Organizational systems?

[forbiddenpluto]

I took over my current theatre at the beginning of this school year. Now that most of my major shows are almost over my quest is organization.

We have nothing. I mean absolutely nothing.

What do you do to keep things organized? Shop supplies? Tools? Hardware? Cables? Gels? Gobos? Vendors? Props? Costumes?

Any suggestion is great; pictures are even better!

As soon as I know what I need to do I can set my TA's on it. I am not a naturally organized person and this place is such a wreck I really don't know what to do. It's completely overwhelming. There's still random hardware laying about from the original installation of the theatre and drafts of every possible toilet elevation in the entire school. o_O

[soundlight]

Cable: a rolling chair-rack.
http://www.bestfurnitureonline.com/p-84.html

Props/Costumes: wardrobe racks
http://www.hangercity.com/ducogara.html

Use large rolling file cabinets for gels and gobos, and rolling utility cabinets for tools and props. Basically, you want everything to roll. That way, with your tight space, you can put things where you need them and get them out of the way when you don't.

There are also tons of threads floating around on various storage methods. Use the search tool and you'll find some good solutions.

[porkchop]

My $.02

Shop supplies? Big open racks seem to work well, organize materials by type and size

Tools? A tool box or cabinet of some type is a necessity, I live and die by the rails that I keep all my sockets, wrenches, allen keys, etc on.
Hardware?

Cables? Bin's or containers for each length, color code each length. If you want to get really into it color code 3, 4, and 5 pin data cable

Gels? Big file cabinet seems to be a great way to store gel. Sorted by company and number.

Gobos? Same thing as gels just a smaller cabinet.

All of what I've said has been covered over and over again in other threads if you need want or desire details. Basically the best idea is to pick something and go with it cause everyones system is different.

[gafftaper]

Get a bunch of shelving and flip top bins for props and costumes.

Gobos go in a 3 ring binder with the correct size plastic sheets from the local baseball card shop.

Do you have wood storage racks? Vertical for plywood and flats, Horizontal for dimensional lumber.

Storage can get VERY expensive.

[tech2000]

If you are in a high school setting, you should keep all of your tools, hardware, and all those other things like gels and gobos locked up because many people will mess with them who are just passing through. Kids like to mess with stuff. It will keep things more organized.