This may be obvious to you already, but apparently I keep forgetting it and when I remember to do it my life is just so much easier.
Before you spread out all the papers and books from your backpack or notebook, make sure the desk is clear.
That way when you're done (or think you are) with everything you need to do, as you gather it all back up and organize it for the next day, it's harder to forget something.
You know, from cleared (surface) to cleared.
