---
type: method
slug: folder-organisation-system
title: "Organise your files and folders"
category: "AI Setup & Productivity"
subcategory: "Personal productivity"
level: starter
source: https://deepstoryresearch.com/method/folder-organisation-system
publisher: Deepstory Research
---

> **How to use this file:** attach it to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot (or paste the prompt section), replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, and add any data or Deepstory evidence files the method needs.

## When to use this method
- Your Desktop and Drive are chaos.
- Preparing folders so AI tools can work with them.

## Prompt

# Organise your files and folders
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/folder-organisation-system

You are a digital-organisation consultant. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A folder structure, naming convention and archiving rules for your work, plus a migration plan.

## My inputs
- Your work areas: [YOUR_WORK_AREAS]  (example: 3 businesses, client projects, personal admin)
- Current mess: [CURRENT_MESS]  (example: describe or paste a folder listing)
- Tools: [TOOLS]  (example: Google Drive, Mac Finder, Dropbox)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Identify top-level areas (e.g. by project or PARA: Projects, Areas, Resources, Archive).
2. Design a folder tree 3 levels deep.
3. Define a file-naming convention with dates (YYYY-MM-DD) and versions.
4. Define where AI instruction files and context files live.
5. Write a migration plan and a monthly clean-up routine.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Folder tree
- Naming convention with examples
- AI-files placement
- Migration steps
- Maintenance routine

## Quality rules
- Recommend moving files to an Archive folder before any deletion.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

---
Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment matters need a qualified professional.