5 Steps to Keeping A Clean and Organized Workspace
All too often, cleaning and organizing our workspaces falls at the bottom of our to-do lists. While you may think you don’t have time for office organization, you’d quickly reconsider if you really knew how much the disorganization cost you. A neat and orderly workspace can help boost your productivity, keep you focused, and help you feel less stressed throughout the workday. Follow these tips to transform your office into an efficient workspace.
1. Make it Routine
Organizing your office doesn’t have to take countless days. In fact, it can be done in a little at a time—especially when it’s treated as an on-going project, instead of a massive clear-out. Implement it into your daily routine by taking a few minutes each day to throw away trash, clear off coffee cups or dishes, and wipe everything done. Walking into a clean workspace without all the clutter will help you walk in and quickly focus in on the important agenda items for that day.
2. Digital Organization
Your physical desktop isn’t the only thing that needs to be organized—it’s equally as important to keep your digital workspace cleaned and clutter-free. Nothing’s more frustrating than when you can’t find that one file you just saved. And, let’s not even talk about the anxiety-ridden experience of when your desktop littered with files. Not only does this hinder productivity, but it can slow down the performance of your computer and clog up space. Take the time to remove duplicate files and put everything into folders that are clearly titled and color-coded with a naming convention of your choosing. Being able to find the files you need, when you actually need them, will undoubtedly increase your productivity.
3. Keep Your To-Do List Handy
When decluttering your workspace, you’ll want to organize everything based on how often you use it. Keeping a to-do list, planner, or notebook, along with your favorite pen, in an easy to access spot on your desk is key. You’ll be able to jot down and reference back to notes quickly and easily without the clutter of post-it notes being strewn all about. Another great tip for keeping your notes up to date—use a reliable pen. The All Metal STEEL F-701 Ballpoint Retractable Pen is all-metal from clip to tip and has a rugged and durable design. For a pen that reflects your personal style (and will also make you the most fashionable in the office), try the Sarasa Grand Retractable Gel Pen. Its gel ink won’t smear or smudge.
4. Minimize Desk Clutter
Decluttering the items within your workspace is a great way to minimize the amount of unnecessary clutter. If something is sitting out in the open on your desk and not shoved in a drawer, there’s a good chance it’s useful to you and will enhance your productivity. Digitally scanning important paper can allow you to free up space that paper filing cabinets or folders take up—just make sure to recycle paper you decide you don’t need. While décor can help add style to your workspace, try to keep the number of unnecessary accessories and personal items low to avoid the feeling of clutter. Your mind (and desk) will feel clearer.
5. Manage Cables and Wires
There’s nothing more distracting than seeing a bunch of cables—whether it be from our laptops, monitors, chargers, or tablets—clutter up our workspace. Using a few cable ties and adhesive hooks to reroute and organize all your cables can help relieve the feeling of overwhelming clutter. You might also notice you have more foot room (a bonus).
Having too much clutter around your workstation can be distracting and a hindrance to your daily productivity. Whether your desk is in an office or in your own home, keep your workspace organized and functional no matter the space.