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It is important to handle paperwork promptly. Missing deadlines for paying bills cost you money. Late responses to family and colleagues’ inquiries create concern or hostility. Losing important papers costs you time recreating or searching for them. Here are some tips to help you build a system to deal with your paperwork as soon as it arrives.
1. Make the area a showcase
A lovely colleague sent me this first tip. Marie Mushing runs a networking group called People in Connection. See what working with a professional organizer can do for you? Professional Organizers rub out junk. Where there was once chaos and huge piles of paper, is now a showcase. Thank you Julie! Replace the junk pile with something pretty as I did, then you won’t want to pile junk on that again. Great motivation to keep the filing done!
2. Prevent drop zones from forming
If you have an empty flat surface it sometimes calls to people, “to fill me with stuff.” To prevent that area from becoming cluttered, put a large object or two in that spot. It will make the area feel full and then you won’t drop things there. With only 2 larger objects, it is easy to pick them up dust and clean. If you use a number of smaller items it may make the area harder to clean and look cluttered.
3. Designate a paper collection spot
Assign a place to put papers that need to be read, filed, signed etc. Place a tray, lovely baskets, eye catching red container etc in a convenient location. Why red? Red is a high energy colour, it increases your heartrate, and your eye is drawn to red items. By using a red basket it can help to make dealing with paperwork a high priority activity. Keeping paperwork consolidated in one spot makes it easier to find and work with. When paper is all over the office or house it becomes visual clutter, causing anxiety, releasing cortisol and you feel stress. Cut the visual clutter, collect the paper in one spot, and complete the tasks.
4. Avoid the L word – later
Piles of paper will continue to build up if you leave them for later. Later will never come. Schedule time to deal with paperwork: schedule time to read, file, and reply to paperwork that generates more work. Schedule these activities according to your level of energy at different times of the day. Scheduling reading after lunch at a low energy time of the day may not be productive but scheduling filing after lunch may be perfect because it gets you up and active. Scheduling time at the beginning of each day to concentrate on work generated by email, letters, and documents might work well when you are able to focus on single tasks. Remember not to multi-task.
If you’re interested in learning how colour can affect your productivity, this guide is free and you can find it here.
What tricks do you use to help you complete paperwork?
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
My guest blogger this month is Sarah Thompson a renowned productivity enthusiast and organizational expert. With over a decade of experience managing home offices, she has helped countless individuals transform their workspaces into efficient and inspiring environments.
Working from home has become increasingly common and having an organized home office has never been more crucial. Whether you’re a remote worker, a freelancer, or someone who needs a productive space to tackle personal projects, a well-organized workspace can significantly impact your efficiency and overall well-being. In this digital age where distractions lurk around every corner, taking the time to declutter, streamline, and optimize your home office is a wise investment. In this article, we will explore eight essential tips to help you transform your home office into a sanctuary of productivity and inspiration. From designating a dedicated workspace to implementing effective storage solutions, we will cover practical strategies to keep your office tidy, efficient, and conducive to focused work. So, if you’re ready to banish the chaos and create a harmonious work environment, let’s dive into these valuable tips for organizing your home office.
Designate a Dedicated Workspace
Designating a dedicated workspace is the first step toward organizing your home office. While working from the comfort of your bed or the couch may be tempting, having a separate and distraction-free area is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. Choose a location in your home that can be dedicated solely to work, whether it’s a spare room, a corner in the living room, or even a well-designed nook in the hallway. Consider factors like natural light, noise levels, and ergonomic setup when selecting your workspace. Creating a physical boundary between work and leisure areas signals to your brain that it’s time to concentrate and be productive. Additionally, having a designated workspace helps you mentally switch off from work when you’re done for the day, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Declutter and Prioritize
Once you have designated a dedicated workspace, it’s time to declutter and prioritize. Skipping decluttering would be a big mistake. Clutter can be a major source of distraction and stress, hindering your ability to focus and work efficiently. Start by sorting and categorizing items in your home office, determining what is essential and what can be removed. Consider donating or disposing of items that no longer serve a purpose. Create a system for organizing papers, documents, and supplies, whether it’s using folders, binders, or storage containers. Prioritize frequently used items within easy reach while keeping less frequently used items neatly stored away. By decluttering and organizing your office space, you create a clean, streamlined environment that promotes productivity and a clear mind.
Establish Effective Storage Solutions
Establishing effective storage solutions is another crucial aspect of organizing your home office. Utilizing shelves, cabinets, and drawers can help keep your workspace tidy and minimize visual clutter. Storage containers and organizers are great tools for storing smaller items such as stationery, cables, and accessories. Labelling your storage containers and shelves ensures easy access and saves time when you need to find something specific. When it comes to organizing your home office, the experts at Phillips Moving and Storage recommend taking advantage of vertical space. Install floating shelves or wall-mounted organizers to maximize storage capacity without sacrificing valuable floor space. They also suggest utilizing stackable storage bins or drawers for efficient use of space. By incorporating smart storage solutions, you can create an organized and functional home office that supports your productivity and enhances your work environment.
Streamline Your Digital Workspace
Streamlining your digital workspace is equally important when organizing your home office. Digital clutter can be just as distracting as physical clutter, so take the time to organize your computer files and folders. Create a logical folder structure and label files appropriately for easy retrieval. Utilize cloud storage and backup options to free up space on your computer and ensure your files are securely backed up. Manage your email effectively by setting up folders and filters to categorize and prioritize incoming messages. Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters and regularly delete or archive old emails. By organizing your digital workspace, you’ll experience improved workflow, faster access to information, and reduced stress when navigating your virtual office environment.
Organizing your home office includes optimizing your desk setup
Optimizing your desk setup is essential for creating a productive and comfortable home office environment. Start by choosing the right desk and chair that provides adequate support and ergonomic features. Ensure that your desk is spacious enough to accommodate your work essentials and allow for the proper placement of your computer, keyboard, and other devices. Managing cables and cords is also important to maintain a tidy workspace and prevent tripping hazards. Use cable management solutions such as cable clips or cable sleeves to keep cords organized and out of the way. Remember, a well-optimized desk setup enhances your physical comfort and also contributes to your overall efficiency and focus when working from home.
Implement Time and Task Management Systems
Implementing time and task management systems is key to staying organized and productive in your home office. Utilize calendars and planners to schedule and prioritize your tasks effectively. Set realistic deadlines and break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Consider using productivity apps or software to help you track your progress and stay focused. Establishing a routine can also be beneficial in creating a sense of structure and discipline. Determine your most productive hours and allocate specific time slots for focused work, breaks, and other activities. By implementing time and task management systems, you can enhance your productivity, meet deadlines, and maintain a sense of control over your workload in your home office.
Maintain a Clean and Inspiring Environment
Maintaining a clean and inspiring environment is crucial for the long-term success of your home office organization. Establish regular cleaning and decluttering routines to prevent the buildup of unnecessary items and dust. Incorporate plants and natural elements into your workspace to enhance air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Personalize your space with meaningful decor, inspiring artwork, or motivational quotes to boost creativity and motivation. Remember, a clean and inspiring environment not only uplifts your mood but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership in your home office, making it a place where you can thrive and achieve your professional goals.
Establish boundaries
Another important tip for organizing your home office is establishing clear boundaries between your work and personal life. When working from home, it’s easy for the lines to blur, leading to potential distractions and a lack of work-life balance. Set specific work hours and stick to them, allowing yourself designated time for breaks and personal activities. Create a physical separation, if possible, by closing the door to your home office or using a room divider. Communicate your work schedule to family members or roommates so they understand when you need uninterrupted focus. By establishing clear boundaries, you can maintain a sense of structure and ensure that your home office remains a dedicated space for work, ultimately increasing productivity and reducing stress.
In conclusion
Organizing your home office is vital to creating a productive, efficient, and inspiring workspace. By designating a dedicated area, decluttering and prioritizing your belongings, implementing effective storage solutions, streamlining your digital workspace, optimizing your desk setup, and establishing time and task management systems, you can transform your home office into a well-organized oasis of productivity. Maintaining a clean and inspiring environment and setting clear boundaries between work and personal life will also contribute to your overall success and well-being. Embrace the benefits of an organized workspace, and watch as your productivity, focus, and enjoyment soar to new heights. Get started today and create a home office that sets the stage for your best work yet!
I think she covered all the information well. Please add a comment about organizing your home office that makes you more productive.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
