Five Steps to Clearing Clutter From Your Desk

            Desks easily attract clutter.  They are a horizontal surface that we go to in between our daily activities.  It is easy to set down papers, mail and things we need to complete on our desk.  And some things belong there.  Before we know it desks can become a catch all for a lot more than our current work in progress.  Having an uncluttered desk can increase your ability to be creative and less distracted.  By finding things quickly, you can save time and money by being more productive.  Here are five ideas to clear your desk of clutter and keep it clutter free.

Desks easily attract clutter. They are a horizontal surface that we go to in between our daily activities. It is easy to set down papers, mail and things we need to complete on our desk. And some things belong there. Before we know it desks can become a catch all for a lot more than our current work in progress. Having an uncluttered desk can increase your ability to be creative and less distracted. By finding things quickly, you can save time and money by being more productive. Here are five ideas to clear your desk of clutter and keep it clutter free.

            1)  The first step in clearing clutter from our desks is to identify our daily patterns.  Mail that arrives should be immediately opened.  Shred communication that is unneeded.  File communication that should be saved and put communication that needs to be read in a “to read” file/pile.

            2)  Identify where your clutter is coming from.  Are other people leaving things on your desk?  If so, have a specific file or paper tray for that communication to be collected in. 

         
           3)  Is your file system working for you?  Many professionals have specific files, but sometimes general “working files” are also needed.  They can be kept in a desk top file box.  For example, a file for ‘things to be entered into the computer’ may work for you.  This is an excellent tool for those who are in and out of their office a lot and are able to set aside a time during the week to do computer entry or delegate the task.  Another working file that is efficient is a ‘things to be decided upon’ file.  If you need to work with a coworker to make a decision or finalize a process, this an effective file for your daily system.  One more working file that my clients have found helpful is a ‘to file’ file.  Really!  Sometimes you may not immediately know what file you want to put a paper in or you may not yet have a file set up for that category.  This file is a great tool to ensure that you know where papers are before they have a permanent home.  

     
           4)  Desks are a great place to show a bit of our personality.  Yet, if our desks become cluttered with photos of family or friends, snow globes from vacations, and gifts from coworkers, our work space is minimized and our focus can be easily disrupted.   Choose two or three personal items to have on your desk at any one time.

            5)  Lastly, to clear clutter from your desk, commit the last fifteen minutes of your work day to clearing off your desk.  Entering your office the following morning and seeing a clear desk will allow you to be more creative and focused on your immediate tasks at hand.