How to declutter the office?
A few years ago, I embraced a minimalist approach also in my workplace. Then I had the confirmation that a clean and organized workspace improves productivity, efficiency, and even creativity.
When your work environment is cluttered and disorganized, it can be difficult to find the tools and materials you need to complete tasks, which can waste valuable time and energy. By keeping your workspace organized, you can quickly access the resources you need and focus on your work without distractions.
A clean workplace can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. A cluttered and disorganized environment can be overwhelming and stressful, which can negatively affect your mental health and ability to concentrate. On the other hand, a clean and organized workspace can create a sense of calm and help you feel more in control of your environment.
A decluttered workplace can help to create a professional image and foster a positive work culture. A cluttered and disorganized workspace can give the impression that you are disorganized and unprepared, which may not be the impression you want to give to your colleagues or clients. The opposite demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, which is important in building trust and credibility.
Navigating through a sea of tips can feel overwhelming, but here’s the beauty of it: you don’t have to adopt every single tip. Imagine these suggestions as tools in a toolbox. Not every job requires every tool. Your mission is to find that unique set that resonates with your needs and tendencies. Some tips will feel like a perfect fit, sliding seamlessly into your routine, while others might not align with your style. And that’s perfectly okay! Remember, the goal isn’t to cram every piece of advice into your life but rather to curate a personalized approach that feels authentic and effective for you. In essence, take what serves you, and leave the rest. Tailor your journey, and thrive on your own terms.
Keep your space ordered in 21 steps
- Start by identifying the areas of your office that are most cluttered and in need of decluttering.
Decluttering your office can be a daunting task, especially if it has become cluttered over time. To make the process more manageable, it’s important to focus on one area at a time. Start by identifying the areas of your office that are most cluttered and in need of attention. This could be your desk, a certain drawer, or a particular shelf. By targeting specific areas, you can declutter more efficiently and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the task.
As you assess the clutter in your office, consider the items that you no longer need or use. These are likely the items that are taking up valuable space and contributing to the overall clutter in your office. Make a mental note or a list of these items as you go, as you will want to dispose of them or donate them once you have completed the decluttering process.
- Set aside a block of time specifically for decluttering. This could be an hour or a whole day, depending on the amount of clutter you need to deal with.
Decluttering your office can be a time-consuming task, so it’s important to set aside a dedicated block of time to focus on it. This could be an hour, a half-day, or even a whole day, depending on the amount of clutter you need to deal with. By setting aside a specific time to declutter, you can ensure that you have the mental and physical energy to tackle the task.
It’s also helpful to have a plan in place for how you will declutter your office. For example, you might start by tackling your desk, then move on to your drawers, and finally focus on your shelves and storage solutions. Having a clear plan can help you stay focused and make the most of the time you have set aside for decluttering.
- Make a list of the items you no longer need or use, and consider donating, recycling, or disposing of them.
As you declutter your office, it’s important to get rid of items that you no longer need or use. This could include old papers, broken office supplies, or outdated equipment. To make the process easier, consider making a list of these items as you go. This will help you keep track of what you need to dispose of or donate, and it will also make it easier to see the progress you are making as you declutter.
Once you have identified the items you no longer need, consider donating them to a local charity or recycling them if possible. This will help you clear out your office and reduce waste at the same time. If you have sensitive documents or other items that you need to dispose of, consider using a shredder or other secure method to destroy them.
- Organize your office supplies, such as pens, paper clips, and staplers, into containers or drawers to keep them from cluttering up your desk.
Office supplies, such as pens, paper clips, and staplers, can quickly clutter up your desk if they are not properly organized. To keep your desk clear of clutter, consider organizing your office supplies into containers or drawers. This will help you keep track of your supplies and make them easier to access when you need them.
There are a variety of storage options available for office supplies, including desk organizers, pencil cups, and drawer organizers. Choose the option that works best for your needs and the layout of your office. You might also consider using a label maker to label your storage containers, so you know exactly what’s inside without having to rummage through them.
- File away any loose papers and documents that are taking up space on your desk or in your drawers.
Loose papers and documents can be a major source of clutter in an office, and they can be difficult to keep organized if they are not filed away properly. To declutter your office and keep your papers organized, consider filing them away in folders or binders. This will help you keep track of your documents and make them easier to access when you need them.
There are a few different approaches to filing papers in your office, including alphabetical, chronological, or subject-based systems. Choose the option that works best for you and your needs. If you have a large number of papers to file, consider using a label maker or pre-printed labels to label your folders and binders, so you can easily find what you are looking for.
- Consider using a label maker to label boxes, bins, and other storage containers, so you know what’s inside without having to rummage through them.
Label makers can be a helpful tool when it comes to decluttering and organizing your office. By labeling your storage containers, you can quickly and easily identify what’s inside without having to open them up and rummage through them. This can save you time and frustration when you are looking for a specific item or trying to find a place to store something.
Label makers are particularly useful for storage containers that are not transparent, such as boxes or bins. You can use them to label the outside of the container, or you can use self-adhesive labels to label the contents of the container. Either way, having a clear, easy-to-read label can make it much easier to find what you are looking for and keep your office clutter-free.
- Use vertical storage solutions, such as shelving or wall-mounted organizers, to make use of the space above your desk and keep things off the floor.
One way to declutter your office is to make use of vertical storage solutions, such as shelving or wall-mounted organizers. These types of storage solutions can help you make use of the space above your desk and keep things off the floor, which can help reduce clutter and make your office feel more organized and spacious.
There are many different types of vertical storage solutions available, including shelves, hanging file organizers, and wall-mounted bins. Choose the option that works best for your needs and the layout of your office. You might also consider using baskets or bins on your shelves to keep smaller items organized and easy to find.
- Use under-desk storage options, such as rolling carts or drawers, to keep things out of sight but still within easy reach.
Another way to declutter your office is to utilize under-desk storage options, such as rolling carts or drawers. These types of storage solutions can help you keep things out of sight but still within easy reach, which can help reduce clutter and make your office feel more organized.
There are many different types of under-desk storage options available, including rolling carts, drawers, and bins. Choose the option that works best for your needs and the layout of your office. You might also consider using dividers or organizers within your under-desk storage to keep smaller items separated and easy to find.
- Consider using a standing desk or a treadmill desk to free up space on your desk and keep your body moving while you work.
If you are looking for ways to declutter your office and make the most of your available space, you might consider using a standing desk or treadmill desk. Standing desks allow you to work while standing up, which can help reduce clutter on your desk and increase your energy and productivity. Treadmill desks allow you to work while walking on a treadmill, which can help you stay active and healthy while you work.
There are many different types of standing and treadmill desks available, ranging from manual desks that you adjust by hand to electric desks that you can adjust with the push of a button. Choose the option that works best for your needs and budget. You might also consider using a monitor mount or other ergonomic accessories to help make your standing or treadmill desk more comfortable and functional.
- Use a desk organizer to keep your desk tidy and free of clutter.
A desk organizer can be a helpful tool for decluttering your office and keeping your desk tidy and free of clutter. Desk organizers come in a variety of styles and materials, including plastic, metal, and wood, and they can be used to store a wide range of items, including pens, paper clips, and other office supplies.
When choosing a desk organizer, consider the size of your desk and the types of items you need to store. You might also consider using a desk organizer that has multiple compartments or trays, which can help you keep your items separated and easy to find. Some desk organizers also have built-in features, such as a whiteboard or a calendar, which can be helpful for staying organized and keeping track of your schedule.
- Keep only the essentials on your desk and store the rest in drawers or other storage solutions.
One way to declutter your office is to keep only the essentials on your desk and store the rest in drawers or other storage solutions. This can help reduce clutter and make your desk feel more spacious and organized.
When deciding what to keep on your desk, consider the items that you use most frequently or need to have within easy reach. These might include your computer, phone, and a few key office supplies. Everything else can be stored in drawers, cabinets, or other storage solutions, where they will be out of sight but still within easy reach when you need them.
- Use file folders or binders to keep your papers organized and easy to access.
File folders and binders can be a helpful tool for decluttering your office and keeping your papers organized and easy to access. File folders are particularly useful for organizing loose papers, while binders are great for organizing documents that you need to keep together, such as reports or presentations.
When choosing file folders or binders, consider the size and layout of your office, as well as the types of documents you need to store. You might also consider using a label maker or pre-printed labels to label your folders and binders, so you can easily find what you are looking for. If you have a large number of papers to file, consider using a filing cabinet or other storage solution to keep them organized and out of sight.
- Consider using electronic versions of documents, such as PDFs, to reduce the need for physical copies.
One way to declutter your office and reduce paper clutter is to consider using electronic versions of documents, such as PDFs. PDFs (Portable Document Format) are a type of file format that allows you to view and print documents on any device, regardless of the software or hardware you are using. This can be particularly useful if you need to access or share documents from multiple devices or locations.
To create a PDF, you can use a PDF creator or converter, which is a software tool that allows you to convert other types of files, such as Word documents or Excel spreadsheets, into PDFs. Many PDF creators and converters are available for free or at a low cost, and they are easy to use. Simply select the file you want to convert, choose your settings, and click “convert.” The software will do the rest.
Using electronic versions of documents can help you declutter your office by reducing the need for physical copies. Instead of storing paper copies of your documents, you can save them electronically on your computer, cloud storage, or a removable storage device, such as a USB drive. This can help you save space, reduce clutter, and make it easier to access and share your documents.
- Use a calendar or planner to keep track of appointments and deadlines, rather than relying on Post-it notes or other paper reminders.
Another way to declutter your office is to use a calendar or planner to keep track of appointments and deadlines, rather than relying on paper reminders, such as Post-it notes or scraps of paper. Calendars and planners come in a variety of styles and formats, including digital and paper versions, and they can be a helpful tool for staying organized and on top of your schedule.
When choosing a calendar or planner, consider your personal preferences and the types of features you need. Some calendars and planners have features such as task lists, note sections, or goal-setting tools, which can be helpful for staying organized and on track. You might also consider using a digital calendar or planner, which can be accessed from multiple devices and synced with your email or other apps.
A calendar or planner (especially if in electronic format) can help you declutter your office by reducing the need for paper reminders and keeping your schedule organized in one place. Instead of relying on multiple Post-it notes or scraps of paper, you can simply consult your calendar or planner to see what you need to do and when.
- Invest in a shredder to get rid of sensitive documents that you no longer need.
If you have sensitive documents that you no longer need, it’s important to dispose of them in a secure and confidential manner. One way to do this is to invest in a shredder, which is a machine that shreds paper into small, unreadable pieces. This can help you protect your personal and professional information and reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud.
There are many different types of shredders available, ranging from small, personal shredders to large, commercial-grade shredders. Choose the option that works best for your needs and budget. Some shredders are designed for specific types of documents, such as credit cards or CDs, while others are more general-purpose. You might also consider the speed and capacity of the shredder, as well as any additional features it may have, such as an automatic feed or a reverse function.
If you have sensitive documents that you no longer need, it’s important to dispose of them in a secure and confidential manner. One way to do this is to invest in a shredder, which is a machine that shreds paper into small, unreadable pieces. This can help you protect your personal and professional information and reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud.
- Make use of storage bins, baskets, and boxes to keep smaller items organized and easy to find.
Storage bins, baskets, and boxes can be a helpful tool for decluttering your office and keeping smaller items organized and easy to find. These types of storage solutions can be used to store a wide range of items, including office supplies, documents, and personal items.
When choosing storage bins, baskets, and boxes, consider the size and layout of your office, as well as the types of items you need to store. You might also consider using a label maker or pre-printed labels to label your storage containers, so you can easily identify what’s inside. Some storage bins, baskets, and boxes also have built-in features, such as dividers or compartments, which can be helpful for keeping smaller items separated and easy to find.
Using storage bins, baskets, and boxes can help you declutter your office by providing a place to store items that might otherwise clutter up your desk or other surfaces. This can help you keep your office feeling organized and uncluttered, and it can make it easier to find the items you need when you need them.
- Consider using a document scanner to digitize physical copies of documents that you no longer need.
A document scanner is a device that converts physical copies of documents, such as papers, photographs, or negatives, into digital formats, such as PDFs or image files. Document scanners are widely available and come in a variety of sizes and price ranges, from small, portable scanners to large, commercial-grade scanners.
Using a document scanner can be a helpful tool for decluttering your office by allowing you to digitize physical copies of documents that you no longer need. This can help you reduce the amount of paper you need to store and make it easier to access and share your documents.
To use a document scanner, simply place your document on the scanner bed, select your settings, and hit “scan.” The scanner will then create a digital copy of your document, which you can save on your computer or cloud storage. Some scanners also have additional features, such as automatic document feeders, which can make the scanning process faster and more efficient.
- Use a whiteboard or dry-erase board to keep track of tasks and ideas, rather than using paper notes or sticky notes.
A whiteboard or dry-erase board is a type of board that can be written on and wiped clean with a dry cloth or eraser. They are often used in classrooms, offices, and other settings for writing notes, making lists, or brainstorming ideas.
Using a whiteboard or dry-erase board can be a helpful tool for decluttering your office and keeping track of tasks and ideas. Instead of using paper notes or sticky notes, which can quickly add up and clutter your workspace, you can write your tasks and ideas directly on the board. This can help you keep your workspace clutter-free and make it easier to see and track your progress.
There are many different types of boards available, ranging from small, portable boards to large, wall-mounted boards. Choose the option that works best for your needs and the layout of your office. You might also consider using a board with additional features, such as a calendar or a task list, which can be helpful for staying organized and on track.
To use a board, simply write your tasks or ideas on the board using a dry-erase marker. When you are finished, you can wipe the board clean with a dry cloth or eraser. Some boards also have built-in features, such as a marker tray or a magnet board, which can be helpful for keeping your supplies organized and within easy reach. - Set aside regular “decluttering” times to tidy-up your office and get rid of unnecessary items.
One of the most effective ways to declutter your office is to set aside regular “decluttering” times to tidy up your workspace and get rid of unnecessary items. This can help you stay on top of the clutter and keep your office feeling organized and uncluttered.
When setting up your decluttering schedule, consider your work schedule and the amount of time you can realistically dedicate to decluttering. You might set aside a few minutes each day, a couple of hours once a week, or a full day once a month, depending on your needs and preferences.
By setting aside regular decluttering times and following a plan, you can help keep your office organized and clutter-free. This can improve your productivity, reduce stress, and make your workspace more pleasant and enjoyable to work in.
