DIY Project Planners
- 1). Create project sheets within your word processing program, saving them in your computer files for quick printing whenever a new project is begun. Make these one or two pages long. Provide a space at the top for the name of the project, the projected start date and the estimated end date, as well as the amount of money budgeted for the project.
Add sections to each page, with headings, for a materials list and a shopping list. Have another section for a project overview, as well as a place for project details. Insert an area for important numbers, such as for a painter or carpenter, and a place to list each step that you wish to take. (See Reference 1) - 2). Have an index divider, planning sheets and lined paper for notes available for each project, as well as an envelope for storing receipts. Keep graph paper on hand for planning furniture placement, as well as for other projects. Punch holes in anything that does not currently have them, such as the envelope and graph paper, and place reinforcements around each hole to prevent these items from tearing. Put everything into the binder and label the index divider with the project name. (See Reference 2)
- 3). Use this planning binder to organize everything from beginning ideas to receipts. Start with the project names and dates, then decide on a budget. Contact people whom you may need help from, and add their contact information to the project sheet. Provide a description of what you want to accomplish, and the steps necessary to meet your goals. Make out a materials list, and add anything that you do not have on hand to the shopping list.
- 4). Keep receipts in the corresponding envelope for a specific project, and attach paint and fabric samples to the blank sheets of paper. Use the graph paper to plan garden projects, room additions and any other projects that you will be working on.