4 Tips for a Tidy Work Space

One of the ways you can make the time you spend at work more enjoyable is by having a tidy work space. The following tips then can help get your organized so you can have a neater desk and area at work.

1. Manage your Space

Manage your space first by organizing what you need and don’t need when you’re working. Pitch any papers or items that you haven’t used in the last six months. Include shelving or storage that you can easily reach while you’re at your desk. Therefore, plan your space so you can easily access items or readily record notes on the computer or on a pad of paper. Make sure that you allow enough room so you can open your file cabinets as well. Remember, file cabinets are typically deeper than a desk.

Place a bulletin board above your desk or in ready sight so you can put up reminders or a “To Do” list for the next day. To free up more desk space, attach calendars and pictures to the wall. Don’t place them on your desk. Keep your desk space only open for work that needs your immediate and current attention and essential supplies and tools.

2. Filing and Organization of Drawers and Cabinets

Use color-coded files to maintain your filing system. Put your most important files in the top cabinet and files of lesser importance in the bottom part of the cabinet. A rolling file is a good choice as you can free up even more desk space by placing your printer or phone on top of it. In your desk drawers, use drawer organizers to separate supplies. Place storage cabinets near your work station so you’ll be able to access larger supplies such as envelopes, copy paper, fax paper, file folders and similar items at a moment’s notice.

3. Maintaining Your Essentials

Place the items you use regularly on your desktop. Items such as project files, a lamp, notepaper, stapler and your current work should be placed on top of your desk. Place your phone so you can talk on it comfortably. For lengthy conversations, use a speaker phone or a headset. Place rubberbands, paper clips, pens and pencils in clear, plastic receptacles and label each accordingly. At the end of each day, take time to tidy up your work area and prepare for the following day. Make a “To Do” list and place it so it can be easily seen on your bulletin board.

4. Get Rid of the Non-Essentials

To maintain a tidy work space, you also have to get into the habit of prioritization. For instance, once you’re done using a particular item, get rid of it immediately. If you know it will be of no future use to you, you don’t need to stow it away or leave it on your desk; therefore, relegate it to the trash pile. Keep your wastebasket near your desk so you can keep your desk clear of unnecessary clutter. If you deal with confidential documentation, keep a shredder handy so you can easily discard any “top secret” paperwork. File away papers in their appropriate places that need your follow-up as well.

Keep the above tips in mind and you’ll be more organized and happy in your work.