You spend more time there than anywhere else. So is your desk as organized as it could be?
Here’s how to find out. Check out these seven steps to a workspace that not only eliminates inefficiencies but can actually help you work smarter:
- Do a pen and pencil purge. Those pencils without erasers or pens that skip belong in the trash. Even if you simply don’t like writing with it, it deserves to go.
- Dump your pockets here. If you’re not carrying a purse, you need somewhere to stow your keys, phone, PDA, wallet, etc. Everything should have a home. One good locale: under your monitor (it’s dead space anyway!). Keep charging cables there, too, so you aren’t hunting for them.
- Keep your “friends” close. If you use it every day, it should be closer than something you use only a few times each week. After all, if you’re constantly reaching for far-away things, there’s a much greater chance your desktop order will be messed up.
- Banish electronics. Get IT on the line if your cable modem, wireless router, firewall, battery backup, etc. are on your desk. Too much clutter.
- Be file-ready. Quick check: Without moving your chair or getting up, can you grab an unused manila folder, label it and put it in your file cabinet? You should be able to.
- Keep it clean. Whatever you use to clean and disinfect your workspace, you want it nearby (including a few paper towels).
- Make a note of it. During the course of the day, you will amass phone numbers, names, addresses, meeting times, etc. A central location, like a notebook, makes it easier to locate that info later.
Adapted in part from “12 Tips for an Organized Desk.”
