Another clutter type here – I let things pile up to a certain point, then put them all away.
At work, I usually have six to eight things going fairly actively at the same time, and I’m not good at putting them away in between times. I’ve got two different vertical holders for file folders, and use them very actively. For some reason, not having to open a drawer to get a file makes a big mental difference to me.
I suffer from HSD: Horizontal Surface Dysfunction. I cannot abide an empty horizontal surface - all flat things must be covered in stuff. On the computer desk, papers everywhere. In the studio, HSD combined with CCS (creeping clay syndrome) ensures that I never have more than a four inch square space in which to actually WORK. In the kitchen, bric-a-brac. In the living room, knick-knacks. In the bedroom, tchotchkes.
However - I can find anything in I need in less than a minute and there is no actual dirt (dust is not actual dirt). The floors are clean, the sink is clean, there is no ooky food (well, there was a liquid cucumber on the fridge last week, but only because it fell behind the crisper drawer.)
It depends. My office is somewhat of a mess, depending on what I’m working on. I mostly try to keep everything electronically. But,I’m having a heck of a time trying to convince my bosses of this.
My house is pretty well ordered. I work very hard at not having a lot of stuff. It just makes it easier, particularly in a small house.
My ex-used to drive me nuts. Every flat surface was covered in work papers and totchkes (sp). Every couple of months she’d go on a all-day cleaning binge. I learned to spend all day out of the house, after the first time:
She: “This place is a mess, we need to clean it up.”
Whistlepig: “Ok.” (Picks up pair of his shoes, throws the two dog toys into a corner.) “The rest is all YOUR stuff. I’ll be back in a couple of hours to dust and vacuum when I can see the carpet, table and coffee table.”
She: “You ARE NOT being helpful.”
Whistlepig: “Yes I am, I pick my stuff up all the time.”
She: “We need a maid.”
Whistlepig: “YOU need a maid. I’m not paying for one.”
Heck, we were the Nick and Jessica of our day.
Yup…describes me to a tee.