Always organize files within a folder. Over time, loose files (ones not in folders) become cluttered and disorganized.
NOTE: Anything anyone ever shares with you is automatically stored in "Shared With Me" in your Drive. You can't organize "Shared With Me." Instead, you can choose whether to add those files and folders to your "My Drive.."
Google defaults to alphabetizing. You can add numbers (such as 001, 002, 003) at the beginning of a file or folder name, so they appear in the order you prefer.
*** If you are sharing the folders or files, be thoughtful about numbering. The number sequence that works in your Drive may not work for the other user(s).
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