Hasn't time flown? Already we're into the last quarter of the year and isn't it perfect timing to clear out the cobwebs of winter and prepare yourself for the next few months of sun, sand, surf or is it work, work, work?
You know it's time to take action when:
You have difficulty finding things
Your colleagues make comments about your mess
You can't see your desk for the mess
You cut your fingers in the filing cabinet when you try to dig out a file
You have to push your body against the cupboard door to close it.
The bookshelves are beginning to break because of all the weight.
You've forgotten what your office floor looks like because it's buried under the mess
In his bestselling book "Clutter's Last Stand, Don Aslett, America's No. 1 Cleaning Expert says:
"Most of us attain, accumulate, collect, but plenty always seems to require more. Enough is never enough.
Clutter Costs
We have to pay for it, keep track of it, protect it, clean it, store it, insure it and worry about it. This takes energy and effort (in fact, a great part of your life). Later we have to move it, hide it, apologise for it, argue over it.
Clutter Stifles
It requires so much of our time to tend. Not only are our houses, drawers, closets and vehicles so crowded we can't breathe, but our minds, emotions and relationships are crowded into dullness and immobility.
We're so surrounded with stuff, we don't even have time for the people whom mean the most to us.
The Final Revelation
Finally, often too late, we realise that most of that which has surrounded us, choking out good living, squeezing out the physical and emotional life out of us, is just junk - clutter!
Clutter in the Workplace
Clutter is costing businesses thousands, if not millions of dollars!
Here are a five reasons why:
People waste time searching for things. In fact, The Wall Street Journal conducted a survey and reported that white collar workers spent on average SIX WEEKS A YEAR looking for things in the office!
Clutter occupies space. Floor space costs money! One of the most common complaints I hear is "I have no room, there's not enough space.
Extra money is spent on stationery and office supplies which have already been bought. The trouble is people can't easily find them in a cluttered environment so they order more.
Money is wasted on excess office furniture and storage to hoard the clutter.
Clutter makes you feel busy. Combined with a busy workload, clutter will dramatically increase your stress levels. It is extremely easy to be distracted with so much 'stuff' surrounding you.
Time to Take Action
Make a decision to rid yourself of excess clutter. Clean out your workplace and your home. Now is the best time to start. Stop making excuses that you don't have the time?guess what? You do.
About The Author
Lorraine Pirihi, principal of The Office Organiser is Australia's Personal Productivity Coach. She specialises in working with businesspeople showing them how to dramatically boost their productivity, reduce the stress and the mess in their lives and have more time for enjoying their life.
lorraine@office-organiser.com.au
Staying organized can be a constant battle. The following organizing... Read More
"The real question is, why do you want it? What... Read More
Decluttering is a simple-to-learn process, once you break it down... Read More
Professional organizers and helpful-hint sources often recommend storage solutions such... Read More
There are 3 kinds of clutter: Inner (between our ears);... Read More
"My job is an endless series of deadlines, I am... Read More
At this point, you have probably run across some belongings... Read More
In one of my favorite books, First Things First, written... Read More
I followed my boss to a co-worker's cubicle where my... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of organizing your home? Start... Read More
I have a huge white board in my home office,... Read More
Spring is here and the garage door is open. This... Read More
I like a room you can dance in the middle... Read More
In part 1, we discussed a system you could use... Read More
Does Your Present Internet Filing System Work?Do You Really Know... Read More
It takes effort to get results, and not just any... Read More
What do your storage spaces look like? Do you know... Read More
Last year I attended a presentation from Parenting Expert and... Read More
Do you feel like you just get too much e-mail?... Read More
Clutter costs you time, money, space, and peace of mind.... Read More
After a long winter, this is the time of year... Read More
We previously noted that papers must be sorted before they... Read More
Back-to-school time ? what does that mean to you? For... Read More
Home organization isn't just for neat-nicks or those drawn toward... Read More
Time has flown. It's been six months since you came... Read More
What's an item that can help you organize every room... Read More
Nature loves clutter. Just think of all the stuff that... Read More
Have you ever wondered how some people seem to have... Read More
Take a look around you right now. Look away from... Read More
Use these 35 sanity savers this year to help you... Read More
Getting Things Done (GTD), is a productivity methodology designed by... Read More
I have a huge white board in my home office,... Read More
There is nothing worse then spending ten minutes looking for... Read More
I'm cheap and proud of it.I use and re-use things... Read More
The word "compartmentalize" means to separate into distinct parts. I... Read More
1. Sink to their level. Get on your knees in... Read More
"My job is an endless series of deadlines, I am... Read More
? Are you embarrassed when you walk into your home... Read More
What method do you currently use to organize your family?... Read More
Professional organizers and helpful-hint sources often recommend storage solutions such... Read More
It wasn't long ago that you spent an entire weekend... Read More
The National Association of Professional Organizers has dedicated January to... Read More
I followed my boss to a co-worker's cubicle where my... Read More
Spring is here and the garage door is open. This... Read More
Often we are in overwhelm because we are holding too... Read More
In a speech entitled "Organized Living in a Disorganized World"... Read More
Many people have a huge challenge coping with the incoming... Read More
Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to... Read More
The following procedures will insure an organized and well run... Read More
How to do keep track of all you have to... Read More
Get Organized - Organization |