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If you're finding that distractions are pulling away from your productivity, starting with a clean and organized workspace can easily alleviate some stress and even help you think more clearly on a regular basis. Clutter can build up without even noticing it; those piles of papers in the desk drawer, a few odds and ends on the desktop, and even extra pictures and photographs in your environment may be getting in the way of efficiency. Keeping the office organized and orderly is a simple step towards higher productivity. Here are six tips and strategies to get started:
1. Keep your to-do pile separate from your inbox. It's easy to just put all of your to-do items in your inbox to manage later, but if you create a separate pile that you plan to tacle that very day, you'll have a much higher chance of actually completing it. Keeping this stack separate from general items will make it much easier to work your way through it and ‘ignore' the rest-at least temporarily
2. Keep a wastebasket close by. Throwing away paper and other items the moment you no longer need them is the simplest way to reduce office clutter. Just keep it by your side for post-it notes, old letters, and paper you no longer need. Eliminate the excess as much as possible!
3. Don't create a ‘miscellaneous' folder. It's easy to fall into the habit of making this folder for items you don't want to deal with right now. However, this can easily become a folder of forgotten projects and notes, and you will rarely be able to find anything when you need it. Get into the habit of filing everything where it needs to go as soon as you get your hands on it!
4. Use drawer dividers and hanging files. This can help you further organize your items so you're spending as little time as possible searching for things. Prioritize desk drawers so you have basic tools and resources at your fingertips, when you need them.
5. Avoid duplicating file names. You may not realize you have two or more similar file topics at hand, and it's an easy trap to fall into as you start making new folders for items. Look through your filing cabinet at least once every 2-3 months and pluck out the duplicates. Consolidating all files as often as possible will help you find the items you need with ease.
6. Don't collect business cards. With today's technology in online business cards and even business card scanners, you no longer need to keep a rolodex on your desk. Elminiate extra clutter by uploading all businss card and contact information as soon as you can; then simply throw the cards away, or store them in a box that you don't plan on sorting through any time soon. Business cards can easily create office clutter and become a distraction!
From healthy filing habits to setting up a to-do pile, you can enjoy working in a productive and efficient home office with a few strategies. Try any of these six for a headstart on your super-organized work environment! |