| An old saying says that a clean desk equals a clean | | | | things to be filed - you'll tackle the files after the |
| mind. Many, many people argue against this. You'll | | | | boxes. Does it need to be thrown away? Have your |
| notice, however, that those who argue the loudest | | | | paper shredder handy and shred it. |
| against this principle are those who have a messy | | | | Does the item need to have some sort of action |
| desk. And they also tend to be the ones who sit | | | | taken on it? Either put it into your inbox, or if it's a |
| around and complain that they can't get any work | | | | physical object that won't fit, write a note on a large |
| done, rather than taking action and getting their work | | | | sheet of paper and put the note in your inbox. |
| done. A clean, organized work space does lend itself | | | | Some items may also go for donation and you can |
| to greater productivity and clearer thinking. | | | | start a separate "for donation" box. At the end of |
| So how can you keep your office space organized | | | | the day take that out to your car to go to a |
| for maximum productivity? Here's some ideas that | | | | donation center or give it to the staff member that |
| will be help at the office and in your home office. | | | | handles donations. |
| First, have an inbox. The inbox is central to your | | | | Now get back to the filing. There are many different |
| organization system because it's the place everything | | | | thoughts on filing systems and I won't go into detail. |
| you need to process will go. Things go into the inbox, | | | | But you should look into different filing methods and |
| rather than in random piles on your desk. | | | | pick one that works for you. Then tackle the files |
| Second, having things located where you need them. | | | | and the paperwork to be filed. Go ahead and get it all |
| If you have books you reference only occasionally, | | | | done. Make sure you pick a system that makes |
| it's OK to have those on a shelf across the room. But | | | | perfect sense to you so you will keep up with it. And |
| if you're digging into files frequently, you need those | | | | again, keep those files close to where you actually |
| files close to you. This makes it easy for you to | | | | use them. |
| access what you need, and to put it away. | | | | Now you have a clean space with an inbox. The key |
| I recommend you start getting a chaotic office under | | | | to keeping it clean is two-fold. Put things away when |
| control by finding a container you can put all the | | | | you're done with them. And sort your inbox on a |
| "stuff" piles into. You may need a few containers, | | | | regular basis. You may need to do this daily, though |
| depending on your "stuff." Then put those aside for | | | | you may sometimes be able to get away with |
| a little while and look at your office space. What do | | | | weekly. Make it a habit, however. |
| you use on a daily basis? What needs to be directly | | | | Go through your inbox at your regular time and |
| at hand, and what can be safely across the room? | | | | determine the next action to take on each item. Put |
| Rearrange your office if needed so those things that | | | | these actions into your to-do list. File what needs to |
| you use on a frequent basis are close to you. | | | | be filed and delegate what needs to be delegated. In |
| Get all your office supplies organized neatly close to | | | | this way you'll keep your inbox flowing and your |
| where you use them. Your desk drawer can contain | | | | workspace neat. |
| a stapler, tape, pens and pencils, and other supplies | | | | If you want to have a few files up on your desk |
| you use frequently. They'll be right at hand when you | | | | with current projects, that's fine. But try, in general |
| need them. Go ahead and get your inbox set up too. | | | | to keep your desk neat and clean from now on. |
| Now it's time to get back to those boxes. Start | | | | You'll be able to spread out project paperwork and |
| going through them. Pick up each item and decide if it | | | | really get into your work. Then when you've cleaned |
| needs to be stored for reference or use (a technical | | | | up your office you'll feel clear headed and ready to |
| manual or a hole puncher, for instance). Put it away if | | | | start on the next project. Enjoy your efficiency and |
| it does. Does it need to be filed? Set it into a pile of | | | | productivity. |