The Desktop: The Mt. Everest of Clutter

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

03 Sep 2006 02:52 AM

Perhaps the reason that no one has ever found more of the elusive "yeti" than a snowy footprint is because no one has ever looked for him or her amid the clutter on top of my desk. Jimmy Hoffa may be somewhere in there too. Who knows? If you can say you have a similar problem, stay tuned. Help is on the way, even though it may break down to a severe case of the blind leading the blind.

The first rule in cleaning off the top of the desk is to find it. Even though I mean to be light, I am not kidding. Sometimes I cannot see where my desk ends and the papers begin or vice verse. One work solution is to get a large garbage bag and throw everything in a pile in the middle of the room. After the pets smell it and the kids roll around in it, get your own cluttered self down there and start to sort. Make big piles, as they are easier. Start with only two; keep and throw away or file and forget, if you like that better. (My father had such a file. And yes, the condition is inherited)

As you sort, ask yourself the following pivotal questions:

1. Do I want this? 2. Do I need this? 3. Leave me alone.

Once you have sorted the clutter into bigger piles, you should have a found at least a few things that you no longer need or that at least can be put somewhere else (I mean in a place you can find it). There should also be a few things in the garbage bag.

Bills should always be kept separate. Take the time to make folders for the major ones because in the end, it will save you time. If you can't bear the thought of doing this, move the paper piles and the garbage bag in front of the television and do it while watching your favorite show. Once you get started, it gets easier.

I did all that six months ago. I hear Jimmy Hoffa is still missing. I still think he's here.

What do YOU think?

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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Sheri Fresonke Harper (4092) 03 Sep 2006 11:43 PM

Marjorie, we share a table that is cluttered. I was amused by your discussion. I put all my bills stubs into folders and save. But recently, I found a box with these stubs from 1992 -- it used to be you were required to store your tax data for 7 years, now its been changed to 3 years, what a relief!

Marjorie Dorfman (2577) 04 Sep 2006 04:15 AM

Hi Sheri- Boy, bill stubs certainly can be dangerous! I have enough trouble keeping track of current stuff. I thank you for reading and for sharing. I guess kindred spirits kind of find each other. Keep reading! PS Do you know where your desk top is at the moment?