Keeping your caching junk organized???

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 8:39 am

Every hobby has its storage issues. Our outdoor gear is not a problem, as we had all that stuff already and jumped through that organizational hoop. We're trying to work toward minimalism in our "stuff" around here and geocaching leads to "stuff." Along with the units and nuvi and cords and such, we have notebooks and spreadsheets falling out with puzzle solves and notes. Boxes with the geocoin collection. Stacks of trip idea itineraries. You get the idea.

What approaches have others taken to keeping this stuff neatly stored and not taking up space? Don't tell me to put the paperwork on computer drives. We don't roll that way and have no desire to do so. Computers crash and things don't always transfer to the new. Thanks for your ideas.

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:21 am

I have a couple of colored pocket folders I use for "Puzzles in Progress". I keep one of these in my laptop bag that travels to work with me for those lunch times when I just need a good distraction.

I know you said "no computer" solutions, but I store all my puzzle stuff in GSAK once I have a good start on a puzzle, have it solved, as well as intermediate WP's. This is my "historical record" system and get's backed up on a regular basis. I also use a scanner to create PDF documents of other things to reduce the "paper load". This works great for the DNR forms so I don't have to keep track of the paper copies or mail them. I just email them to the DNR instead which works well.

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:30 am

Another "low tech" solution that "saved my marriage" was buying some clear storage totes (shoebox size). I use these for storing cache containers in their various stages (i.e painted / unpainted, camoed / uncamoed, pill bottle / nano). I've learned to only keep what fits in the bins and if I have more than what fits in these totes, I recycle / dispose of the containers.

I also store a few containers "Matryoshka Doll" style. I'll fill a quart container with pill bottles / matchstick containers and put those inside an ammo can. Then when I'm scouting a new area I just carry the ammo can with all the others inside. When I find a spot I have a variety of containers available at my disposal. Also works well with quart, pint, pill bottle configuration if I know I'm not planning to use the ammo box, but you get the idea.

For replacement logs - I have a couple of smaller quart size storage containers in the car. I have the logs printed and in plastic bags ready to go. I generally have 30-40 of various sizes made up and in these totes sorted by size. When I need to replenish, I print, cut, bag, store all in a day so they don't linger in piles all over the house.

WGA Member Joined: 2006-12-23 Posts: 5954

I used to have a red notebook of puzzle workings, solutions, etc. Now its solve them, find them, dispose of them when it comes to puzzles.

I use a laptop and smartphone now for t/v/e's, rarely do puzzles any more and even more rare do a multi.

I look at it this way, if the drive stops spinning the world will not. Its an inconvenience but one can take it as opportunity to refresh and maybe learn something new during the rebuild.

As for other stuff, I have 1 shoebox size container that rides in the truck that holds some swag, logs and a container or two for maintenance.

WGA Member Joined: 2007-02-03 Posts: 2182

Maybe this should be my New Years resolution.

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 10:56 am

The wife gave me a full shelving unit in the basement for all my stuff. Shelf of coins, swag etc.., one shelf of containers, one for binders & notebooks with puzzles, ideas.

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:03 am

It's not caching junk. It's paraphernalia.

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:05 am

He he, maybe the issue is we need to just quit! I have plastic divided binders for the puzzle stuff, another with park maps and other things that can be helpful, and a couple plastic totes with all the coin stuff and other stupid stuff. DeLorme atlases all stacked against that pile. I guess I'm just sick of that stuff taking up a corner in the bedroom, but there really isn't any other good place to keep it. For some reason, those things find their way into MY closet, even if I didn't put them there. Someone ELSE got the big divided closet with the remodel, but the junk ends up in my tiny one. Hmmm.

The containers and spare logs and stuff we've got covered. Maybe the coins can go in the attic. We never even look at them. Which is why we kind of stopped getting them.

WGA Member Joined: 2007-02-03 Posts: 2182

kungfuhippie wrote:

The wife gave me a full shelving unit in the basement for all my stuff. Shelf of coins, swag etc.., one shelf of containers, one for binders & notebooks with puzzles, ideas.

I think she tricked you. She's still upstairs and you're in the basement.

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 12:18 pm

Okay, and what about USB cords? It seems like every gadget comes with one. We must have 10-15 identical cords laying around. Maybe I can make a multi puzzle utilizing the extras and get rid of those? Rolling Eyes

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 12:27 pm

Should be able to make a nice lanyard with those USB cords Smile

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 12:37 pm

I suppose I could give them to Mrs. Timberline Echoes and she can create some kind of abstract art piece with them! Twisted Evil

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 1:13 pm

Trekkin and Birdin wrote:

Maybe the coins can go in the attic. We never even look at them. Which is why we kind of stopped getting them.

Sell the coins! Let those kids fly freely, and find a home with someone who's now at a point where they'll appreciate and nurture them. Then use the money to re-remodel, this time leveraged to your advantage! And if someone gets in your way, tie 'em up with some USB cords. Smile

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 1:51 pm

huffinpuffin2 wrote:

Trekkin and Birdin wrote:

Maybe the coins can go in the attic. We never even look at them. Which is why we kind of stopped getting them.

Sell the coins! Let those kids fly freely, and find a home with someone who's now at a point where they'll appreciate and nurture them. Then use the money to re-remodel, this time leveraged to your advantage! And if someone gets in your way, tie 'em up with some USB cords. Smile

I could take some of each off your hands, after all I've got the basement so I've got room. Twisted Evil

WGA Member Joined: 2009-07-04 Posts: 375

Why don't you just buy a geomobile that is designated just for geocaching? Then you could store all of the geocaching stuff in the geomobile. It would be a little more money up front, but in the end, I think it could save you a ton! Plus you won't have to think about what you need when heading out. It will all be in one place! You could name the geomobile Frogger! Laughing