How do I fix this? Workspace/clutter

In reply to petegossett:

All the more reason that you really should make the world a better place and toss them.

I have always had a similar problem, but I'm willing the war. Here are my tips...

Make the area look nice, a place that you would want to be and wouldn't mind other people seeing. Paint the work benches, hang some decorations, etc. When I get something looking nice, I'm almost OCD in keeping it that way. But if it still looks bad even when clean, I could care less and it's hard to get motivated.

A place for everything. +1 on open shelves instead of drawers. I like those clear containers with the hinged lids, and label them. Hanging commonly used items on walls has worked great for me.

Store items based on frequency of use. Seasonal items well out of the way, common tools where you can easily get to them (and put them back.)

Seperate different items wherever possible- tools, garden equipment, sports equipment, etc.

As said before, keep the floor clear. It's to put things away if you can't get to the place where it belongs. I've found that while I usually have the energy to dig out something I need, I don't put it back if it requires a lot of time/effort.

Most importantly, think of where you are going to put something before you bring it home.

petegossett wrote: In reply to Ian F: When I was growing up in the 70's it seemed like everyone's home had a pair.

Now that I think about it, we had a set as well. Not sure what happened to them. I guess my father took them when my parents split.

In reply to Boost_Crazy:

I will often talk myself out of buying something by asking the, "where will I put this?" question.

petegossett wrote:

novaderrik wrote: that last pic tells me that you need to figure out where the comically large plates and bowls are and make room there for the spoons and forks..

Yeah, unfortunately they don't fit in our silverware drawer. I've told people I'm starting a collection of classic colossal cutlery...unfortunately, no knives or flatware to match - although I do have plenty of other 70's goodness to go with it. Sadly, SWMBO and I have completely opposing decorating ideas, but she finally agreed to give me free-reign on my new home-office. So the present plan is: reclaimed knotty pine on one wall, at least one pair of the fork/spoons, a 2.5'x3.5' framed matador pic(the dude, not the car), a velvet sturgeon(or is it a muskie?), a couple vintage mariachi statuettes, and a giant 1/2-naked lady rain-lamp in the corner...probably a few other smaller nicknacks too. All things I already own.

I'm pretty sure you should leave the home décor decisions to your wife.

Ian F wrote:

petegossett wrote: In reply to Ian F: When I was growing up in the 70's it seemed like everyone's home had a pair.

Now that I think about it, we had a set as well. Not sure what happened to them. I guess my father took them when my parents split.

Your dad took the fork, your mom threw away the spoon. Or that's how it would have worked in my family.

Don't throw them away!

If they need a "temporary" place to stay they can live in my house.

SVreX wrote: In reply to petegossett: All the more reason that you really should make the world a better place and toss them.

In reply to paranoid_android74:

If I don't find room for both sets I'll let you know, but they're definitely not going in the trash...while I'm still alive, anyway.

In reply to petegossett:

Whew! Ok.

Those need to be preserved. Heck they will probably be back in fashion before we know it!