I Deleted All the Folders in My Notes Apps!

I waste far too much time fiddling with folder structures in my notes apps.

My goal is to minimize friction when deciding where to put a note. Folders create extra work by forcing me to decide where each note should go. And there's always that note that could go in any of them.

I tried simple structures like Tiago Forte's PARA as I thought fewer folders might make it easier, but it only intensified the problem. There were still heaps of questions pouring through my mind about where a note should go.

The solution to my folder problem: banish all folders!

I deleted all my folders in both GoodNotes and Obsidian and moved my notes to the top most level. I even switched off the file explorer in Obsidian so I wouldn't be tempted to return to folder tinkering.

I now rely on search to find notes. I can find any note I need in seconds, without having to think about where I put it. I also use the Graph view and backlinks pane in Obsidian to see related notes.

What do you think about getting rid of folders in your notes app? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.