cheyenne barton
patreon
the ~before~ pictures of my dining room/studio
🕑 Added 2023-08-15 21:41:30 +0000 UTC"chey, why are you uploading only before photos and no after photos??" because I'm overwhelmed and documenting this process like this might make it feel less daunting!! it's my life!!
So!! Yes!! These are my "before" pictures for my lil dining room/studio -- I finally started carving into this mess in earnest today, so I wanted to get some juicy before pics cause everyone loves a studio makeover lolol. I'm also vlogging this process, fear not!!
I'm realizing that my biggest obstacles are:
- prioritizing what items I need most often/easiest access to
- what packaging materials and merchandise can be tucked away under my bed
- how to make it simultaneously a functional space while also being free (as possible) of visual clutter, cause this is one of the main spaces in my apartment
- as such, stuff needs to flow well, so clean-up is easy, as to minimize stress on the eyeballs in my off hours
- I have the object permanence of a child (thank you ADHD) so if I do not see something, I very quickly forget that it even exists, so a lot of things need to remain visible to an extent
For instance, I know my Patreon envelopes and rewards need to be easy to access as I deal with those every month, but mailers and merch bags can be tucked away more as I'll only need those during my shop update next month, and I can reorganize those specific things when that time comes. I also have all my old shop merch that will be a part of the clearance sale -- do I tuck that away until I start packaging it? Or keep it visible so I don't forget about it? I also have my art supplies, sketchbooks, notebooks, and random stationery, and that battle is what can I give away/get rid of, and how should I store the stuff that I decide to keep? What about my filming equipment? So many questions for my tired little brain to parse.
It's also so hot in Seattle right now (88F!!) and my singular AC unit is in my bedroom, so I'm so sweaty and miserable T__T I'm really not made for summertime...I need it to be rainy and cold and dark ASAP 😖
I've been watching a bunch of studio makeover vlogs to try and help my brain figure out how to sort this space out. I have faith I'll make it happen, it just takes all my brain power -- this kind of stuff isn't my strong suit lol.
Wish me luck!!! Happy Tuesday!!!
Comments
Michelle Johnson
Welcome!
cheyenne 🌠
They are in cardboard boxes right now since I definitely don't need them as often, and also on the bottom tricky-to-reach shelves, but I REALLY like the "bright labels" idea so that it's easier to clock what I have at a glance. thank you!!
Michelle Johnson
You are not alone in this, I too struggle with how I want my studio organized too. Last year I decided to keep my things in clear containers so I could see what I have (I my name is Michelle and I am a visual learner). Could bright colored labels help with things like mailers and merch bags and things you don't need often? Maybe they can be stacked behind or under boxes of stuff you use more frequently? What about a quick list or sketch of where you have things stored for easy reference? I think watching vlogs to see how other people sort out and handle storage in their space, is a great idea. Good luck!
pitch.pine
You got this Chey!! I just moved from grad school (overseas) back to my parents' house, and had consolidate all my stuff, so I feel you... it's taking ages, but we'll get there!
Audrey M
I was picturing attaching a curtain rod directly to the shelves, yes! Like if you had two hooks/brackets attached to the frame at the top, and then you could put a rod across them, kind of like this: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/423549539936208613/, or like this: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/563018687474312/. Or you might possibly be able to use a tension rod, depending on how you place it!
cheyenne 🌠
ohhhhh the idea of “seeking out” is genius!!!! thank you!!!
cheyenne 🌠
oh this is very clever…what mechanic would u suggest for this? like command hook a tiny curtain rod straight on the shelf?
JavabeanStudio
Yeah! Even if it was just the bottom shelves, like those old-timey kitchen counters. So all the pretty storage and things you need to remember would be on the open shelves, but less cute things that also need to be right there could be covered with some cloth.
Taryn
you’ve got this!!!! I hope that the process is as smooth as possible and that you feel so relieved after! sharing something that has helped me with this problem in case you need it :) (feel free to leave it if you’re not in an advice space!) in our adhd home my partner and I instituted a fridge system where we put condiments in the crisper drawers and produce in the door shelves. that way we can have a visual reminder of what we need to eat, and the stuff we know we’ll remember and seek out (like sauces) goes away. I’ve used this idea to organize my office & supplies as well. while I may need something more often, if it’s something I’ll seek out I can put it out of sight (ex: I embroider tote bags, and I keep my blanks tucked away. I need them most often, but I can’t make my orders without them so I’ll seek them out before production time). this lets me prioritize putting things I need to remember in high visibility spots (like return address labels so I remember to replenish them)
Audrey M
On the topic of needing to be able to see things but also not wanting things to be visually cluttered—I wonder if some sort of curtain setup attached to the open shelving would work? like curtains in front of the shelving that you could draw open when it’s work time but then draw closed when you’re done? The idea just popped into my head as I was reading your post so thought I’d share in case it sparks something for you! Good luck, you got this!
Leah Tennery
I’m an ADHD artist as well but I reaaaalllly love organizing stuff. Like I considered being a professional organizer cause it’s like my THING to help people get sustainably organized. If you want any help or have questions I might be able to answer, feel free to ask! I hope everything goes more smoothly than you think it will and that your space fills all of your needs when you’re done ❤️ good luck!!
Cookie ✿
Good luck sweet Chey. I have the same issues and am currently trying to declutter and reorganize my space as well. Wishing you lots of luck to get through this. I know you can do it! Excited to see the vlog and outcome!
