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I use a cloud (Dropbox) folder called "inbox," where I place files (e.g., PDF) until I decide which non-cloud folder I will permanently move the file to.

Is there a word other than "inbox" for such a temporary storage space − similar to "holding cell" (but not a physical space), "cache" (but not hidden file), "purgatory" (but not a place of suffering/cleansing) or "in take". I could not find a word that quite fits; "hold" is, however, boring. I just want one word meaning to hold something temporarily until I figure out what to do with it or put it away.

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    I usually call it “Temp” or some variety thereof. Probably a holdover from back when rummaging through your Temporary Internet Files folder in Windows 98 was a thing.
    – Janus Bahs Jacquet
    Commented Sep 9, 2016 at 22:15
  • Augeas' Stable?
    – Phil Sweet
    Commented Sep 9, 2016 at 23:20
  • Speaking from a computer-user pov, I'd suggest "Uploads" or "Uploaded" which are the traditional name for a folder different stuff is uploaded to. I myself often have a folder called "SortOut" for things - files, emails etc. - that I intend sort and place in proper folders later. "Audit", "Review", "Classify", "Archive" and "Sort" may be other good names.
    – Baard Kopperud
    Commented Sep 10, 2016 at 1:09
  • Are you looking for a noun (to replace inbox, holding cell, cache, etc), or a verb (cf "meaning to hold something temporarily ...")?
    – Lawrence
    Commented Sep 10, 2016 at 2:46

3 Answers 3

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How about pending? It's an adjective not a noun, but Pending as a filename would be easily understandable.

From Dictionary.com:

pending: remaining undecided; awaiting decision or settlement; unfinished

The OP's request:

"Just one word meaning to hold something temporarily until I figure out what to do with it or put it away."

That one has a Pending file (list, set, etc.) at all implies that one wants to "hold [onto] something".

That Pending means *awaiting decision or settlement** implies that one wants to "hold [onto] something temporarily", until "[one] can figure out what to do with it," i.e., make the awaited-for decision or settlement implied by pending.

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    My thoughts exactly. Back before the interweb, office workers had an "in tray" an "out tray" and a "pending tray".
    – AndyT
    Commented Sep 11, 2016 at 19:24
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This is really a matter of preference and there are plenty of titles, such as TO SORT, TO FILE, FOR REVIEW. A good one I resort to for projects is "ACTION."but my personal favorite is simply titled "DESKTOP CLUTTER" created precisely to keep the Desktop Clutter to a minimum.see sample]1

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You may call it a stopgap.

The folder so-and-so is used as a stopgap until I decide the folder I will permanently move it to.

Cambridge Dictionary:

stopgap noun

something intended for temporary use until something better or more suitable can be found:

Hostels are used as a stopgap until the families can find permanent accommodation.

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  • Thank you all for your comments. I love the word "stopgap" and already substituted "inbox" with this permanent change. (P.S., Great site!)
    – Citizen Kel
    Commented Sep 13, 2016 at 14:03
  • @CitizenKel, happy to help. If you have already decided on the answer that works best for you, please mark it as "accepted".
    – alwayslearning
    Commented Sep 13, 2016 at 18:15

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