I just took 3 pics detailing the content of my desk, but apparently there is no way to post them here. It's much more than just a pile of things to sort through and put where they belong. Most of the stuff on my desk DOES belong there, they just need to be put into a file; however, my current files in the drawer are literally falling apart, and even if they weren't, there's no room for the thing I want to put in there. I also have another file drawer from on old desk in my bedroom where I file stuff that isn't urgently needed or accessed much. Too bad that one is full too. And funds nor space allow me to pick up a file cabinet, even at a thrift store. A lot of people use their kitchen table as their "drop-all" for all the mail and whatever else they have coming into the house. Well, mine is my computer desk. I HATE it! On a positive note, though, more often than not, I know exactly where something is. :)
Deboah,
thanks for sharing your success but also your methods; this was very helpful. I have adhd and my wife does not. since our move 6 yrs ago, we have struggled to declutter the entire house so I feel your pain. I am often at a loss as to where to start and then after I begin how to break this overwhelming project down into small bites. We did have a notebook where we kept these notes on each room in the house but we lost track of it and our momentum too. I will employ te big pile method and let you know how it works!
Great! I look at it this way - even if I find that a method or style doesn't work for me, I usually learn something from it.