Space constrains have made cubicles our office abode. With office spaces being taken on rent based on the number of seats, it is but obvious that more and more people will be cramped into very little space. Quite a great option for teams to work together, cubicles always have their share of drawbacks. Yes, it is easier for your boss to spot you and keep track of what you're up to. But that's not really such a bad thing as having a bad neighbour who can make your work life hell!
If you've worked in quite a few organisations you sure would have a fair share of ghost stories to tell. But the good part is that over time you learn to adjust and work around bloopers and petty cubicle-land nuisances. If you haven't, then here is a list of pointers to help you steer clear of annoyances and start enjoying your cubicle life.

Keeping the noise-levels down
This is the usual irritant that people complain about. But unless you have a heavy metal band performing at your neighbour's desk, the noise is usually bearable in most cases. Yes, there are the occasional loud-music-listeners and loud-talkers who can be quite a nuisance, but if you politely let them know that you're not able to concentrate you sure can work around things. However if you are the person causing the noise, you better keep in mind that there are people sitting next to you who consider their sanity a necessity. If you like listening to music or talk and laugh loudly, just go out and do that. As for your music just opt to use head-phones, not only will this keep you going but it will also help your neighbours concentrate on their work and not breathe fire down your throats every time you turn on your music.

Cutting-down on distractions
It is quite easy to get distracted, but what can be irksome is when someone decides to drop-by just when you are trying hard to meet a deadline. A DND sign can be helpful but not all can get away with it, so if you're busy let people know that instead of bearing through the distraction and regretting later. Another way to avoid being disturbed is to stop making eye-contact with passer-bys. When you look at people and acknowledge them, they are bound to stop-by for a chat. And if you're not in a position to entertain them then stop looking around instead, after all you cannot indirectly invite people in for a conversation and pretend to be busy when they return the courtesy. Also remember that others might feel the same way too, so if your colleagues look piled-up with work, just stop yourself from stopping-by for a chit-chat.

Keep private conversations outside the bay
A lot of people yak away on the phone not realising that the person sitting just two-feet away is a colleague and they should not be privy to details surrounding your life! Over a period of time people do become comfortable and ignore the small details, but talking loudly will only open-up your private life to people who are in no way connected to it. If you want to have a private conversation do it where you are out of ear-shot; an empty conference-room or pantry should be alright, as long as you're not intruding on office work. However do keep in mind that though you are allowed to take personal calls make sure to keep it as short as possible, after all no employer will be tolerant of employees who talk for hours together on the phone, when it is not official.

Protecting your Privacy
Colleagues rummaging through your drawers are quite a common occurrence. Be it on the pretext of looking for pens, papers or just about anything else, everyone would have had to sit and watch this happen without being about to put a stop to it. Yes, as you get to know people and see them almost throughout the day it can be difficult to stop them but that shouldn't deter you from ending it. Frankly putting a stop is impossible, but what you can do is keep stationary on top of the desk where everyone can see it so that they don't take the liberty to open your drawer. Keep your desk uncluttered to avoid unwelcome rummages. Moreover do remember that you are entitled to your privacy, so if there's anything that is confidential and important, make sure it is kept under lock and key. Also ensure you've password protected your computer to keep people from logging-in to your system when you're not around. After all your cubicle is your private property and no one has the right to trespass, at least when you're not around!