7 STEP PLAN TO ORGANIZE YOUR DESK AND KEEP IT THAT WAY
Below is a 7 step process to get your desk in shape and keep it that way to achieve all those great ideas in your head and make the world a better place! Grap several empty boxes (at least 5) and begin this desk duty today and let the magic happen:
1. TAKE EVERYTHING OFF YOUR DESK.
With the exception of your light source and computer, take everything off the top of your desk and in your desk. Nothing goes back on it or in it without a very good reason. See step number 3 in bold as it is critical to success.
2. GROUP LIKE WITH LIKE.
Place similar categories together in those boxes I mentioned. Here are some suggested box categories:
- Supplies (stapler, scissors, pens, paperclips, binder clips, etc.)
- Files and papers that need to be returned to your filing system
- Unreviewed mail and papers
- Current projects
- Not sure – place things and papers in question here to decide later
3. REVIEW BOX CONTENTS WITH CARE.
This is the most time-consuming task. Go through all your boxes one by one and trash or donate whatever you can from the boxes first. Be discerning here. If you have not used the item in the last month or so, chances are you do not need it or could place it elsewhere besides your desk. If an item is broken, get it fixed or recycle it. Do not put it back on your desk.
For the box labeled unsure, keep that box in a closet for a few months and see if you actually ever need those items. You can mark a date on your calendar in the future to remind yourself to check it and see if you can toss some more!
The key to success is this: limit your desktop to only the items you use on a daily or weekly basis. Remove anything without that purpose. Other items should be placed in your filing cabinet, storage closet or another area for items used occasionally.
4. MAKE A LIST OF ORGANIZING ITEMS YOU MAY NEED.
Look around your home and office first to see if anything you already have can help you keep your desktop better organized and tidy. Cups for pens or baskets you may have for catalogs or drafting papers, etc. See the “Shop Desk Organization” section below for some great items that could help you out.
Create project files or boxes with labels to keep away from your desk area and store in a filing cabinet or other area. (These project boxes with nameplates are my favorite to keep things tidy and easy to find in seconds.) This helps you stay focused on the current task at hand and not get distracted from other projects on your plate that do not require your attention right now.
I suggest some kind of “inbox” for a home office and at work for when family members or coworkers stop by with papers that need to be signed, completed, etc. and you can put those in your inbox and not allow them to float around or pile on your desk. This also keeps messages/communications from others away from your carefully organized project files mentioned above. You can create an inbox on a wall or other area in your workspace. It doesn’t even have to be on your desk as it could distract you as well.
SHOP STYLISH DESK ORGANIZATION
Look below for some both stylish and very functional desk items to keep you neat, tidy, organized, creative and very productive:
5. CLEAN YOUR DESK THOROUGHLY.
With a cleared desk and drawers, now is the perfect time to clean the desktop and vacuum the drawers out before placing items back.
Don’t miss this: Here is an effective and computer-safe non-toxic cleaner to keep your workspace clean and toxin-free!
6. PERSONALIZE
This is your personal space so surround yourself with inspiration and nothing draining or negative in any way. Bring in a select number of personal items (1 to 3 should be fine) that you would like to have around you while your work. Whether this is a piece of art, a photo of your family, an inspiring mood board you created, favorite supplies, a beautiful plant or fresh flowers – keep it cohesive, inspiring and not too distracting.
Don’t miss this: Here is a great place for reasonably priced plants that come right to your door!
7. MINI DAILY TIDY-UP
At the end of your work session or at the end of the day, taking 2-3 minutes to tidy up keeps you on track to keeping an organized desk and life! Just a few minutes can do wonders! File away papers that you do not need tomorrow, put your supplies back, trash anything you can, and do clean your coffee mug. Be intentional about continuing to sort and discard documents once they’ve served their purpose.
Making a list of the top 3 things you want to accomplish the next day is a great idea to start your next work session with purpose.
FOR MORE ON THE TOPIC . . .
Below are a few other links that may help you create that workspace for rockstars:
- I know I have my favorite pens that never let me down, but here are some other best pens rated and reviewed.
- Suffer from sore wrists from heavy computer use? Here is a top rated ergonomic mouse to really help with that and prevent further injury.
- Maybe one of these ergonomic chairs according to back specialists could be a good choice for you at your desk.
- It is critical to keep those medical records straight. Here is how to do it and some great tools to help!
A PIN TO SAVE & SHARE
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