Continuing where we left off yesterday, here are five more organization tips for the home office:
5. Arrange separate trays for items that need to remain on your desk, such as papers you need to reference while working on a project. Create an inbox/outbox system, and use storage units in different styles or colors to keep different types of items organized. If you don’t want too many different colors, choose uniform containers but add colored labels. Vendors’ catalogs and the like may be stored in magazine file boxes, while owner’s manuals for office equipment might be stored in a small file box.
4. Store as many files as possible on your computer instead of in paper form. Scan copies and save them to a specific folder (you can always print them out if you need a hard copy). It is also important to keep computer files organized so you can find what you need. Delete items as you no longer need them, but be sure to back up important information regularly.
3. Clean out your files regularly and dispose of unnecessary items. If there is something you don’t currently need, but feel that you should save, place it in a file storage box. These boxes can be stacked in a corner or closet, so they are easy to access, but they won’t be in the way as you conduct your daily business.
2. Keep a notepad or planner handy to write down important thoughts, ideas, or reminders. It also makes sense to create a “to do” list and check items off as they are accomplished.
1. Organize your desk at the end of the day, disposing of trash, filing away papers, and generally tidying up, so you can start fresh the next morning.
Keeping your desk and workspace organized and free of clutter will help you be more efficient as well as more productive.