I work in fear that I will one day be That Professor.
You know, the one with the disgusting office.
Right now, I wouldn't characterize my office as disgusting. No, I would say that it is cluttered.
I am very good at micro-organizing. My computer files are perfectly organized, with each lecture in the proper class folder and every journal pdf sorted into various research topic folders. My class binders have copies of handouts, lecture notes, and exam keys all ordered lecture date. My tenure file has appropriate slots for teaching, research, and service, and every even slightly relevant piece of paper or information gets hole-punched and place in the proper place (I can cut stuff out later).
But I really suck at macro-organizing. I have only one system for organizing all the papers, quizzes, and lab reports that get turned in each week: piles. Historically, if I don't see something, it gets forgotten, so as a result, I have anywhere from five to a dozen "active" piles on my desk surface each week.
I don't think it looks terribly professional, and, to be honest, the clutter drives me nuts.
Any suggestions on how to get a handle on office clutter, especially paper clutter?
