Office Clutter Solutions
Keeping a neat office can be an uphill battle, especially when you work from home. Finding office clutter solutions that will work in such an important room of your home will give you a tool that you can use over and over again.
A home office organization tool that you can rely on to keep your workspace neat and clutter-free.
Are you struggling to keep your home office space organized and clutter-free?
If so, you’re not alone.
Many people find it challenging to stay organized when they work from home. But having a neat workspace is important, especially if you want to be productive.
I have been working from home for ovewr 6 years now, and I have learned some helpful tips on how to keep the clutter from taking over.
These solutions are easy to follow and will help you maintain an organized work area that is easy to be productive in.
How do you reduce clutter in the office?
With so much going on in a home office, clutter can take over quickly. The best way to reduce clutter is to set up systems so every item that comes in has a specific place to go.
This will help keep random piles of papers off of your desk, ensuring that things get the attention they need on time.
A few ideas are:
- A supply cabinet or drawer to hold office supplies.
- A paper-sized basket on your desk for all incoming papers.
- Hanging wall file holder for ongoing projects.
- A wall calendar for project schedules and events.
- A file system on your computer for organizing digital files.
Office Routine
Next, you will want to have a routine that you can use to deal with these different areas.
Routines are a huge help when working because they keep your attention where it needs to be without the risk of forgetting deadlines or tasks with specific time frames.
Having a routine of checking each area will help you to be aware of dates and impending deadlines. I like to spend a few minutes reviewing all ongoing projects every day to ensure we are on track. The quicker I see that things are falling behind, the easier it is to get caught up.
A few ideas are:
- Check your calendar to be sure you are aware of any commitments or appointments.
- Check your to-do list and select the top tasks that need worked on for the day ahead.
- Go through your incoming papers basket every morning, sorting them into priorities. Put your focus on the top priority papers for the day ahead.
- If you are a business owner, work on all accounting items one day each week. This can keep things from getting off track and help you know where your business is at all times, allowing you to make timley adjustments.
- Close out each day by making a list of 3-5 things that need to be given attention first thing in the morning.
- Before leaving your office, do a quick room reset. File papers, put office supplies away, close down your computer, and straighten up your desk area. Starting the day with a neat space is a great way to start your day in a better state of mind.
By having a routine, you will ensure that the clutter and chaos are dealt with before it has a chance to take over.
Office Clutter Solutions
The easy way to keep a more organized office area is to incorporate these clutter-free habits. Easy tasks that can make a big impact on your work space.
1. Keep your desk clean and clear
This one is pretty simple. Whenever you’re finished using something, put it away. Don’t let papers and other materials pile up on your desk.
Designate a home for your things so they can be quickly put away.
- Carousel for pens and highlighters.
- A basket for random papers that need your attention.
- An all in one setup to hold office supplies.
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Simple Trending 2 Tier Metal Monitor Stand Monitor riser and Computer Desk Organizer with Drawer and Pen Holder for Laptop, Computer, iMac, Blackgianotter Paper Letter Tray Organizer with File Holder, 4-Tier Desk Accessories & Workspace Desk Organizers with Drawer and 2 Pen Holder for Office Supplies (Rose Gold)
2. Put things away after using them
This is similar to the first tip, but it’s worth repeating. When you’re done with something, put it back in its place.
This will help you keep your desk clean and clear and make finding things easier when needed.
3. Don’t let papers and other materials pile up
Papers have a way of piling up quickly. And when they’re not organized, they can be really tough to deal with.
Make sure you’re staying on top of your paper clutter with these tips.
- File papers as soon as you’re done with them.
- Get rid of anything you don’t need.
- Put notes on papers that need your attention and keep them in a basket to empty out daily.
4. Invest in storage solutions that work for you
If you find yourself constantly struggling to keep your desk or office organized, it might be time to invest in some storage solutions.
There are many great products on the market that can help you keep your space tidy. When you have a place for everything, staying organized is much easier.
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5. Stay on top of your schedule and tasks
When you’re working from home, it’s easy to let things slide. But if you want to be successful, you need to stay on top of your schedule and get things done.
One way to do this is to create a daily or weekly task list. This will help you stay focused and on track.
This Hello Today notepad was a game changer for me and something I still use today. I like to use one page for the full week, and I have it out on my desk so I can work on it routinely. It really has helped me stay on track with tasks and deadlines.
6. Follow a regular cleaning routine
Another way to keep your work from home space organized and clutter-free is to follow a regular cleaning routine. This doesn’t mean you have to clean every day, but to set aside some time each week to tidy up your space.
This will help you stay on top of the clutter and make it easier to find things when you need them.
7. Delegate and ask for help when needed
If other people share your work at home space, delegate some of the tasks to them.
If, for example, your home office is also your dining room, where your kids do their homework, have them keep their area clean and neat by setting up kid-friendly organizers.
And if you’re really struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a professional organizing company. They can help you get your space in order and develop a plan to keep it that way.
8. Be mindful of what you bring into the office
One of the best ways to reduce clutter is to be mindful of what you bring into your office.
If you don’t need it, don’t bring it in.
And if you do need it, find a place to store it where it won’t take up valuable space.
9. Let go of what you don’t need
One of the hardest things to do is let go of things we don’t need. But, when it comes to office clutter, it’s important to get rid of anything we don’t use.
If you haven’t touched something in six months, chances are you don’t need it. So, get rid of it and free up some space.
10. Create a system that works for you and stick to it
Systems are my go-to solution for keeping an area that I just organized from getting out of control again.
A system is a routine that you follow for specific tasks. A few ideas are:
- File away any financial papers as soon as they come in.
- Update the calendar with any appointments or deadlines once they are made.
- Keep a running task list and review it at the end of each day.
- Make a list of 3-5 essentials from that list every morning to ensure you stay on track.
In the beginning, finding a system that works for you may take time, but once you find a system that works, you will have a space that is less chaotic.
If you follow these office clutter solutions, you’ll find it much easier to keep your office organized and clutter-free. And when your space is organized, you’ll be more productive and efficient.
Take the time to declutter your office and create a system that works for you. Your future self will thank you.
