Clutter
I can not work efficiently and effectively with lots of clutter on my desk. It has to be neat and clean so I can find whatever I need when i need it.
i also feel the same way... when things are in disarray i feel very stressed.
I have to agree with you. My desk is somewhat cluttered yet I still organize things to certain areas. In the past when I have tried to organize everything very neat, I can't find what I'm looking for. I find for me that it's ok to be somewhat cluttered yet still have a defined area where specific types of papers will go.
I seem to do the same but miss place alot at work.
Hello Kecia,
Whether real or perceived having a cluttered desk implies that you are disorganized.
Yes, it's really a question of whether there's a method to your madness. It sounds like there is!
I also can not work with clutter I came in during the holiday break just so I can reorginize my classroom and cabinets and all my file boxes it is much easier to do your job when the clutter is gone.
I agree that my desk seems somewhat clutter at times but its effective for me. If cleaned and organized I would most likely not be able to find something. I find that even if my desk is clutter I organize my folders by labeling the context of each one so I find this really helpful. I think the clutter comes from not being able or having the time to put previous work away and only have current work out.
Interesting approach Ruth. Thanks for sharing. And yes, I think that it's important to differentiate clutter and filth. Filth is usually never livable. Clutter can be ok for some.
It's great that you can be flexible Jose. Yes, if your place is cluttered and you work better organized, go ahead and clean things up!
I also have different management attitudes about clutter at home vs at my workspace at school. At home, clutter (not filth) does not bother me because I seem to always know where things are even if buried under the stack--however, if someone comes behind me to "clean up" I feel like I have lost control and it take a lot more time to find items I need (especially small items such as sewing needles, batteries, etc). When my daughter cleaned out my junk drawer a few months ago, I nearly went into a panic and I still feel the cleaned out drawer is useless for my needs.
At work I have a very organized filing system because I teach several different classes. Each day lecture, handouts, or activities are planned with a daily folder keeping the needed materials at hand. I am assured that I can keep on top of copies being made on time and in the event of my absence, the substitute just has to go to the correct day in my file to know what has to be accomplished that day. We keep all of the General Education material in a centrally located room and are working to incorporate the same system for every subject within our department. The system works well as long as the instructor periodically maintains the filing and updates materials as needed. The most challenging to keep updated is the Computer Science file because the material is updated most frequently of all the subjects. Maintaining compute science requires me to keep abreast of the newest advances in the field or the materials soon become obsolete. I admit my own desk usually has neat stacks waiting to be filed, but I tend to get to these more frequently and whatever is left over gets eliminated between terms.
Me too. I work best in an organized environment, but it doesn't stop me if my place is cluttered. I just need to organize more.
I agree! You can only see so much in an ocean of clutter! A clean & organized desk is also setting a good example!
This is my goal,it will also help me inorganizing, and time management.
Funny but not uncommon for instructors Edward. A cluttered desk can be as effective for some instructors, if not more effective, than a clean desk.
My work space is somewhat cluttered. I will go through it once a week. It seems it only stays nice for a day or two. I can find things faster it seems if I don't clean it off. Go figure.
That's an interesting observation Matthew. The same instructor may have vastly different organizational approaches for different aspects of their life.
Yes, some instructors thrive on a kind of organized chaos. They know where everything is and it feels organized to them. It just looks disorganized to everyone else.
I would have to admit that I am the type who has clutter. I can tell you where any piece I need is; however, the clutter will always be there. I am an organized person, but I have my piles of organized material.
I agree. I'm a mechanic by trade and when it comes to my tool box, everything has its place and is returned to its place after use. However when it comes to paperwork, I have a tendency to be, what some would consider, disorganized. Yet I have no problem locating documents when they are needed. I guess it all comes down to what works best for you.
