Five ways to reduce clutter at the office
August 31, 2009 by admin
Filed under Time & Stress Management
Clutter feeds on confusion and can end up giving us a big headache. When we can’t find what we are looking for, we can easily feel out of control and overwhelmed. So, what to do?
1. Take the necessary time to get your office space back in order. Even if you have to come in on a Saturday morning and get everything organized and de-cluttered. The reason you want to “take time” is, if you try to do this in a hurry, you may throw out something important. Part of the idea of organization, is what will help you feel back in control.
2. The best way to start is with your filing system. When papers and reports are lying about in piles, it can take up a whole lot of space on your desk and/or can fall on the floor and easily get lost in the pile. Sorting carefully through each paper and report and putting them in your file cabinet in proper order, will give you peace of mind. You will know where everything is.
3. Empty out each desk drawer, one by one. The idea is to throw out all unncessary items, not conducive to work. Keeping unnecessary items, just eats up space. And space is what you are trying to reclaim. It is always nice to have a few empty drawers to place the next day’s work in. Then you know exactly where it is the next day.
4. There is an old saying, “there is a place for everything, and everything in its place.” This is a good motto to follow. Keep office items where they belong and together. For instance, your phone reference, make sure it is close to your phone. Are you left handed, or right handed? Keep the circular file on the same side as your dominant hand. Keep a stack of fresh paper for your printer near each other.
5. Back to the top of your desk. Only keep essential items there. Containers for pens/pencils, paper clips and stapler should be where you can see them. Have a desk-size calander, with big empty squares, to jot down appointments. Having a cleaned off desk will give you elbow room to spread out the project/report you need to work on. Also, now you will have room for a family photograph and that morning cup of coffee…
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