StashWall FAQs
How does StashWall work?
StashWall is simple to use. Create an account and set up your wall any way you want. We provide “starter” boxes that you can use, or you can create your own. You can organize the contents of each box using our suggestions or by setting up your own organizational system. Once you have a system that works for you, you can add items. With StashWall, it’s not our way or the highway, but rather, our way or your way. There’s no right or wrong, it’s whatever works best for you. We believe your StashWall should reflect how YOU think.
Can you give me some ideas to get started?
Sure. You can: add (and share) your recipe collection. Take pictures of things you’d like to remember, like wine or beer labels, menus, serial numbers or art. Create a travel journal. Scan your passport, birth certificate and driver’s license in case they’re lost or stolen. Collaborate with colleagues on a work project. Share pictures and memories with your family circle before and after the reunion You can also use some of the templates we’ve provided for you and customize these to meet your needs. Like the home inventory checklist in your Home catchall, prescriptions list in your Health catchall, or check out some of our favorite recipes and restaurants for inspiration.
How do I upload items?
Just select the type of item you want to add from the “add item” bar and follow the simple form to add your files. You can add: bulk files, documents, images, galleries, notes, links, audio and video. All that’s required is the item itself, but you can also add a name, description, date and tags so it may be easier to find.
How do I capture items that aren’t already digitized?
If you have physical items that you’d like to digitize (a really good way to get rid of paper files and physical objects you no longer need), there are several options:
- For documents, use a scanner. There are various types of scanners available, including portable scanners that fit in your hand, flatbed scanners that look like copy machines, sheetfed scanners and even ultra expensive drum scanners. There are also scanner apps available for smartphones and tablets.
- For slides and film, there are special scanners to convert these to digital images.
- For print photos, you can use a special photo scanner or your regular flatbed. We suggest that you scan at a resolution of 300 DPI or higher so that you can print high quality pictures later.For VHS and camcorder tapes, you can convert these using special DVD converters or video capture devices. Old tapes degrade over time, so the sooner you convert, the better the results.
We’re working on partnerships with suppliers of digitizing tools. Until then, you can read more here and here.
Of course, there are also service providers that will do all of this digitizing for you. We’re talking with some of them too (and testing them out first), and we will make recommendations once we’re ready.
If you want to keep track of and remember physical objects that you’d like to bid farewell to, take a digital photo or video so you can donate or sell the actual object. Once you have the digital files on your computer, you can easily upload them to your StashWall.
We know that digitizing your stuff may seem daunting, but you only have to do it once and then it’s done. You’ll be able to access your digitized materials for a lifetime to come, and you will be simplifying and de-cluttering your world in the process. You know that saying, “short term pain for long term gain”? Well, in this case it is true.
Some computers come with software pre-installed that can convert video to the correct format. If you need to compress and/or convert video files to M4V, we suggest using QuickTime pro (http://www.apple.com/quicktime/).
How do I organize my boxes? Categories? Collections? Items?
You can set up an organizational system that makes the most sense to you. StashWall comes with nine “starter” boxes to give you some ideas and hopefully inspire you to create your own. Each box comes with tiered levels of suggested organization, but you’re free to create your own categories and collections. You can add or delete boxes, categories and collections as you see fit. StashWall is built to reflect the way YOU think, so we’ve made it super flexible.
How can I add boxes, categories and collections?
To add a box, category, or collection just click on the “Add a Box” or “Add a Category” or “Add a Collection” button— it’s the one with the big old “+” sign in the middle. This will lead you through the simple set up process.
How do I delete boxes, categories and collections?
Just hover over a box, category or collection and click on the “x” that appears at the top right corner. We’ve made the Inbox, Vault and Catchall containers permanent fixtures so you don’t delete them by accident.
How do I edit an item?
To edit an item, just hover over it and click on the pencil that appears at the top right hand corner. Once the form appears, you can make any changes you wish.
What if I want to move an item or have it appear in two different places?
When adding or editing an item, go to “Where does this go?” section and check the appropriate collections or catchalls.
How do I access my StashWall?
You can access your StashWall by going to: http://mywall.stashwall.com from any computer or mobile device. Log in using your username and password. We suggest bookmarking your wall so you can easily get to it later.
How do I ensure that my items stay private?
Privacy was our primary concern when we came up with the concept for StashWall, so everything is set to be private by default unless you choose to share it. The idea is that you’re creating this for your life and, just like in the real world, you should decide what you want to share and with whom.
How do I search for items?
The easiest way to find items is to enter a term in the search bar at the top of your StashWall. You can always find an item by navigating through your wall to where you placed it – it’s just a few extra clicks.
How do I print an item?
You can print note and link items simply by printing from your browser window. To print photos and documents, download the file first, open it in the relevant application, and print from there.
How do I download an item?
You can download documents, photos, audio files and video files in their raw format by clicking on the download link while viewing an item. Download for galleries is coming soon.
How do I share items?
You can share items by creating circles of people you’d like to share with. These circles could include any number of people– you can even have a circle of one. You can share with family, friends, colleagues, team members, your book club, and even your accountant or lawyer.
Adding circles is easy. You can add a circle at any time by clicking on the “Add a circle” button on the left side of the screen. You’ll be able to name your circle and add an image for it.
Inviting circle members is simple. Just provide the email addresses of people you’d like to be in the circle. And yes, we’re working on allowing you to import friends and followers from social networks and your email accounts.
How many people can I invite? Eventually, you will be able to invite as many people as you’d like. But since we’re still kicking the tires, we ask that you limit your initial invitations to 20. If you feel like you must add more now, email us your request at support@stashwall.com.
You can give circle members permission to view items any time you add, edit or view an item. When adding, editing or viewing an item, go to the “Who can view this item?” section and simply select circles who are permitted to view.
Staying on top of your circle members, your memberships, and your invitations sent and received is also super simple. Just click on the link on the left side of the screen to go to your circles section. Here you can view all of your circle members, the memberships you are a part of, your sent invitations that haven’t been replied to yet, and invitations you’ve received but haven’t yet accepted.
What’s the difference between the Inbox and Catchall?
The Inbox appears on your main wall and is where your bulk uploads go when you’re adding items without putting them in a specific box. The catchalls are where you can keep items specific to a box.
These are bonus items and templates and include recipes, restaurant recommendations, prescription and medication lists, home inventory lists, moving and packing checklists, account and contact lists and more. If you find these extras useful, then please personalize them. If not, you can always delete them.
What is the Vault?
The Vault is where you can store your most important documents and information. There are three Vault categories for you to use, and you can always create your own too:
- Safety Deposit Box: to store copies of your birth certificate, passport, passwords etc.
- Wallet: to keep your credit card numbers, driver’s license and other items you carry around.
- Just in Case: to prepare for a worst-case scenario that none of us want to think about (you can add your tax returns, living will etc.).
How do I use the Vault?
You use the Vault like any box on StashWall. The difference is that you must provide a special password to access it in order to protect your most sensitive information.
Why is it more secure?
The vault requires an additional password and uses an extra level of encryption.
Where are my StashWall items stored?
On our private server located in a secure data center in San Francisco, CA.
Can someone come to my home and/or office and set up my StashWall for me?
Not yet but we’re working on providing this option soon.
