Have you noticed that your environment affects your productivity?
If you’re like me, as a child-free creative, you’re always juggling multiple projects and tasks. That can quickly lead to clutter and disorganization in your workspace, which can negatively impact your productivity and increase stress levels.
When I’ve got a stack of papers, sticky notes all over my monitor, cups all over my desk, and other random stuff that don’t even belong on my desk or in my office, I get distracted more easily so it’s harder to focus.
It also makes me feel anxious because it’s messy and I have this back and forth in my brain about “I need to clean that, where is that thing I need for this project?, I should put that back in the kitchen, etc.” and it throws me off and makes me procrastinate so I don’t do anything then begin the social media scroll. Then the next thing I know it’s dinner time and I’ve wasted my whole day.
If this sounds like you, keep watching.
In this video, I’ll share 5 practical tips on how to get organized and develop habits to maintain an organized office.
Getting Organized
First things first, let’s assess your current workspace or home office setup. Take a look around and identify the areas that need improvement. Are there piles of papers, tangled cords, or cluttered shelves? Make a list of the problem areas and let’s tackle them one by one.
When you Assess your workspace, take a step back and analyze your office layout, including your desk, shelves, and storage areas. This will help you identify areas that need improvement, such as cluttered or disorganized spaces and if rearranging your decor is in order.
Next, Determine what needs to be organized. This involves taking inventory of the items in your workspace and categorizing them by type. For instance, you may have a pile of papers that need to be sorted, office supplies that need to be organized, or electronics that need to be decluttered. Once you have a clear idea of what needs to be organized, you can move on to decluttering.
Start by sorting through your items and decide what to keep, toss, or donate. Remember, less is more when it comes to a clean and organized space.
Decluttering involves identifying items that are no longer needed and getting rid of them. This can include duplicate items, outdated materials, or broken items that can no longer be used. For example, you may have old electronics that you no longer use or books that you’ve already read and don’t plan to read again. Instead of letting these items take up valuable space, donate them to charity or recycle them.
Next, Categorize your items. Grouping similar items together makes it easier to find what you need when you need it. For example, you may want to group all your office supplies together in a designated drawer or container, while keeping your electronics and papers in separate areas. Creating a system and layout for categorizing items can be as simple as using labels or color-coding.
Now I’m going to talk about organizational tools because who doesn’t love to buy cool or cute items that make you happy to look at? But first, a Disclaimer* DO NOT buy any until everything is decluttered so you know what actually needs to be organized and so you don’t create new clutter with containers.
Cable Management: Tangled cords can be a real eyesore and make your workspace look messy. Use cable organizers, zip ties, or even DIY solutions like toilet paper rolls to keep your cords neat and tidy. Managing your cables is also safer so you don’t trip and to avoid fire hazards.
File folders. These can be used to keep papers organized, while storage containers can be used to store office supplies or other items. Then use the taps on the folders to label everything and easily find later. I also like to use colorful 3-ring binders for each separate category of papers too.
Desk organizers can help keep your desk tidy and clutter-free, while labels can help you quickly identify items and their designated spaces. For example, you may want to invest in a paper tray or file organizer to keep your papers in order or a desk caddy to keep your office supplies within reach.
Then of course, Personalize Your Space. Now that your home office is organized, it’s time to personalize it. Add some plants, artwork, or motivational quotes to make your workspace feel more inviting and inspiring.
When my desk and office are organized and clean, it’s so easy to find what I need when I need it. I feel lighter and it’s easier to focus on what’s in front me. Having an organized physical space gives me more mental space because I’m calmer and not thinking about all the other things I have to do. I feel more professional and confident as this is the space I’d be happy to have a client see and be in.
Developing Tidy Habits
Now that you’ve got your workspace organized, it’s time to develop habits to maintain all that hard work. To maintain an organized workspace, it helps to create daily habits. Here are 5 habits that can help:
- Regularly reviewing and updating your space is crucial for staying organized and focused when you’re working. This means taking the time to assess your space, declutter, and reorganize as needed. By doing this regularly, you can avoid having to do another big declutter, and keep yourself focused on what’s most important.
- Implementing a 5-minute tidy at the end of each day can also help you maintain an organized workspace. Schedule a few minutes at the end of your work hours to tidy up your desk, put away items that are out of place, and make sure everything is in its designated spot. By doing this regularly, you can reduce stress and improve productivity by starting each day with a clean and clutter-free space you’re excited to be in.
- Establishing a filing system. This is essential for keeping important documents and information organized and easily accessible. This can involve using physical file folders, digital storage systems, or a combination of both. The key is to establish a consistent system that works for you, how to think, and how you search for items, and to use it consistently. This can help you save time and reduce the risk of losing important documents or information when you’re getting ready for a client or any other important meeting.
- Put things away immediately One of the most effective habits you can start building to keep your home office organized is to put things away immediately after using them. This might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference. By making a conscious effort to put things back where they belong, you’ll prevent clutter from building up on your desk in the first place, and you’ll save yourself a lot of time in the long run.
For example, if you’ve just finished using a pen or a stapler, don’t leave it lying on your desk. Instead, take a few seconds to put it back in its designated spot. If you’ve finished working on a project, don’t leave all the materials scattered around your desk. Put them away in their respective organizers.
- Keep a small trash bin nearby to keep wrappers and other trash off the floor and desk. Then as soon as it’s full, change it out.
- Practice the “one in, one out” rule to help prevent unnecessary clutter from accumulating in your workspace. This means getting rid of an item whenever you bring something new in. By doing this consistently, you can avoid accumulating too many items that you don’t need or use and keep your workspace organized and clutter-free.
- Taking breaks throughout the day to regroup and refocus can help you stay organized and productive as well. This means taking short breaks to step away from your work, stretch, or engage in other activities that help you recharge and refocus. By doing this, you can avoid burnout and maintain your focus and productivity throughout the day.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can maintain an organized workspace and stay productive, reducing stress and increasing overall happiness.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different habits until you find the ones that work best for you. Remember, staying organized is an ongoing process, but by consistently practicing good habits, you can make it a part of your daily life so you don’t even have to think about it. You simply do it instead.
I hope these tips will help you on your organizational journey.