Most people are a lot more focused and clear headed when their desk is clutter free. They also end up getting more done. Learn the steps to keep your desk clear.
In the first part of this article about how to organize a desk, we talked about how to manage all of the paper that seems to gather on your desk. It included having the right boxes set up and a system to handle all of your incoming paper.
Now we’re going to focus on all of the non-paper items.
1Get Rid of the Post-Its
Yes, Post-Its were a wonderful invention and they are kind of fun to have around, but almost everyone over uses them in their desk area.
They can fall off and get lost but what usually happens is that they just get covered up.
Instead of using a Post-It, keep a small notebook by your computer and write your notes on that. You may even want to go completely paperless and use an on-line note taking system.
2Dump the Printouts
People frequently need to print things in order to review or work on them. When you are finished with it, pitch it. You found the document online or in your email the first time so it will still be there if you need it again.
3Make It Easy to File
One of the reasons that people don’t keep things filed is that they don’t want to take the time to find their empty file folders. Keep several empty folders within reach so you can create a file, and file the document. This will get rid of the stack of “to be filed” papers that you probably have on the corner of your desk.
4Clean Off Your Desk Everyday
At the end of each day, you should make time to clean off your desk. This should only take a few minutes, but it does wonders to help you reduce the clutter that accumulates during the day.
Cleaning off your desk will also help you to get started right away the next time you sit down at your desk.
The key to this tip is to make it a routine. This may even require you to set a timer or an online reminder of some kind. The Google calendar function works well for this. However, after a week or so it should be a habit that you don’t need to be reminded of.
5Get Rid of Your Pens
Yes, you need to have one or two pens on your desk, but do you really need five of them?
Keep your favorite pen and an extra one on your desk top and put the rest of them away.
6Stop the Schwag
Yes, every company you see at a conference and every store you go into wants to give you something free that has their phone number on it, but it just adds up to clutter. Take a business card if you think you need their contact information, but say no to the extra cups, pens and brochures.
7Move Your Books
Yes, books can look nice in an office, but if you don’t use them frequently they shouldn’t be on your workspace
8Don’t Eat at Your Desk
The problem with eating at your desk is two-fold. One is that you end up with crumbs in your workspace. The second problem is that you end up with leftovers, paper bags and utensils all over your desk.
9Limit Your Pictures
It’s good to be reminded of the people you love, but if you have too many pictures on your desk it can be a distraction. A couple pictures is ok, but if you have more than that you should store them online instead of on your desktop.
What Do You Think?
Do you have any other strategies that have been successful in helping to control your desk clutter?
Do you have any friends who could use some help keeping their desk clean? Share this with them.
