much wasted space do you have in that file box? I was hoping a plastic portable version of a file folder would be good enough. I lugg a box like that around for my DND games and a separate one for other RPGs and they are cumbersome to transport especially when you consider the size of the main box.

My other standees etc are well organized in main box with 4 Plano boxes that end up giving me plenty of room otherwise for tiles and books. I want to have the original box plus something to hold the map tiles as the only separate piece but was hoping something smaller that could fit in my messenger bag. We use a laptop and gloomy companion to do monster cards and that works great for my group.

Something like this maybe: Smead Portable Expanding File Box, 19 Pockets, Alphabetic (A-Z) and Subject Labels, Handle and Closure, Legal, 1 Count, Color Varies (70806) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I2EV2O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HIIAzb1PF8J21

Very nice! Yeah we picked this up after playing on TTS for a while and fell in love.

The app makes thing so much easier but having the trays for everything is still super worth.

What I would recommend is getting an accordion folder for the map tiles like this it makes setting up maps soooo much easier!

This is great advice. I learned in AI that writing things down is one of the few actions we know helps form memories, as there is a sort of feedback loop created. Doing it more than once is a great idea.

Organization is also key as you mentioned. I used a simple organizer like this my last 2 years of undergrad and it really helped me stay on point. I also took notes on plain printer paper so I could organize what I wrote however I liked (landscape was ideal for math and physics, for example).

Look at the YASS storage solution, it uses plano boxes to fit most of the components. We also have some additional boxes to store the currently played characters and store all map tiles and sheets on a file folder. It could all fit on the backpack if it's big enough. Exception would be the extra classes, I would suggest you leave those behind and possibly only take those you think might be played next in case of a retirement.

I'd also strongly suggest using apps to track monster stats and abilities. Gloomhaven Helper and Gloomhaven Dungeon Master are both pretty good and remove the need to take the monster stat cards and abilities.

A binder with card pocket pages makes item storage and selection sooo much easier! We keep the Random Items in two separate pages, whenever the time to choose one comes, we just smack them down on the table face-down and select one. Alternatively, you can use a random number generator off the internet.

I got mine from a friend who ordered them from Amazon, so I can't be sure what brand he got, but it's something like these pocket pages here.

​

Edit: It should be stated, however, that the item binder does not fit in the original GH box. We're using a organizer to keep things tidy within the box, but then we keep our items separated in their own special binder, and we keep map tiles alphabetically ordered in an accordion folder, together with the party sheets, unlockable envelopes, removable stickers, etc. All of these goodies fit snugly into a large, blue IKEA bag, handy for those Grab'n Go situations.

I use 48"w x 18"d x 74"h wire shelving, 5 shelves, with 1/4" wood liner shelves. Each unit holds 25 short boxes, and they are easy to get on and off the shelves. I just added a second shelf unit tonight so I have a picture handy:
http://imgur.com/BTytifp

Edit: Here are the shelves I use:

• Lowe's, $74.98.
  
• The chrome ones are currently on sale for $59.98.
  
  I can't find a link to the wood I use for shelf liners, but it's fantastic - it's a reddish-stained smooth plywood which comes in a 4'x8' sheet for about $14 - it's sold as 1/4" but it's closer to 1/8". I cut it to 17" x 46.75" shelves, and then cut off about 1.25" inches off of each corner so that the liners sit right into each wire shelf. Short boxes slide in and out very easily.
  
  While I'm at it, I highly recommend using business card holders and printable business cards to label your short boxes, it's really improved everything for me... recommended:
  
  
• Business card holders
  
• Printable business cards
  
  I also use a sharpie on the backs of old business cards to help organize whatever boxes I'm using for filing.

This was the first year where I really felt like I had our shit together. I have a filing cabinet full of tax related stuff from the last few years, but it's certainly not organized and I probably fudged some numbers here and there for receipts that may or may not have been business related.

I used something like this Amazon Expanding File in both of our work trucks and my personal vehicle as well as one at home all year. Labeled nicely to make it as idiot-proof as possible.

Those combined with work binders that keep track of scheduling, individual estimates and jobs, each job's expenses, etc. and I have a good reference for what we should have receipts for in each expanding file. I try to permanently record and file everything once a week. It's a lot easier than waiting until you start getting tax forms in the mail.

But I think it's all about finding a system that works for you.

> but I needed (wanted) to use the connectors

Can't fault you there. They look pretty awesome. I added them to my Amazon cart for "later" hoping something will come up in the near future where I can justify ordering them.

I ordered these Wago connectors a few weeks back and I'm just waiting for an excuse to use them.

Her suggestion is to have one area to keep your long term papers/documents (this is where I keep my birth certificate, social security card, passport, savings bonds info, etc) and another area to keep 'papers that need to be dealt with' (currently in my pile: a check I need to cash, tickets to a show I am going to later this month, paperwork I need to fill out for an appointment, a few bills I need to pay and mail, etc).

For long term, I use a clear plastic envelope similar to [this] (https://www.amazon.com/Rapesco-Popper-Wallet-Clear-Transparent/dp/B001O3PAFW/ref=sr_1_17?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1542484017&sr=1-17&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin%3A5996014011) and for short term, I am using the lid from the box my MacBook came in inside of a desk drawer. When you start, it's best to just use whatever you have available--any kind of folder will do for the paperwork and any kind of shallow box, lid, or container will work for your short term. She is careful to say not to use one of those big divided accordion type folders (as you tend to forget what you have in them since you never look through the areas you don't normally access) and as someone who used one of these for ages--I tend to agree. So far, using a smaller file has meant I've been more selective about what I actually need to keep which has been working out well.

Good luck!

Part1 (sorry it's long post)

Thanks for sharing your struggles.
Have you ever been assessed by an expert for ADHD? While it could of course be a symptom of autism (with comorbid anxiety), to me personally it screams ADHD (a lot of people on the spectrum suffer from ADHD as well). What you are describing sounds like the story of my life, and probably a lot of autistic / adhd affected people suffer from exactly this. So first thing first: Don't be too harsh on yourself if somehow possible. It's really easy to slip into depression because of underperforming in everyday-life. Just happened to me this year and it takes soo long to get out of the hole after depression caught you.
Ok, so I'll just write down some coping strategies that I was thinking about (as I'm troubleshooting exactly the same thing at this current moment). However, keep in mind if I'm talking about medical topics: I'm not a medical doctor, always speak to your therapist/doctor to clarify these things and take anecdotal advice on the internet with a grain of salt! To me: I'm 30 years old, was sure to be on the spectrum, but was just diagnosed with ADHD+major depression+anxiety disorder some months ago. First of all, I very much like to think about "procrastination" (work/private live things, does not matter) as a symptom of anxiety. The reason why a lot of people cannot get started is that they only see the huuuuge mountain of things they actually need to do and then they are pretty much paralyzed by anxiety and stress and just 'decide' not to start at all. I can recommend some videos by Mel Robbins talking about procrastination to illustrate what I'm talking about (video1, video2). There exist a lot of strategies to avoid showing that reactions to tasks. The most obvious one is to break the mountain down into several sequential chewable, enjoyable hiking-routes that are not overwhelming but you can tackle each one individually and rest after each and everyone a bit and before you notice after some hikes you realize that you're up the mountain. Sorry for using metaphors, not a fan actually, but for this, I guess it kind of illustrates what I'm wanting to say. However, this is general advice that is supposed to work for all type of brains out there and it is not too autism/adhd specific. And I'm also really frustrated about everyday NT-advice like "pull yourself together", "just do it", whatever. It's not helpful at all. So let's stop with theory and dive into applying it in our lives: What ADHD-lers and people on the spectrum helps a lot are checklists, plans, and routines. You're all aware of that, I know. So you could try something like that: first just observe: observe your behavior for some time (like a week or two or so) and carry a notebook where you write down what tasks you struggle to start with. After having a list I'd advice tackling them one by one (small hiking routes, don't climb the mountain in one leg). Let's say you take: "paying bills". Then in your notepad write down, in case you know, what stressed you about paying bills, or why you suspect you're struggling with paying bills. For me it usually would be something like (as I'm highly disorganized): My letters are just all over the place and I don't want to sort through all of them and first have to even find the bills in order to actually be able to pay them. Thus, in order to not struggle in the future with the tasked you piked out to troubleshoot, you have to set structures in place that make it easier for you to start doing it (by removing the things you listed during brainstorming reasons why your struggle with a certain task). For the bill example and my personal life: I bought one these file folders (something like this) and put it right on the piece of furniture in the entrance hall where I just usually drop the letters. So I decided that it's way easier for me if I just put the letter in the corresponding slot in the file folder every single day right after picking them up from the mailbox (slots like "bills to pay", "bank documents", "insurances" etc.). Like this, I do not end up with a pile of documents (the metaphorical mountain to climb) that I need to organize before actually being able to pay bills (the behavior I wanted to make easier for me). Anyway, sorry for being too detailed, that's actually my ADHD at work, sorry about that. Long story short: Pick one behavior you struggle with starting. Think about why you struggle with it and how you can make the task easier for you. Then implement these changes and still observe how it's affecting your willingness to start a task (it's ok and to be expected that is not just fixed right away, maybe you need 2 or 3 iterations of putting tools and structures in place for you in order to make a task easier, but that's fine).

These are the folders I used: 4-section manila folder (Sections are the number of surfaces that papers can be fastened to. 4 section has one divider, for a total of 4 interior surfaces.)

(and these are a more simple folder I use for a different game: 2 section manila folders )

For the redacted documents, I used a chapter from one of david weber's honor harrington books (from the baen free library). The redacting itself took some time, but once done I just reprinted it for the other folders.

The largest component was time... actually making the characters was pretty fast. Since they were legendary rank, I just gave them what I wanted. :)

I'm thinking of upgrading to these 4-section or even these 6-section. They're pretty expensive, but they'll last a loooong time.

A friend of mine has the Broken Token organizer, which is really nice. I didn't want to spend so much, so I went with a Plano solution. His setup is definitely faster than mine, but mine's not too bad. I also save a lot of time by using an accordion filer for the map pieces (I used https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0186K7ASK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 but it's nothing special). The last thing that I've done to save time (and probably the most impactful) is use https://ninjalooter.de/gloomhaven for tracking the world and party state, and https://www.gloomhavenguild.com for tracking monster bits during combat.

Since they look like pretty thin packages, I'd suggest an accordian style container. I probably wouldn't get a regular accordian file folder, because I think it would be too small and cluttered. I like the look of this one, though. It looks a lot bigger. And if need be, you can get two! Use each little section for different types of tea :)

thanks for the contest!

How about a Hipster PDA?

If you want more space, then a 5x8 notebook (like the common Moleskine) is a workable option. For even more space, a 3-ring binder with 8 dividers is wonderfully useful, if not pocketable.

For simplicity, it is difficult to beat using paper for your "dashboard". Capturing thoughts on 3x5 cards carried in a pocket is a cheap, simple, and fast approach. For a physical inbox, I used a poly file pocket to carry loose notes until they were processed. A similar one carried my "Action Support" when I was on the go for errands and such.

If you prefer digital and have a smartphone, it is easy enough to set up a free Evernote account. You can create individual notes per task/project, or simple have a few notes that you edit as things change.

For organization, an accordion folder is great for the map components. Something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/AmazonBasics-Expanding-File-Letter-Size/dp/B01B25NN64?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duc12-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01B25NN64

Then for the shop, I found the Ultimate Guard Mini American Flexxfolio was a great organizer. You can fit every card in its own pocket, no need to double up, and just flip them over when they're unlocked: https://ultimateguard.com/en/flexxfolio/mini-american-flexxfolio

I always did a combination of these collapsible folders (https://www.amazon.com/Smead-Organizer-Pockets-Closure-70902/dp/B0085IQ05I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502462258&sr=8-1&keywords=collapsible+folder) and then put the instructions into clear 3 ring binder sheets and file them into the folder based on labeled tabs. The larger sets with big instruction books fit perfectly into the clear pages. Ive had mine for 15 years like that and all are still mint. That way I can just buy a new one folder as needed when one starts filling up. My Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and Star wars all have separate folders.

Setup time is about as quick as imperial assault, we split sorting tokens and setting up the map etc, but I've gone for the cheap and quick home-made solution rather than the wooden boxes.

The lid doesn't sit flush any more, but for about £30 I can't complain.

So I cut out the foam that came with the game -
http://i.imgur.com/04Ufc7e.jpg

Base of the box uses the standard insert, with a little bit of plastic removal around the road event cards -
http://i.imgur.com/QxTp8gJ.jpg

The foam inserts stack nicely -
http://i.imgur.com/Y9upzxg.jpg

These 3D printed bases have been the most time saving thing of actually tracking HP on the enemies, seriously, if you have the chance they're amazing. -
https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/145269/3d-printed-standee-base

I use a file folder for all of the map tiles, which makes it really quick as they are in A-Z order. -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Expanding-File-A4-Size/dp/B01B25NN64/

This is pretty nice for the monster standees. Combine it with an accordion organizer for the map tiles and you’re good to go

Yeah. The game is a beast. The game's main appeal is also a big part of its annoyance. Every time you play you'll be embarking on a new dungeon with different features & different monsters who have different abilities. With that amount of variability, also comes the need to organize and set up new content every time you play. When I play with my groups, I ALWAYS determine our scenario path beforehand, and get everything set up and ready before people arrive. I have also bought a couple Plano organization boxes, An expanding file for the map tiles, CD sleeves for the monster cards, and small dice to replace the monster damage counters. That all helps speed up setup & play a bit, but it's not necessary.

What type of rules do you have questions about?

I highly recommend using the New Player content that's out there, such as the First Game Setup Guide and doing a search on /r/Gloomhaven to read a couple threads of frequently missed rules.

Wago lever nuts are the best for this imo. Stranded doesnt like to get good grip if your wire nut isnt sized just right. You can do it, but i feel a lot more confident with lever locks especially on something that might have a bit of mechanical vibration.

https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ

Back in high school I'd always get a multi-pocket folder like this so I could just have the 1 thing to carry for papers for all classes instead of swapping out a bunch of folders. I'd have a multi-subject notebook as well for the same reason.

http://www.amazon.com/Five-Star-6-Pocket-Expanding-72391/dp/B003OCQOLA/

I was also a fan of the Fisher Space Pen

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Bullet-Pen-Matte/dp/B000WGD13U/

Of course the Pilot G2 is also a nice writing pen.

http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Retractable-Premium-Roller-Point/dp/B001GAOTSW/

Those things, my books, and a calculator for math class were about all I had.


I'm not really sure how much school has changed since I've been out though. Depending on your school maybe you just need a tablet or laptop and that's it...

Well, you could always upgrade to WAGO levernuts.Anywhere from 12-24awg, solid or stranded, 2, 3, or 5 conductor configurations (New ones accept 10-22 awg I think). Can probably find at a better price than the link, just provides picture.

Just a heads up, 3-way smart switches wire differently than normal 3-ways. Take a look at the directions and if you're unsure still, there are tutorials online. I've wired 3-way smart switches a couple times before, and yet I still managed to screw up the wiring on a switch I put in last year. Turns out that switch only controlled 1 room, but had like 3 or 4 rooms connected to it. My uncles an electrician and it still took him like an hour to fix it.

Also, when you're doing smart switches, wire-nuts are a MAJOR pain in the ass! Space is at a premium, check out Wago lever nuts. They save space and are easier to install. https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ

I'm a huge fan of accordion folders for their compactness and organization structure. Here's a link if you'd like to check them out! https://www.amazon.com/Five-Star-Expanding-Expandable-72387/dp/B003OCW75W/ref=sr\_1\_6?keywords=accordion+folder&qid=1550756190&s=office-products&sr=1-6

This from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Expanding-Organizer-Folder-Letter/dp/B01B25NN64/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=basic%2Bexpanding%2Bfolder&qid=1568766781&sprefix=basic%2Bexp&sr=8-4&th=1&psc=1

13 pockets; I put most of them two letters per pocket. Pockets for a ziploc with frequently used stuff (dials, attack mods, active events, elements, etc), scenario, rules, records...works perfectly

https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Expanding-File-Letter-Size/dp/B01B25NN64/
https://smile.amazon.com/Evelots-Magazine-Holders-Assorted-Multi-Colored/dp/B01345OFV2/
https://smile.amazon.com/Pendaflex-Decoflex-Desktop-Black-23013/dp/B0012VIJGS/

Something like these, depending on what you're trying to do. I guess I should've phrased it as some kind of container for your manuals/boards. They don't necessarily have to be folders, but it does make it easier to find things.

These ones work great with stranded wire!

For my graduate degree I started using accordion folders instead of binders. I could get one accordion folder and put each class for an entire semester into a different slot, then I could put the completed semester on my bookshelf for easy reference later on. It's a great way to organize your notes and you'll never have to deal with the metal ring of doom again.

I use these Wago wire connectors instead if wirenuts flir the past 3 years after having an I same amount of service calls for loose wire in a wire nut(not my installs) they have been great.

Wago 221 Lever-Nut Assortment Pocket Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wGYsDbZ1HZ5RY

I was thinking of using a plastic file organizer but not sure if there are enough slots, maybe for the big pieces.

Something like this: Smead Step Index Poly Organizer, 12 Pockets

I carry around an accordion folder when I go to class. It gets bulky later in the semester, but I stuff as much class-related stuff in there, like old homework assignments, handouts, etc.

I leave everything in my office though. Only that folder and my pen pouch come with me to class. I also try to leave my phone in my office so I'm not tempted to derp off during class.

I strongly reccomend:

1. for the maps: an Expanding File Folder
   
2. for all the pieces: a couple storage boxes I found 2 of these at goodwill for a couple bucks, but they're $3.19 at amazon, so hardly breaking the bank either.
   
3. Gloomhaven Helper <--- this will save you so much time in setup, it replaces all of the monster decks with 1 simple tool, for web/pc/android

Would tape not work on the wall? You could put one piece of tape on the top, and if you need to scan the back you can just flip it up. You can put a backing board up to tape the coupons to if you're worried about using tape on the wall. Maybe something like a piece of plastic put up with poster tack.

Or, just use poster tack for the coupons. It's reusable. You won't be able to flip them over though.

Other ideas:

• clear business card sleeves
  
• binder clips
  
• the magic of command hooks

Get an expanding folder organizer like this


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B25NN64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_6vGrDbP12R35J

Label tabs for days of the week and load it with your handouts, test, etc. Or get 2 and preload a week ahead.

I put my sandpaper in an expanding file folder like this. Works well for me.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Expanding-File-Letter-Size/dp/B01B25NN64/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1517588893&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=expanding+file+folder&psc=1

I store mine in an expandable file organizer like this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B25NN64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Z3n3DbH8MGWP1

I wouldnt focus on the color- I think that varies by manufacturer. Your wires are most likely going to be 12 guage. Do just buy an assortment pack and use the one that's appropriate for the number and guage of the wire you have. If you want to make life easier, grab some of these this style: Lever-Nuts

https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=lever+nut&qid=1570645403&sr=8-3

Once you use them, you'll never go back to wire nuts.

Large filing thingie, accordion style with dividers built in. Each pocket can hold one set of needles. You can label each pocket with the size and length for easily location.
Quick edit: http://www.amazon.com/Pendaflex-Portafile-Expanding-Organizer-Black/dp/B000DN85LA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1394604567&sr=8-7&keywords=alphabetical+file+organizer

Cheeky repost

># Bag
>* Kit Bag

>#Stationary

• Best Pen
  
• Backup Pens
  
• Ruler
  
• Notebook (personal)
  
• Notebook Cover
  
• Accordion File - for forms
  
  >#Tech/Media
  
• Pen Drive
  
• DVD/CDRs
  
• Radio Earpiece
  
• Power Bank + various leads/adaptors
  
  >#MOE
  
• Window Punch
  
• MICA Sheets
  
• Fireman's Drop Key
  
• FB Keys
  
  >#Traffic
  
• Tyre Depth Guage
  
• Traffic Law Book
  
• Duct Tape - so useful
  
  >#On-Person Kit
  
• Handcuff Key
  
• Key Holder
  
• Baton Clip
  
• Torch Holster
  
• Torch
  
• Back Support - not the same, mine's smaller, helps no end
  
• Glove Pouch
  
• CS Pouch
  
• Watch
  
• Boots
  
• Knife
  
  >#Comfort/Personal
  
• Flask
  
• IFAK - I made a L1 kit using this video out of the issued document pouch
  
• Gloves
  
• Patch
  
  >I have a problem, although to be fair a lot of it is either stuff I always carry on me/use for other stuff, presents or "acquisitions" from colleagues at work who may be retiring, moving etc.
  
  >I also need a decent pair of sunglasses that I can replace the lenses on easily, maybe add some leg restraints if we have a spare set at work.
  
  
  

As long as your projects aren't bigger than a sheet of paper, you could store them in an accordion file.

Example from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Expanding-File-Letter-Size/dp/B01B25NN64

I got this combined M & N since it's one pocket short. But for $6 can't complain.

AmazonBasics Expanding File, Letter Size - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B25NN64?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

A "sackpack" with a folder for character sheets inside (use an accordion folder for lots of sheets/games). Pencils and a plastic bag of dice in the secondary pocket of the backpack. Water bottle in the side pocket.

For receipts and/or paperwork that I have to keep for an extended period or for tax purposes I use one of these.

If they are all on the same breaker you should be able to wire them all into one smart dimmer. (probably keep the exhaust fan separate) Most likely you would put all the blacks into one wire nut with a jumper coming out to the new switch, all the neutral's into one nut and do the same, and then same with the grounds. this many wires coming together will be a bit of a mess so I prefer these instead of wire nuts https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1518965173&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=wago+lever+nut&psc=1
You could buy a new trim cover then with blanks in it to get rid of the extra holes. However not sure if they are all on the same breaker or if there are any unusual circumstances why you couldn't do the above.

I hate spirals.... two strategies:

I have used the plastic sheet protectors to organize loose leaf pages. I create a coversheet and slide the related content behind the coversheet. Holds up well in a binder over time.

Other way I've done it is in a [accordion folder] (https://www.amazon.com/Smead-Organizer-Pockets-Closure-70902/dp/B0085IQ05I/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1491389428&sr=1-4&keywords=accordion+folder) that had many slots. Then one slot per topic.