Having an organized workspace can significantly increase your productivity. However, it may seem overwhelming to wrangle your desk into submission. But, with a workspace organization checklist, it’s much easier than you think!
Organize Your Workspace
Create a filing system
Start by deciding how you’ll categorize items in your files. Project? Medical records? Financial or personal documents? You can have several, but try not to duplicate them. Once you have the categories, create a drawer or folder for each. Clearly label it. Within each category, create a means for alphabetically or numerically filing documents to make them easy to find later.
Organize existing files
How long are you keeping old documents? If it’s more than seven years, it’s probably too long. If it’s not financial documents, even less time is necessary. Pull out documents you no longer need to store and either recycle or shred them. If you’re unsure, contact your attorney or accountant for appropriate instructions. If purging large numbers of documents, a professional shredding company can come to your home or office and ensure proper disposal. Check out Shred-It (they do hard drives too!)
Sort paperwork
If your desk has piles and piles of paperwork, begin by sorting through them. Anything that can be filed, immediately do so. Anything that can be discarded should be directly placed in your recycling bin or in a separate area to be shredded later. Any remaining documents belong in a desktop bin. You can purchase stacking or vertical letter trays inexpensively at Amazon or office supply stores. Have them based on the project, quarter, or whatever makes sense for your situation.
Organize your desktop
Pens, pencils, rulers, and other items often wind up “lost” in the clutter on a desktop. Instead, use pencil cups or other containers to store things like this, which you’d like to have close at hand rather than tucked in a drawer.
Address your drawers
Use dividers or small bins to organize loose items such as post-its, paper clips, and elastics. Put items you use more frequently near the front and less used items towards the back.
Clean everything
Now that your desktop, files, and desk drawers are organized, break out the cleaning solution and a rag. Give everything, including your keyboard, computer, and monitor, a good cleaning. Finish off by vacuuming your chair and sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming the floor.
Once you’ve done all these items, you’ll feel much more at ease in your workspace. Say hello to more productivity and goodbye to stress and overwhelm!
Read: Get Organized for Your Health
