Organize Your Office - 5 Easy Steps

Is stuff piling up all over your office? Does it seem like papers, mail, receipts, files, bills, and everything else has taken over?

Well, don’t fret…it happens to the best of us. When you’re running a business or very busy at work, office clutter and disorganization can be a major problem.

It contributes to overwhelm and stress, which inhibits your ability to do your best work. But, getting organized is time consuming, so you might be inclined to put it off.

To help save your sanity and bring order to the chaos, here are a few easy to implement ideas to help you organize your office and tame the mess… aka your office!

1. First, de-clutter your desk.
Make separate stacks of related items and papers: i.e. receipts, reports, letters, etc. You may want to buy some of those little wire or plastic baskets to contain the stacks from your local office supply store.

2. Your filing system, do you even have one?
Whatever you can file easily and quickly should be filed right away. Use manila folders, write the general description of what’s in the folder (i.e. receipts, bills to pay, notes, letters, etc.) on the tab, and stick them in it instead of laying them down. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in the space around you.

3. Use envelopes creatively.
An alternative to manila folders is to use envelopes or sheet protectors to organize them. Label the folders so you’ll know what’s in them. Once this is done, you can break them down even further as you see the need to have more categories. If you’re a business owner, make sure you separate personal papers from business papers. You’ll be glad you did come tax time!

4. Snail Mail
First, dump the junk! Unless you’re a coupon clipper or have a real interest in a particular flyer, just toss the junk mail when it comes in. Sort through your mail while standing near the trash can (or recycling bin). Then, put the mail you want to see in an “inbox” on your desk. Schedule a time to go through the mail during the day, like after productive work hours or first thing in the morning. Go through your mail at least once a week.

5. Delegate
If you’re a business owner and don’t have an assistant, consider hiring one even on a part-time basis. Or, hire one of your kids or another family member! It’s a great way to get cheap service and perhaps a tax deduction in the process.

The sooner you organize your office, the better. You'll be more effective and relaxed as you go through your day. Bite the bullet and get it done, or hire someone to do it for you. It’ll be one more to-do you can cross off your list!