Here is some tips we read today to help!
Clean your desk day is all about preparing your workspace for the new year and beginning things on the right note. Remember, a messy desk is an invitation to chaos! A clean desk, on the other hand, helps you focus, be more productive, and generally makes you feel good about your workspace. And when we say clean we don’t just mean physical clutter. That’s correct, your computer desktop counts too. Drag those files into a nice, neat folder! So, what are your waiting for, let’s get that desk/computer cleaned up so you are ready for the week, month or even the new year! Keep reading for more ideas of office and desk organization. Let’s start this year out right!
Here are 8 Helpful Tips!
1) Start with an Audit
Before you rearrange anything, take a good look at every single item that’s currently present in your office. Then sort them into different piles (donate, keep, and trash/recycle typically cover most people’s needs). For each item, consider whether or not you actually use it and if it enhances your work or life in any way. Make decisions as quickly as possible; if you get stuck on an item, move onto the next one and come back to it later.
2) Minimize Paper
Paper is one for the worst offenders when it comes to office clutter, so it’s essential to get mail, bills, magazines, and other paper products under control. Start by shredding and/or recycling any papers that aren’t essential. Then digitize any important paper documents that can be scanned and stored as electronic files. Next, invest in a couple of paper trays that help organize them by categories (such as “urgent,” “awaiting processing,” or “to be filed” or simply “read” and “unread”). You can find paper trays here.
3) Store in Containers
Store all your office supplies in containers, drawers, baskets and bins. Putting all these supplies out of sight will give your office an uncluttered look. Here are some containers you can use for organizing the drawers.
4) Categorize
Organize your office into categories, placing like items together. By doing this, your office will become more functional. For example, look in your mail drawer next time you need stamps.
Common Categories:
Stickies – sticky notes, tabs, stickers, etc.
Tools – straight cutter, staple, staple remover, hole punch
Writing tools – markers, pens, pencils
Mail – envelopes, stamps, address labels
Labeling – labeler and label tape
5) Get Label Happy
Sure, labels may seem pretty Type A – but have your ever met a Type A person with a messy office space? Take a page from the organizational pros’ playbook and go to town labeling office items, from bookshelves to cabinet shelving, chargers, wires, paper organizers, and so on. Then, put away items in the appropriate place – every single time.
6) Utilize Wall Space
When you use your wall for extra storage space, it’s like gaining a new room. Free up space on your desk and floor by transferring as many items as possible to the wall. Here are some helpful tips for that:
- Use a pegboard to store frequently used office accessories such as scissors, tape, and so on.
- Up the ante with hanging storage bins, which should provide space for everything from staples to rubber bands, thumb tacks, extra writing utensils, etc.
- Use a dry erase board to brainstorm ideas or keep a running to-do list (and do away with the desktop notepad).
- Invest in a hanging wall calendar instead of placing one on your desk.
- Use a corkboard to stash documents that require your attention.
- Install coat hangers to keep jackets and sweaters off office chairs.
7) Tidy Wires and Chargers
Untangling wires can be a huge waste of time, and wires that pile up on the floor can create visual clutter that causes stress and detracts from the overall aesthetic of your workspace (plus they’re a major tripping hazard!). Start by untangling wires first. Then, prevent future tangles by holding together excess wire with binder clips. Next, determine appropriate storage solutions. Labeled, binder-clipped chargers should all go in the same place (and they should be put back in that spot after each use). Wires that need to stay out should be kept off the floor; secure them to the underside of your desk.
8) Expand Your Desk Space
No matter the size of your desk, you can increase the amount of desk space available to you with a few simple tweaks.
- Consider placing a rolling cart beside your desk to hold planners, frequently accessed paper files, notepads, and more. This way you won’t need to find a home for these items on top of your desk.
- Ditch desktop lamps and opt for a floor lamp or overhead lighting.
- Elevate your laptop or desktop monitor with a small desktop shelf. Not only will this provide you with storage space underneath the shelf, but it’s also more ergonomic for your neck.
- If you’re short on drawer space, consider installing an under shelf basket or other under shelf storage options.
Lastly, don’t forget to filter those emails! Hope these tips help for getting your desk organized. Take care and Happy New Year!