A clean and tidy desk is the key to efficiency and good work… It sounds like a no-brainer, but we all tend to get overwhelmed. Clutter wastes time, hinders our work and reduces our performance. It even causes us to lose focus and stress arises.
On the other hand, if we get into the habit of organising our office by allocating a clearly defined place to our work tools, and by clearing the area so that only the essentials are within reach, we will not only save valuable space and time but also have a clearer head to start the day. The sight of our tidy workspace will boost our motivation and additionally, it improves our productivity.
Are you a teleworker or self-employed from home? All the more reason to follow our advices on how to keep your work and private life separated and how to make your workspace a place of its own, in perfect harmony with the rest of your home.
1
The best way how to start organising your office is to sort out your belongings. This is not necessarily fun, but it is essential for clarity. Documents and files that are no longer relevant, but which must be kept for administrative reasons, are stored in labelled folders. Get rid of useless old pencils and pens, as well as, of other items you hardly never use. In short, a clean sweep of the unorganised past.
2
Once the top of the desk has been cleared, the first device to set up is usually the computer. If you work on a laptop, consider a computer riser, an inexpensive accessory that greatly improves your posture in relation to the location of the keyboard and monitor.
If you work on a PC, make sure you position it at the right height, facing you and keeping the centre of the screen at eye level. This will prevent back and neck problems. If you can, install a sliding tray for the keyboard under the desk to free up as much space as possible.
3
Computer, scanner, printer, desk lamp, telephone, chargers… Over time, the cables from all these devices end up getting tangled up and form an impractical and unsightly mess. Take the time to untangle them once and for all and invest in a cable management box or sleeve to secure them neatly to the back or side of your desk. This will prevent you from tripping over the wires or wasting time identifying them in case of a technical problem.
4
If your desk has drawers, use bamboo trays or drawer dividers to make the most out of your space. Again, this will save you time when you’re looking for something.
5
A pedestal on wheels can easily be placed next to or under the desk to store essential items and frequently used files. Some pedestals even have a hanging file compartment for easy filing and retrieval. You can also opt for a trolley with wheels, such as the one from Compactors Grenå collection.
6
If space allows, add a cupboard or low cabinet to store, archive and conceal all the files and equipment you do not use very often. Consider cardboard storage boxes for sorting and keeping an aesthetic look when the cabinet doors are left open.
7
Keeping the latest file on the desk is fine, but accumulating piles of files is hell. Once again, use binders and elasticated folders. Choose different colours to make it easier to find your way around or, if you prefer to play it simple and harmonious, opt for folders in the same neutral colour and label them. If you really want to keep them close to you, group them vertically on a corner of the desk to give it a tidy look.
8
The most commonly used pens and other office utensils can be stored in stackable bamboo organisers that are kept within easy reach.
9
To display important notes, business cards, that favourite photo or the latest drawing your child gave you, attach a corkboard or magnetic board to the wall. Simply pin up all those little things that are important to you and it becomes a useful and lively reminder. But be careful, do not overload the board so that it remains decorative.
10
For organising your office keep every options in mind. Why not use the wall space for more storage? Make the most out of your wall area by using, for example, a few wooden shelves or the self-adhesive HANG IT storage boxes from Compactor which can be fixed to the wall without the need for screws or a drill. This is an ideal storage solution for papers and other utensils without cluttering the top of the desk.
This is how you can turn a cluttered office into a zen-like workspace that is conducive to concentration. A place where you can sit down every morning and feel at home.
One last tip: If you have a green thumb, add one or more pretty houseplants to your office. This will spice up the design of your working area and will make it look even more inviting.
Will you spend your next weekend organising your office?
