| Today I decided that my office needed some serious | | | | things in there just to get them out of sight! While |
| de-cluttering. So many bits and items that I no longer | | | | you're at that, why not get rid of those boxes under |
| needed and equipment I had not used in a while and | | | | the table and in the corner that you have not |
| had no intention of using soon seemed to be piling up. | | | | opened in ages? Clear all those things from your wall |
| It got me thinking of creating a workspace that was | | | | that don't need to be there too! |
| minimal. How minimalist is your workspace? For 2010, | | | | 2. Clear your computer desktop. I only did this earlier |
| I'm going to strive to only keep things in my office | | | | today and my Mac's desktop looks so much more |
| that are truly essential to what I do and nothing | | | | simplified. People tend to have lots of icons on their |
| more. | | | | computer desktop that can be placed in a folder or |
| Last year I gave this whole minimalist things a go, | | | | some other place on their computer. I've seen |
| seriously eliminating things that were not essential. I | | | | computers that had so many icons on them that it |
| sold some shelves and bookcases and storage units | | | | was virtually impossible to find files. That's no way to |
| and gave some old computers and other things I felt | | | | work! If it is necessary to keep files on your desktop |
| I would never really use again or in a hurry. The | | | | because you're working on them why not use a |
| experience was very refreshing, to say the least. My | | | | hotkey to call them up? Both Mac and PC have great |
| office felt lighter and appeared bigger, too. I even | | | | programs for this. |
| managed to almost eliminate the need for paper and | | | | 3. Simplify the way you file. It really is not necessary |
| consequently, saved on paper purchases, toner and | | | | to keep paper copies of files you have on your |
| filing systems. I used to love purchasing pens, pencils, | | | | computer, can access online or are backed up online |
| highlighters and markers and putting them in a pretty | | | | or to some removable device. The great thing with |
| cup on my desk, not even really using them. Now I | | | | backing up your files is that they you can search |
| don't even purchase these anymore, as I don't need | | | | them easier as they are in a digital format, as |
| to use paper often. This might sound extreme to | | | | opposed to sifting through a stack of paper. If paper |
| some and depending on what you do, you probably | | | | usage is a must for your line of work or business, |
| can't get away from paper, but I'm trying to think of | | | | then make sure you file things right away so that |
| environment too. Save some trees. It is very possible | | | | you don't misplace them or accidentally throw them |
| to work without paper, especially if you are working | | | | away and be sure to file things in alphabetical order. |
| in a virtual environment as I do, being a Virtual | | | | This makes finding things easier when you are ready |
| Assistant. Your needs may be different from mine | | | | for them. |
| but if there is any possibility that you can improve | | | | 4. Reconsider your paper needs. As I mentioned |
| the way you work by simplifying or making some | | | | above, when I started doing this I realized that by |
| changes to your workspace and still get the things | | | | eliminating my need for paper I was not only saving |
| you do done without having all the things that are | | | | on the cost of paper, I was also saving on toner for |
| not necessary, why not give it a go? | | | | my printer, pens, pencils and other items. I was also |
| Here are my top 5 tips for creating a minimalist | | | | able to finally wean myself off my fax machine and |
| workspace. Not all will be applicable to you and your | | | | started encouraging clients to email me instead. By |
| situation of course, so just pick the ones that will | | | | eliminating or reducing the use of paper you can save |
| work best for your workflow. | | | | a lot of money in the long run. |
| 1. Clear up your desk and drawers. Of all the things | | | | 5. Have only one inbox. If you can't get away from |
| that are currently on your desk, do you absolutely, | | | | the use of paper, the very least you can do is keep |
| positively need them all? If not, why not clear as | | | | them in a central place. Put all paper, such as bills, |
| much of it away? Remember; try to keep only the | | | | reminders, stickies, messages and other items in this |
| essentials around so that you workspace will feel | | | | tray. I purchased a really attractive box from a gift |
| more comfortable. Toss the un-necessaries. Go | | | | shop just for this. Don't leave papers scattered. Once |
| through each drawer and remove all the things you | | | | you put things in the inbox, don't forget them there! |
| do not need. Keep them orderly and don't just toss | | | | Clear it out daily, too. |