Happy Spring! Something about this change in season and the warmer weather puts people into a cleaning frenzy. You may attack your home, your car, or your garage in an effort to get organized, but what about your office? Here are some tips for a healthy, organized work space!
Get rid of clutter and old papers
This isn’t just for the “paper pilers” (you know who you are!) but for all of us. When sorting through papers, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” and “Why would I need this?” You then have two options– pitch it in the trash, or file it away in a place you would go to look for it.
Wipe down your space
Whether you are in a cube or an office—these areas accumulate dust and germs. Try using a Clorox bleach-free wipe or a basic antibacterial cleanser and take it to all surfaces you or others touch including:
- Your desk
- Mouse and keyboard
- Phone
- Door handles
- Light fixtures
- Cabinets and drawers
Don’t forget to wipe down community spaces too—like your kitchen or copy room. Perhaps a “clean team” in your office can volunteer to give these spaces a good scrub or “purging” of unnecessary paper.
Give yourself more desk space
Items that you will likely need throughout the course of a day certainly belong on your desk where they are easily accessible. Other items that you use less frequently should be neatly stored inside your desk. Storing these supplies frees up valuable desk real estate, and a neater desk will help you feel less stressed or anxious while at work.
Organize your computer
When your background is an endless row of icons, it’s time to de-clutter your virtual desktop. File away documents that you’ll need again, but everything else belongs in the recycle bin. Putting things where they belong and eliminating clutter will save you time, because you’ll know where everything is!
Find the time
Slow down. Invest time to properly organize space and create a system that makes sense. Spending the time to return items to a designated spot will help you save time when you go to look for it again.
Keeping your work space clutter free does wonders for your mental state-making you feel less anxious and stressed. Staying healthy by wiping down surfaces also helps prevent sickness—making your time at work more productive! What other organizational tips do you have to share?
Happy cleaning!
