How to Use Index Cards to Organize Projects

Index cards are an inexpensive organizational tool.

Preparing a project can include many steps, duties and due dates. Accordingly, it is easy to overlook or become overwhelmed by all that you must do to complete a project. Index cards are a simple solution to this problem. Use the cards to organize your thoughts and document the tasks you must complete for a project.

Things You'll Need

• Index cards
• Pen
• Tape
• Cork board
• Thumb tacks
• Rubber bands

Instructions

1. Write the tasks you must complete for the project on the index cards. Include one task per card. If you are using colored index cards, color code tasks according to importance. Choose one color for the most important or urgent task, another for the next important, and so on. Include the due dates and times on the cards.

   Alternatively, you can color code the cards by topic or category. If your project is to write a paper, separate the tasks according to the subject headings. Under each heading include cards referencing tasks you must complete for each section such as research, writing a draft and editing.

2. Organize the cards in order from most to least immediate due date. If you have several tasks due on the same day at the same time, determine the order in which you want or must complete the tasks, and organize them accordingly.

3. Tack the organized cards onto a cork board, or tape them onto a wall you frequently look at or work near. At the beginning of each day, study your cards before beginning work on the project. Use the cards to determine what tasks you must complete each day. Check the cards as you work to make sure you are staying on course and completing all of the required duties.

4. Remove the cards from the board or wall as you complete the listed tasks. Do not throw the cards away; instead, band them using a rubber band and file them away.

5. Recheck cards you completed and banded for the week to make sure you have not mistakenly overlooked or removed them before the tasks were completed. If you find any prematurely removed cards, place them back onto the board, or complete the tasks immediately.

   Check all of the cards again at the end of the project before you submit or present your work to make sure you have not overlooked anything. After you have submitted your project, use the blank side of the cards for another project or place them in recycling.

References

• Life Organizers: Getting Organized with Index Cards