Re: De-cluttering and organization tips?

[Craig]

Until a few weeks ago, I didn’t know what ADD was. Now I realize I’ve been struggling with organizing issues for many, many years. I’ve done well in a some areas, but have a lot of work to do in others. What I’ve done well is I always know where my keys are now. They are either in my pocket or on top of the dresser. It’s not only my keys, it’s everything in all my pockets that go on top of the dresser. Years ago, before all the airport security, I flew to Colorado Springs without my wallet. Without any money and no ID, I couldn’t rent a car or pay for a taxi. I walked to the hotel, talked my way into getting a room, and was able to have my wallet sent to me overnight. Since then, everything in my pockets go onto the dresser and in the morning, everything goes back into my pockets. Problem solved.

At work and home, I’ve had problems getting the paperwork done and on time. I love working but hate the paper work. My job evaluations included doing a good job, but falling short on reporting and late time sheets. I’m getting better at organizing reporting materials and filling out time sheets, if not every day, at least by the end of the week. At home, I open mail in one place next to a trash can. For bills, I write the amount and the due date on envelope and then circle these 2 items. I don’t know why I circle them, maybe just for emphasis. Bills are sorted, the one due the soonest is on top. The bills are in a highly visible location that is seen many times every day. This has become a good habit and the bills are always paid on time.

Piles of stuff. I’m still struggling with this one. I always thought that because I read so much and have so many varied interests, I was bound to have piles of stuff. At one time, I had two offices practically piled to the ceiling. I ignored it for a long time, but the one time I came in on a weekend to clean it up, it was a depressing excercise. I went back to my old way of only going through the piles and filing things when I needed to find a critical piece of paper. As soon as I found the paper I needed, I would stop organizing and throwing paper away.

Even worse, I still take notes in meetings and jot down notes or doodle while on the phone. I rarely look at any of this later, it just adds to the various piles. I think writing notes or doodling helps me concentrate or at least not be bored.

I’ve managed to keep a few rooms in the house almost completely uncluttered – the living room, dining room, and kitchen. When a friend came over for the first time, she commented that I was the neatest, most organized man in town. Little does she know.

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