According to Nick Bilton, lead technology reporter of the New York Times, the common held belief that multitasking is impossible is “media hype”, noting that the ability to multitask “depends on what the tasks are”. All experienced drivers are able to drive and talk at the same time. Most mothers are able to talk, cook and clean at the same time, but the question remains: Are they actually multitasking?
Last Updated on September 18, 2019
Royale ScuderiA creative strategist, consultant and writer who specializes in cultivating human potential for happiness, health and fulfillment. Read full profile
You may think that you don’t have time for office organization, but if you really knew how much time that disorganization cost you, you’d reconsider.
Rearranging and moving piles occasionally doesn’t count. Neither does clearing off your desk, if you swipe the mess into a bin, or a desk drawer.
A relatively neat and orderly office space clears the way for higher productivity and less wasted time.
Organizing your office doesn’t have to take days, it can be done a little at a time. In fact, maintaining an organized office is much more effective if you treat it like an on-going project, instead of a massive assault.
So, if you’re ready to get started, the following organizing tips will help you transform your office into an efficient workspace.
De-clutter, empty, shred, get rid of everything that you don’t need or want. Look around. What haven’t you used in a while?
Take one area at a time. If it doesn’t work, send it out for repair or toss it. If you haven’t used it in months and can’t think of when you’ll actually need it, out it goes. This goes for furniture, equipment, supplies, etc.
Don’t forget about knick-knacks, plants (real or artificial), and decorations – if they’re covered with dust and make your office look shabby, they’re fair game.
Gather up every item that isn’t where it belongs and put it where it does.
Decide what type of activity happens in each area of your office. You’ll probably have a main workspace (most likely your desk,) a reference area (filing cabinet, shelves, binders,) and a supply area (closet, shelves or drawers.)
Place the appropriate equipment and supplies are located in the proper area as much as possible.
Position the equipment and supplies that you use most within reach. Things that you rarely use can be stored or put away.
Choose a label maker that’s simple to use. Take the time to label shelves, bins, baskets drawers. Not only will it remind you where things go, but it will also help others who may have a need to find, use, or put away anything in your workspace.
As we move fully into the digital age, the need to store paper files has decreased.
What can your store digitally? Are you duplicating files? You may be able to eliminate some of the files and folders you’ve used in the past. If you’re storing files on your computer, make sure you are doing regular back-ups.
Here’re some storage ideas for creating a smooth filing system:
Learn more tips on organizing your files here: How to Organize Your Files for Better Productivity
Remove everything, clean it thoroughly and put back only those items that are essential for daily use.
If you have difficulty declutter stuff, this Declutter Formula will help you throw away stuff without regretting later.
Now that you’ve streamlined your desktop, it’s a good idea to organize it.
Use desktop organizers or containers to organize the items on your desk. Use trays for papers, containers for smaller items.
Don’t forget your computer desktop! Make sure the files or images are all in organized folders. I’d recommend you clear your computer desktop everyday before you leave work.
Put items used together in the same drawer space, stamps with envelopes, sticky pads with notepads, etc.
Use drawer organizers for little items – paper clips, tacks, etc. Use a separate drawer for personal items.
If you work regularly with other people, create a folder, tray, or inbox for each.
Hopefully with your new organized office, you won’t create piles of paper anymore, but you still have to sort through the old ones.
Go through the pile (a little at a time if necessary) and put it in the appropriate place or dump it.
Don’t just stick mail in a pile to be sorted or rifle through and take out the pieces you need right now. Sort it as soon as you get it – To act, To read, To file, To delegate or hand off. .
You don’t need to keep every piece of paper indefinitely. Mark on files or documents when they can be tossed or shredded.
Some legal or financial documents must be kept for specified length of time. Make sure you know what those requirements are.
Some emails are important to read, others are just not that important.
When you use the filter system to label different types of emails, you know their priority and which to reply first.
Take a look at these tips to achieve inbox zero: The Ultimate Way to get to Inbox Zero
At the end of the day, do a quick straighten, so you have a clean start the next day.
Use one tip or try them all. The amount of effort you put into creating and maintaining an efficient work area will pay off in a big way.
Instead of spending time looking for things and shuffling piles, you’ll be able to spend your time…well…working and you’ll enjoy being clutter free!
Featured photo credit: Alesia Kazantceva via unsplash.com
