Desk Makeover
April 29, 2009 by Nikki
Does you desk need a makeover?
Do you look at it and feel panic? You think you know where everything is but in reality, you wonder! If you want to feel more productive, more creative and more in control, follow these steps!
1. Remove- First step is to remove your things from your desk and give it a good spring cleaning. Clean the phone, the keyboard, the computer, etc.
2. Plan- Zone your desk into sections, for example; desktop, drawers, shelves, etc. Analyze the space you have and start thinking about how you use your desk. What is most important, what can be stored somewhere else.
3. Sort – Start getting rid of items you no longer need, pens that no longer work. Recycle old files and papers. Look for duplicate information and information you can find online. Save your space. 80% of what we file, we never look at again… Remember this when going through your paperwork. Is it really necessary?
4. Organize – Organize your papers from most important to least important. This will determine if items should be placed on the desktop vs. a drawer. Evaluate your current filing systems, is it currently working? It must be easy and simple to maintain. When creating tabs, use categories and subcategories that make the most sense to you. Keep extra manila folders and labels available for paper that does not have a home. Avoid the MISC. File – it can be a clutter zone! Set up a system for active files- have the files be clearly labeled with action items, for example; to do, to consider, to read, to sign and return.
Extra Tips
1. Keep a spiral notebook by the phone for messages and phone numbers – do not use anything else. This way the next time you are looking for a phone number, you know it will be in this notebook, not a sticky note.
2. Resist the urge to pile paper – take care of it immediately.
3. Keep your work surface clear except for essentials and your current project.
4. Take 10 minutes at the end of the day to keep your desk organized. Clean it up! Plan for your day tomorrow, know your schedule, start your to do list. The more you know and prepare, the more control you have.
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