It is time for Spring Cleaning! Before you start you may want to ask yourself:

Do I need this? Why?

Many times we assume we need something because one day we might need it, but try to be honest with yourself and weigh the cost of keeping things that clutter your space. If it’s an item that is cheap, toss it and buy another when you need it.

Where will I look for it when I need to find it?

Do I need to develop a new system?

Try color coding your files. it’s an easy system that will save you time filing and retrieving your documents.

Tips to keep your office space tidy:

Keep Supplies and Often-Used Items Separate

Items that you will likely need throughout the day, like your laptop, pens, planner, and Post-It Notes, all need a spot on your desk. Other items, such as tape, stapler, paper clips, and envelopes, should be neatly stored inside your desk. This keeps less frequently used items from taking up valuable desk real estate, but ensures that they are easily accessible.

Items that can help:

Get rid of paper clutter!

Do you really need to save all the papers on your desk? Try filing, or putting all needed paper in binders. It makes everything easier to find. For ongoing projects, keep these files color-coded and set them apart from your archives.

Items that can help:

Don’t Use E-Mail as a To-Do List or your desk top as the place to save all documents.

We all are drowning in e-mails and too often use our email like to-do lists. Digital clutter is just as stressful and will drain your mental energy just like physical clutter. Try organizing your inbox like how you organized paper clutter, either with folders and utilize the features on your work email. When all else fails just Google some tips! Do not just flag an email without a system, use the tools you have available to set reminders to follow-up and keep a desk planner for easy access to look up dates of important tasks.

Items that can help:

Get rid of germs, food, and dust!

You may already be very organized, but do not forget to prevent the build-up of dust, dirt, and the list goes on. Requesting disinfecting wipes to clean your desk, phone, keyboard and monitor will also help prevent you from getting sick! This is also a good time to organize and get rid of anything from the week you do not need. It also will give your area a clean odor so you will feel fresh and motivated to start your work week!

Items that can help: