Has your polished mahogany (or modular plastic) desk been buried for so long that you can't remember what your desk is made out of? If so, use these tips to clear yourself some space to work in, and stay on top of your most urgent action items.
Get it VERTICAL!
If you take a piece of paper and put it somewhere flat, it takes up almost a square foot of space. The instant that you put anything on top of it, you're halfway to compost.
When you sort your paper into a vertical sorter, you can fit more than two reams of paper into that same square foot of physical space that just one piece of paper occupies!
Try an escalating wire-sorter, which makes a visual to-do list out of multiple files. It "climbs" so the top of each file sticks up above the one in front of it and makes them all easily visible. Use several sorters to improve fingertip access to your information: People, Projects and Meetings. Does it really belong on your desk? The only things that are on top of my desk: computer monitor, desk caddy, phone and message book, and the stapler. Strive for nothing else on your desktop unless you're working on it that day.
Making Room on Your Desk
Ditch those coffee cups of pens/pencils and use one desk caddy, which spins around for easy access. If you took all the basic tools that fit in the desk caddy and spread them on your desk it takes up two square feet. The desk caddy footprint only uses eight inches squared.
If you like spreading out big projects, you can pick up the desk caddy, take it into another room, spread out your materials, and you've got an instant "office".
Desk Drawers Equal Action Drawers
Get an in-drawer tray organizer for your desk tools instead of a desk caddy. When you sit down at your desk, just leave the top 'bureau' drawer open so your tray is available while you're working.
In the second "bureau" drawer, keep a calculator, a tray for expenses, business cards, or stamps; all the things you use frequently.
My Action Drawer Categories: Business, Finances, Clients, Networks, Product, and Personal. Your categories are for the files that you're into on a daily basis.
Keeping Your Desk Clear
1. Don't let it land on your desk unless it's an action item. Keep an inbox for mail and a 'to be filed' sorter away from your desktop.
2. Keep your Action files vertical and labeled, so you can see what you need to do today.
3. When you finish with any piece of paper, move it out of your Action Zone. Put it into your file sorter, or recycle it.
4. Check out the cost-effective Home and Small Business File Kits that I use in my own business, which makes it easy for me to guarantee your satisfaction. www.organize.com
Enjoy getting control over your desk again!
If you like, sign up for more time-saving tips at http:///www.organize.com
10 Easy Tips for Digging Out Your Desk Today
by Eve Abbott, the Organizer Extraordinaire
Excerpts from her new book, "How to Do Space Age Work with a Stone Age Brain"TM
Copyright, Eve Abbott All Rights Reserved.
Eve Abbott's newest book is available online at http://www.organize.com. Remember to sign up for more of the Organizer Extraordinaire's time-saving tips. Enjoy free brain quizzes to help you work at your personal best!
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..Clutter is postponed decisions?. Here are some suggestions to simplify... Read More
Spring?. Fresh breezes through open windows, sleeping trees come awake... Read More
Article excerpted from the new book, "How to Do Space... Read More
Clutter is a big problem for many people. At a... Read More
I recently read an article that had some interesting but... Read More
From time to time I hear this question from an... Read More
We hear it every day."Buy this product, and simplify your... Read More
At this point, you have probably run across some belongings... Read More
(This is the second in a series of three articles... Read More
Much of my time as a Professional Organizer is spent... Read More
Dennis is working as a factory worker during the day... Read More
1. Divide big jobs into smaller jobs. Make a list... Read More
3-Step Clean Sweep Program 1 -... Read More
I'm sure most of you have heard of Zig Ziglar... Read More
1) It's easy to have a good clear out: Not... Read More
I have a good friend whom (also being in the... Read More
I recently had a conversation with a friend about clutter.... Read More
How do you know if you need to clean out?... Read More
1. THE LOVE IT OR LOSE IT PRINCIPLE: Every item... Read More
It may be difficult to relate saving money with organization... Read More
It happens without warning. One day you notice your home... Read More
Nature loves clutter. Just think of all the stuff that... Read More
Do you feel like you just get too much e-mail?... Read More
"Do something every day that you don't want to-do; this... Read More
Feeling Overwhelmed and Unorganized? - How to Use Index Cards... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..The Law of the 1st StepA good first step in... Read More
Home organization isn't just for neat-nicks or those drawn toward... Read More
We are bombarded with so many factors that perpetuate disorganization.... Read More
What stops you from 'getting things done?'Have you ever started... Read More
What's an item that can help you organize every room... Read More
Take a look around you right now. Look away from... Read More
When I tell people what a FREEING experience moving is,... Read More
To want in one's heart to do a thing for... Read More
Balance- what a popular topic these days! Finding a work-life... Read More
The Mexican VillagerThe American investment banker was at the pier... Read More
Collections are the outward manifestation of a deeply-felt principle or... Read More
Decide When And Where To StartDecide when and where to... Read More
Keeping on task and getting organized starts with a basic... Read More
Dennis is working as a factory worker during the day... Read More
In most homes, paper causes clutter. And it seems to... Read More
Digging out from under stacks of paper might seem like... Read More
Getting Things Done (GTD), is a productivity methodology designed by... Read More
You start each week with great intentions. You are determined... Read More
From time to time I hear this question from an... Read More
The Productive Environment Scorecard?Read the statements below and rate your... Read More
It happens without warning. One day you notice your home... Read More
It may be difficult to relate saving money with organization... Read More
Are you plagued by clutter in your personal or professional... Read More
You really can have a successful business and a great... Read More
Questions come my way all the time regarding my God-given... Read More
Get Organized - Organization |