The Best Way to Organize Your Computer Files

Today, I'll share a simple process for organizing the files on your computer - and keeping them that way.

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⏱ TIMESTAMPS:
01:41 - Two important rules for file organization
02:22 - The tree structure explained
04:08 - In-depth look at my folder structure
07:31 - How to name your files
08:33 - The best cloud sync app (and why you need it)
10:30 - How to back up your files (cloud sync isn't enough)
13:09 - Use shortcuts and quick access
14:36 - Audible and a book recommendation

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[Leto]

Tip: If you have files that belong in two folders, place the file in the folder you think it belongs the most. Then place a shortcut of that file in the other folder.

[jeffreyhuang]

I just move all my desktop files to a folder called "desktop."

[dvklaveren]

A trick I use is that the computer doesn't distinguish between a shortcut and a folder. If you create a shortcut to a folder, you can drag items into that shortcut and that will transport it to the corresponding folder.

I use this method to simulate the whole sorting tree in an easily copied file of interlinked shortcuts that I call my 'moving bin'.

Within that moving bin, I can sort my files kind of like a filtering process, moving all the way down to the bottom in batches until all files are where they are supposed to be!

[Comale]

0:00 Introduction
1:41 File Structure
7:31 File Naming
8:36 Cloud Sync
13:10 Use Shortcuts
14:34 Essentialism

[kjekelle]

The problem with a tree-structure is that when a particular file belongs in more than one separate folder it becomes a hasstle. A better solution in some cases would be that we could tag each and every file on our computer, throw all the files of one types in a big dump, that then organizes them per tag, so that you don't have to have multiple copies of one file in multiple places in order to find them when you need them. Some people will definitely understand what I mean. Some probably won't.

[lucialorenzo]

Thank you for this video! I love being organised and I’m always looking for new ways to store my files. A little tip for everyone: take the time while organising your files to clean your computer. A few weeks ago I started doing that and I have deleted more than 100 GB of stuff already :)

[maxcermus]

-i watch this video to procrastinate but still being able to feel like i'm learning something but i actually don't-

[HaVoCX]

me trying to organize my 1.5 TB of trash files
*confused screaming *

[SpintoPlaysMC]

Are... are there people who don’t already live like this?

[swabikedude]

I appreciate you giving all options during your videos and not saying you MUST do one or the other - it allows us to select the best option that will work for us...and you're speaking is flawless with zero to no fillers when speaking. Nice job!!!

[marufranco]

I actually went through the trouble of checking every single folder, opening every single non-system file and categorize it, while also deleting stuff i actually will never need.
These were all my files that i have been hoarding since more than 15 years ago.
You would be surprised how much space it adds up and ends up saving you many hundred of gigs in space.
Needless to say it took more than 3 years to do, it is finished and feels refreshing, every file i get it goes exactly where it should go, i basically did what this video says without having watched it before
Also it's great for when you need to migrate to another system, everything is format ready, the external drive i have has the same hierarchy tree but it lets me know which folders i should back up and which ones i don't need to.
For example the Appdata folder or folders that have configs and preferences, very important to backup aswell.
When you migrate to a new PC it will be easier, you will have plenty of space to spare and you will be sure you won't be missing anything important.
And yeah, i did actually look at every single image that i have, that means every single meme i downloaded since 15 years ago, deleted the ones that didn't make me laugh anymore and only kept the best of the best.
Not only that i also used Handbrake to batch convert to MP4 all the video files i had or cared about, the filesizes of almost every video file got reduced to around 10 to 20% without damage the image quality or resolution (Made plenty of tests before doing this, be careful, you don't want to downgrade your files, make sure to keep the same resolutions, audio bitrates and framerates), that alone saved me hundreds of gigs aswell.
Felt really accomplished about it because for years i have been hoarding files, i also managed to find stuff that i thought was gone forever.
After a while of doing this you get good at it, you get good at deciding which stuff you won't need in the future and delete it, where it should go and organize things faster in general, in real life i also decluttered a bunch of physical objects using the same logic and managed to get it done in 1 day.

[pipwills]

I've just spent 2 hours reorganising my files for the first time in years... I love you and hate you in equal measure! Great video, thanks :)

[HoneyLaBronx]

This is a GREAT Literally I have found myself talking to children ages 6 and up and I tell them "Listen... one of these days, you're going to get a phone or a computer. Start NOW... Make a folder for photos. A folder for audio. A folder for documents. Create a system that makes sense to you, and STICK WITH IT!!! You will thank me!!"

[michelehagle]

Hi Thomas, thank you for researching/creating/posting the 1st/only YouTube video I've ever finished watching!! This was fantastic- super informative, really well-presented without being patronizing, and information I appreciate. Thank you!

[markphelan]

Great video. My head was melted trying to figure out a way to organize my files in a logical way that makes them accessible. This is food for thought. I'd also like to explore the possibility of using tags to search for files especially when it comes to photos and videos.

[compassionatepeercounseling]

Great video!! It was super well rounded with the relationship between organizing files and nature. I also appreciate the essentialism system hint and book recommendation. That was cool! I was looking at how to choose between organizing by dates or categories and you answered that.

[IvanferreroIt]

One of the best file management tutorial I’ve found on the Web.

[pierrebriquet]

I built a smart folder builder for shortcuts, because I have too many projects and subjects I participated at work, so working in different tree types (year, department, person, product) is always necessary, and without search folders because it is slow. Totally worth it.

Because of your tips, I also maintain important folder shortcuts, on going projects, and main reports, presentations and spreadsheet that I currently using, it's awesome (because rely on recent files is not okay). It changed my productivity forever.

[universalsa]

Thank you, Thomas, I just started to watch your videos, and I am learning soooo much. I appreciate the way you explain clearly and entertaining. Keep up the great work!

[justthatpm]

File organization is so important! It really helps me keep a clear mindset and also avoids me getting frustrated and giving up when trying to find a file.