Too much around you could be distracting you from work. Are you struggling to find the right file? Are you searching through stacks to find a sticky note from last week? Are you feeling overwhelmed staring at the chaos that is your home office? Tension and stress may develop when you’re surrounded by disorder, and that could make getting the job done harder. Take some time to get rid of the mess and put things where they belong. Try these four steps to regain peace and order.
1. Evaluate Your Clutter
One of the major issues with an office is the abundance of paper accumulated in spaces. While working on projects, you are likely to make notes and write out drafts. Printed paper, letters and receipts could crowd desk spaces. The files alone become frustrating and distracting. Many of these sheets are probably no longer needed anyway; therefore, it’s best to start with a cleaning day.
Before you actually put things where they belong, decide if you even need them! Pick a day to go through EVERYTHING! Sort out papers, files and belongings into three categories: “trash,” “may need” and “absolutely necessary.” At the end of the day, recycle or get rid of the trash stack. The middle stack gets another once through with an attempt to eliminate what isn’t necessary. Then the final stack may be organized. This reduces what is in the office.
2. Create Systems
Evaluate your office setup, and design a layout that is functional and improves productivity. Place filing cabinets in a reachable area. That decision may encourage you to put papers in the right spot first rather than days later. Invest in a chair with swivel casters so that you can reach areas faster and more efficiently. Cutting down wasted time may improve your mood.
Pick out areas for shelves for supplies and locations for certain tasks. When you know what to do and where to go, the day may run smoother.
3. Label as Much as Possible
Try making visual reminders of where things are and go. In those busy moments, this step could alleviate frustration about finding and sorting important items.
4. Invest in Desktop Organizers
Some things should stay in front of you, accessible at a moment’s notice. For instance, if you’re working on a major project, it’s best to have your notes and books in front of you when the client or boss calls. Digging through stacks doesn’t look as professional.
Get organized. The effort to clean the room may be taxing at first, but it could improve your focus, mentality and productivity.
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