Wouldn’t you like to have a beautifully organised office instead of this mess?

You can, if you follow these 5 steps:

1. Have a plan and make the rules clear

Do not allow anything in there that doesn’t belong. Decide what the space is used for and only keep items relating to that purpose there.

2. Divide the space into zones

There may be a children’s desk for homework and school projects, a reading corner, the filing area and a computer desk. It is easier to keep the study organised and neat when you know where everything should go, e.g. books should only be in the reading corner and not on every desk.

3. Store items where they are used

If two people use the study, then have a wastepaper basket at each desk. And have two sets of staplers, scissors, etc. This will prevent your stuff going “missing” from your area. Have a punch and file tabs wherever you do your filing.

4. Batch routine tasks

Keep all items that you need to file together in one place so that you file 5 pieces of paper at once. Make all your telephone calls at the same time. Write out all greeting cards and wrap gifts for a month at a time. Pay all your accounts on the internet at the same time.

5. Tidy your study every day

Take just 5 minutes and do a quick tidy-up of the desk when you’re finished working every day. Throw trash away, make neat piles of paper (label with post-it notes), put pens and pencils back in the holder and take cups and glasses to the kitchen.

When you keep things under control on a daily basis, it is easy to maintain the order of an organised space.

If you want a simple to understand but comprehensive system, then read more about 7 easy steps to organise your office.

Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You’ll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://takechargesolutions.org for your free Organising Success Pack.

Tags: office organising

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 at 4:56 pm and is filed under Office paper computer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.