Have you ever heard of the term ‘cluttered space, cluttered mind’? Working in clutter is a challenge most of us will struggle with throughout our lives. Clutter makes it difficult to get things done, to find what you need, and to live in an orderly and efficient manner. When we spend time everyday looking for our keys or trying to find that important document, we can become frantic and stressed, allowing this negative daily energy to build up over time.
A well-organised workspace has tremendous benefits. It makes you feel in control and clearly focus and define areas that may need proper attention. An organised space can minimise distractions, position you for success, save you time and help you stay super productive. Here are 5 tips that you can implement right away to allow you to stay productive and reap the rewards of a clean and efficient workspace.
1. Sort everything on your desk
Every major change starts with a big clean out. De-clutter your space, empty, shred and get rid of any frivolous things that doesn’t add value to your work. Start by taking stock of all the items you have on your desk and in drawers and identify things that are no longer useful that you can toss. Consider the last time you needed or used an item, if it has been more than 6 months there’s a good chance you won’t miss it. This is step is key to productivity success, it will allow you to truly focus on the important tasks.
2. Use storage boxes & containers
Storage boxes are life savers. You can store almost anything in containers to help you stay organised. Plastic containers and cardboard boxes are perfect for efficient storage. Invest in durable boxes not just for your office space, but also for your home. By grouping and labelling your office items, you’ll have better clarity as to how to better organise different items and put them into the right segments. Once you know exactly where everything is, you’ll also save precious time that you would usually spend searching through clutter to find. Don’t forget those stationary boxes that can be used to keep your office supplies in organised compartments.
3. Segment your work zone
Having different work zones can be the solution to your problems. Sometimes, our work requires different spaces and tools to help trigger a better output. Consider segmenting your work zones into a ‘computer workspace’ and a ‘non-computer workspace’. In some cases, you may need to stay away from the computer-based work in order to keep the distractions away. It may include signing of papers, scanning documents, reading and writing on paper, or maybe just getting your thoughts together. Doing this will allow you to gain maximum organisation and productivity.
4. Organise digital files
Even if you’ve gone paperless, it does not mean your digital files can be ignored. A messy desktop is just as distracting as a physically messy desk. Depending on your industry, we suggest organising your folders by assignments, years, clients, or projects. Don’t forget to schedule a routine time to clean out old files to keep your desktop as organised and clean as possible.
5. Reassess Frequently
A clutter-free desk requires regular upkeep. In addition to sorting papers daily, scan your desk frequently to ensure everything that’s there should be there. Make a habit of straightening up your desk weekly to ensure it remains clean and organised. We suggest even getting a checklist to complete at least once per week to ensure maximum efficiency.