When was the last time you saw the top of your desk? If it
has been a while, you will want to follow these tips to declutter your
workspace. The benefits include, but are not limited to, being able to find
what you are looking for when you need it, having room to spread out a project
to see the whole thing at once, and not feeling embarrassed if someone comes to
visit your work area.
* Take an honest look at your workspace and consider what
bothers you the most about it. Is it the stacks of papers or the empty
coffee cups? Consider how you want your desk to look and make a list of changes
you would like to make.
* Start with the papers. Add an inbox where you will
place all incoming paperwork. This could be incoming mail, papers you need to
review or work to do. The point is to have one place for all new papers so you
know you have to deal with them. Additional trays will be helpful for things
you need to address and those you need to file.
* As you go through the papers in the inbox, separate the
things that need your immediate attention, things that have important dates or
contact information and those that you can handle at another time. Write
meeting information in your calendar, add contact information to your address
book or card file, and either file the paper where it belongs or get rid of it.
* Create a simple filing system to keep important papers.
This could include a tickler file that you will look at when the day begins. A
tickler file is a 31-day system that allows you place papers you will need for
the future. It is a reminder system to ensure you handle future items on time.
Once you have your system in place, use it daily to keep papers from piling up
again.
* Clear all of the paperwork from your desk, even if it
means only stacking it in the inbox so you can see what else you have to do.
Clear the desk of all other items and decide to create a specific home for each
one. If there are some office supplies that you use regularly, you will want to
have them available when you need them. Anything that you do not use regularly
you will want to place in a drawer or cabinet. When you have a place for
everything, be sure you put each item where it “lives” when it is not in use.
* Once you have your desk cleared off, do your best to keep
it that way. Take 15 minutes at the end of the day to clear off the desk so you
have a blank slate when the new day starts. Work at keeping your desk cleared
for a week before you begin focusing on the next area of your workspace that is
cluttered.
These tips to declutter your workspace are by no means
exhaustive. They are, however, a good starting place when clutter overruns your
desk. You can make a difference in how your workspace looks and how you feel
while you are in it. If you know your desk and workspace is a mess, begin today
to use a few of these tips and see what a difference it can make.
Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your
business and your life
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