Large home improvement projects can not only come with difficulty picking designs such as window restoration for your home but can come with serious difficulties and delays. Organisation is a key tool in reducing stress levels during this time and instead, boost excitement and creativity. The design process should be undertaken with an effective document management system.
With various design colours, brands and different products, elements and contact details, it can be easy to waste time sifting through emails and files to find what you are looking for. Here are some top tips for your document management system.
Implement digital document management software
Placing everything relating to your home improvements in one digital document management software such as a cloud system like Google Drive will mean you know exactly where to source information when you need it. If other parties, such as builders or designers, need to access documents, they can also do so from a different location and devices. This software is free, however, if you want the extra perks, there are subscription-based software packages such as M Files.
Have a filing system that makes sense
This tips refers to the type of content and how you title them in a way that is instinctual for you and others who need to see them. You may want contracts in one folder, creative designs ideas from Pinterest in another, and architectural measurements in another folder, for example. Each digital document management system will be unique to the person as we all have different ways of thinking and working through design processes. The labeling, itself, should include keywords
Be consistent with your document management system
Once you have filed your documents, be consistent with your labeling and filling from then onwards. It can sometimes be easy to quickly leave documents saved to your computer or emails, when you are busy. This will only cause confusion and wasted time when you are constantly searching for important information at a later date. Quickly saving a contract into your document management system, as the file arrives, will save significant amounts of time further down the line.
Delete unnecessary files in your document management system
Just like physical clutter, clutter in your digital document management system will add stress and wasted time. Don’t add items unnecessarily and if there are files you no longer need or do not fit within your design plan, delete them. With home improvements, if you have too many options in front of you, it can add overwhelming feelings and can make the process longer and more difficult. For this reason, your digital document management system should be treated in the same way as your physical home – get rid of the junk for a clearer mind.
With these organisational tips, and effective implementation, your design process will have significantly less stress involved. Home improvement should be a time of fun transformation so you can enjoy your new home in a way that works for you and those residing in it. A digital document management system, whether that’s enterprise M Files or a different cloud option, will enable you to create the lifestyle you want, with ease.