Having a clean and tidy workspace can help to increase productivity.
Seeing as more of us than ever are now working from home, it’s important that we set aside time to declutter our work space and set this up in a way that makes us most productive.
Working from home can be full of distractions, but a messy workspace doesn’t have to be one of them! It doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time either. Simply schedule 10-20 mins each day and use the following tips as a guideline:
1. Keep items on your desk to a minimum
Does everything that actually sits on your desk have a purpose? Or does it belong somewhere else?
Keep only the items on there which are absolutely necessary, such as your laptop, desk lamp, (very important to help reduce eye strain) Pen/pencil, note pad, smart phone etc.
Perhaps consider a small desk friendly plant to improve the air quality in your workspace?
2. Have a labelling and in-tray system
Label your folders and keep everything important at arms reach, so either in your desk drawer or on a nearby shelf. Try using a magazine holder or in-tray for current paperwork, then when anything is dealt with, it’s filed away in the appropriate folder.
3. Beware of excess paperwork
Regularly go through any paper items you have and put aside any in a pile to shred, recycle or file (Try and do this the same day, if possible). For financial documents, can you switch to paperless bank statements? Do you really need to print off everything or can you save a digital copy?
4. What about digital clutter?
Sort out your email inbox and delete anything you don’t need, also empty your junk email folder. Unsubscribe to any emails you no longer want to receive. Empty your recycle bin. Delete any folders you don’t use anymore, remove anything unnecessary off your desk top. Delete old programmes and software you no longer need.
5. Avoid post-its
Try to avoid using bits of paper like post-its, they have their place but can look messy and untidy left stuck to the wall or desk. Stick to a notepad and cross off to do items as you go.
6. Don’t neglect the washing up
If you eat and drink at your desk each day, make sure to remove any cups, plates or packaging regularly and dispose of or wash up so it’s ready to be used again.
7. Tidy up your cables
Invest in cable ties for messy computer cables or why not upgrade your equipment and invest in a wireless mouse/headphones?
8. How many pens do you actually need?
Do you have lots of pens lying around or a full batch in a pen tidy? Check they all work and if not, dispose of in the nearest bin. Keep a maximum of 5 nearby.
9. What’s your view like?
Do you have any wall clutter? Corkboards have their place but can easily look messy and cluttered with lots of reminders stuck to them. Consider investing in images that uplift/inspire you. Do you have a favourite quote which you could enlarge and frame?
10. Keep it clean
Once your desk is clear and tidy, give it a wipe down each day with a disinfectant wipe, especially if you desk share with anyone.
So there you go! We hope these tips help you feel more organised when working from home. Do you have any further tips on decluttering your workspace? Feel free to share them in the comments below.
