I remember seeing the garage of a friends dad, and marveling at the organization and cleanliness. His response when I asked how he does it was “he dinks around a lot. More than you would think”
I’ve pondered that idea often since that day.
Here are my observations:
I spend a ton of time looking for things. It’s super annoying.
I often finish my projects with very little time left for cleanup. I tend to dump and run at the end. I work until I can’t work any longer. Then I put stuff away.
I often finish projects exhausted, with little energy left for decision making.
Decision making is essential for cleanup. You have to figure out what to do with materials and tools.
My work bench is not in a good place for work. I think the only thing I ever do on it is hammer or bend stuff.
My work bench is primarily used for dumping tools. It’s an acceptable dumping ground.
I don’t have any systematic understanding of my tools and workflow. I need to make more observations so I can design the workbench around the things I work on.
I’ve noticed it works very well for me to have a pop up work bench. Something temporary, which can be set up in a spacious area and give me plenty of room to work
A temporary bench also forces a clean up event at the end of the work day.
I really enjoy making sure my actual work piece is clean at each step: I tend to vacuum between steps to clear out sawdust and drywall and whatever else is in the work area. That’s interesting because it hasn’t naturally extended to having a clear tool area.
I believe if I don’t clean up the dust and parts they will end up damaging the finished floor or wall or whatever
I don’t have the same belief about my workbench and tool storage.
Today I was listening to a preacher and he asserted that we don’t change unless we change what we worship, rather than just changing our will or committing to something.
Why don’t I value a clean work space? I clearly don’t value it enough to make it happen.
This idea of dinking around presumes that you are allocating time to just be in your work space and tidy up.
Dinking around seems like it would happen at a lull in other activities. If you’re drinking around you’re probably not just coming off an intense project
Post project seems to be dinner time or bed time. Right after is not a good time to organize.
I think dinking around in the workshop might be more of a habit to build rather than a cleanliness goal.
Dinking around seems like something that happens independently of doing work. In fact maybe it’s something that supports efficient work, but is a totally separate event.
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