Seeing endless clutter often just brings stress and a lack of focus. If everything is in disarray, it makes it difficult to concentrate, and in turn that can cost your business money if productivity isn’t met. I’ve learned that “Outer order brings inner calm.” There is no better place to start than your desk since you spend most of your time there. These tips will help you keep your desk clutter-free every day.
Keep the Top of Your Desk clutter-free
Reduce the number of items on your desk. Keep items like a file tray with dividers for completed and in-progress files and a cup for your pens. Consider hanging a family photo or inspirational art piece on the wall versus putting it on your desk. Remove all food containers and beverages as soon as you’ve used them.
Finish Your Projects
Unfinished projects are one of the biggest clutter culprits. Papers and files often lay on our desk for days, just daring us to finish them. This becomes distracting and overwhelming to our minds as well. If you can finish a task within 30 minutes, do it promptly. If it needs longer than that, file it in a drawer. If the project has sat unfinished for weeks, consider getting rid of it.
Toss anything unnecessary
Paperwork is the largest form of clutter because we’re afraid to throw anything away. Think hard if you need to keep it, such as tax documents, or if it’s old pricing info from a conference from five years ago. That’s outdated and could be tossed. In addition, think about tossing or recycling any freebies from recent conferences that are just taking up space and any recent magazines you haven’t red yet.
Declutter your Desktop
Each week, take time to de-clutter your desktop as well. Delete any icons for programs and folders you no longer use. This will make it easier to locate items, as well as making your desktop more visually pleasing.
Clean Daily
Make time to clean your desk for 10 minutes at the end of each day. Pen your pens back in your pen cup. Organize your papers and put away your files for the next day. Disinfect your desk each night to prevent getting sick. You’ll feel more energized coming in the morning seeing a clean desk, even if you still have to complete yesterday’s work, than if you see it staring right up at you.
These tips will help you eliminate everyday clutter from your desk and work more productively. For more ideas, sign up to hear Juliette Schatan from Refresh Professional Organizers speak in The Amphitheater on March 25th at 11 am PST about Organizational Tips for Saving Your Business Big Bucks.
