In today’s nearly-paperless workplace you’d think there would be less clutter and mess to deal with on a daily basis. However, the truth is that even though a lot of things have become digital, there is still a lot of paper to be dealt with, as well as other ways your desk and office can become cluttered. A disorganized workspace is not only unprofessional, but it can cost you a lot of time and money if you’re constantly searching for things or losing important documents. As 2015 gets into full swing, here are a few tips to help you start the New Year off with an organized professional work area.
Invest Your Time: De-clutter
It may seem like more trouble than it’s worth, especially if you’ve accumulated a lot of junk over the years, but spending a decent amount of time thoroughly de-cluttering your desk and office space is a must. Take the time to go through all your extra papers and documents, and throw out or get rid of as much excess as possible. Think minimalism. The less stuff that is in your space while you’re working, the more free space will be in your head when it comes time to get things done.
Once you’ve dealt with the bulk of excess paperwork, start thinking bigger. Are there any extra furniture or plants that can be moved out of the space to open it up? The more empty space you have, the easier it will be to focus on work and productivity instead of trying to find those important documents.
Find Fun or Interesting Gadgets to Inspire Organization
Finding the perfect gadget to enhance the organization in your workspace can save you a ton in time and energy. A simple Google search can bring up countless tools and accessories that can give your office a whole new look while still promoting organization and productivity. Whether it’s a funky file holder or a unique-looking whiteboard, find what inspires you and you’ll see your productivity soar.
Clear Your Desk; and Keep it That Way!
This may seem like an obvious tip, but if you spend the time to thoroughly clean and de-clutter your desk you might as well make sure that it stays that way! Even if it requires a few extra steps throughout the day, you’ll make up for it in extra time and productivity. If keeping it tidy during the day is too much, maybe try de-cluttering or thoroughly cleaning it before finishing up for the day or even once a week. Just a few extra small steps can make all the difference in keeping you on task and keeping your workspace organized and efficient.
Keeping an organized and efficient workspace doesn’t need to be difficult. If you invest a little bit of extra time in keeping it organized and professional, you’ll make up for it tenfold by maintaining a more positive outlook and increasing your productivity.