A clean office means a clean mind but keeping your home office free of clutter can be easier said than done. Not only do you have a small space to work with, but you also have to contend with the fact that the space you’re in is probably also doubling as the spare bedroom or the arts and crafts room. But if you follow the seven golden tips below, you should be able to have that office feeling like a real workplace in no time.
1. Purge the space
Start by getting rid of anything you don’t need. We don’t necessarily mean throw it away but if it isn’t there to be used for work, find another room for it. Like the attic or the garage, maybe? You could always figure out what you don’t use anymore and put it into a box for a potential garage or yard sale in the near future too.
2. Sort out your filing system
We know that most filing is done digitally these days, but you’ll still undoubtedly have paperwork to keep safe. Sort your filing system in a manner that makes sense for you. It could be by type, by date or by name as long as there is some sort of consistency to it.
3. Label everything
Putting a physical label on things makes them easier to identify and locate. Label your cables, your cabinets, your filing system and more as this will allow you to be more organized and will ensure you don’t end up losing anything. Cable labelling specifically is a great idea as it will save you from having to follow the tangle of cables to their source every time you want to unplug something.
4. Create ‘work zones’
If you are working out of a multi-use space, then create definitive areas for work. This will help you get into a working mindset and segregate your work from your home life, which is particularly difficult for those who are new to the concept of remote work.
5. Take advantage of containers for storage
Don’t just shove everything into your desk drawers as you’ll probably forget about them. Use storage boxes and folders to keep track of your office supplies and materials and have a specific box or folder for each item. This will save you hours of endlessly digging through drawers.
6. Let the light in
Dark office spaces are going to play havoc on your productivity and mental health. So, open the curtain during the day and invest in some good lighting for those long winter evenings.
7. Clear your desk
Finally, always keep your desk space clear. Whatever your profession, a tidy desk will help you feel calmer and will provide you with fewer pesky distractions from getting on with your work and being productive. Because there are few things in life more distracting than a messy desk!
