Earlier I wrote a blog post about organizing your office.
For me the main heart of the office is my desk and I want to spend more time sharing how I go about organizing my desk for the year.
Let’s start with the top of my desk.
Too much clutter reduces my productivity. I want only items out on my desktop that I use every day. What was important to me last year is not necessarily what I want this year. A couple of years ago I got rid of the desk lamp and replaced it with two lights that are in my ceiling above my desk so that I could have more desktop space.
Looking at my desktop now I see some more things I am ready to remove. I have a small dish that holds 2 sets of earplugs. I sometimes use them but not often. These could easily slip into a drawer. I have a picture of me with my grandson that is over 3 years old. I am ready now to remove that picture from the frame and put it on my bulletin board with other happy memories. I have a ceramic shell shaped candle holder that can now leave but I will keep the picture of the beach and dish of shells on the edge of my filing cabinet. The 3-hole punch is rarely used, and it can go into the credenza.
What is left on the actual desktop now is my phone, a live flower, my PC, my time-timer, my coffee cup, and one pen. On the file cabinet right beside my desk is a picture and the shells.
Done!
Now let’s look at the drawers in the desk.
All my drawers still fit my vision and my usage, and I know where to easily find everything I need. However, they have accumulated items throughout the year that can be culled like extra pens, paperclips that are bent, and notepads. A new eyeglass case with last pair of glasses replaces the old one. Some stationary that really doesn’t suit me can go. The calendar from two years ago is gone but replaced with last year’s calendar. Each drawer can be done in under 10 minutes including wiping it out. I refer to my Office Supply Desk Drawer card from our Organize Your Home 10 Minutes at a Time for guidance.
Done!
Now my desk is set up for the new year. I have room on my desk surface to work on whatever current project is at hand. At the end of the day, it is simple to clear the desk to maintain my space.
If your desk or office space is a complete disaster or just needs a little tweaking, develop a plan now to make it match your vision and be the perfect workplace for you. You will notice that your productivity increases and your stress decreases.
If you want help or just some accountability in working your plan join Diane Quintana and me on our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, author of four books as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing, virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.