Office Chaos

If you’re used to working in this kind of environment, you may not even be aware that the clutter is distracting you. It also causes unnecessary stress, because the items lying around often represent unfinished business. Having a system and a place to put things in your office will help minimize the distractions and eliminate extra stress. Here are a few tips to help you de-clutter your office:

1. Magazine Holders- use them to store directories, software manuals, packages of computer software labels, folders, user guides, packages of computer photo paper. When placing on a shelf, you want to see the back of the holder instead of the contents – it gives a clean look.

2. Computer Software- If you do not have an IT department that stores software and the user manuals for you, you’ll want to set up a system in your office so you can put your hands on when you need it. Empty the contents of the boxes and keep the software and manual. Be sure you also keep the Product Key if not on the CD case or CD itself. User manuals can also be store in a magazine holder, in hanging file in your filing cabinet or even in a decorative box that sits on a shelf. Software can be stored in a binder or a box designed for software.

3. To be Filed- Establish a location in your office for papers that require no additional action but just need to be filed. Don’t allow this location to accumulate items that need action.

4. Receipts- Create a place for receipts you must keep. Make a decision immediately if you need to keep it. Most likely, if it is a business expense, you’ll need to keep it. If you file an expense report–keep an envelope for the period where you can place the receipts until you file the report–so you don’t miss out on being reimbursed for expenses. If you have your own business, be sure to label the type of expense immediately–it will save you hours of time later at tax time!

5. Names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers- Establish a location in your office where you’ll keep these pieces of information until you have time to record them in your contact management program or address book. Use a folder that you keep close by or a small container into which you toss the information. Better yet, record it immediately and discard that piece of paper.

6. Bookshelves- When placing books on bookshelves, try grouping them by category. Instead of standing them all upright, try laying groups of books flat and stacked on top of each other. Bookshelves don’t need to be full of books from one end to the other. In between the groups, you can display a photo or special treasure to break up the sections a bit.

Not sure where to begin? Just pick one small area to start, and complete that area. You’ll have a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and then you can move on to other areas of your office. It’s never too late to enjoy the numerous benefits of working in an organized office.

© 2007 Eliminate Chaos, LLC

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