Feeling overwhelmed by increasing clutter?

Oh Clutter….  So quickly it builds up.  So often it distracts.  So difficult it is to get rid of.  It is a rampant problem in our paper driven economy.  It can be found in just about any office.

Why is clutter such a problem?  For starters, just consider the mounds of paper that pass through the average office.  The sheer quantity is overwhelming! Secondly, if what’s on the paper is not immediately applicable, it goes into the ‘later’ pile.  The problem is that so often ‘later’ never comes.  Thirdly, there are the papers that for one reason or another need to be kept and cannot be disposed of.  And lastly, there are the piles that people want to keep for sentimental reasons.  They might need it someday, or it would just be a shame to toss.

Knowing how to deal with and avoid office clutter is an important aspect of office management if an efficient business wants to be run.  Here are a few tips to help you tackle your clutter:

Clear your desk.

Make room to work.  Trying to work amongst clutter is anything but efficient and will only cause frustration and stress, and it slows down progress.  In effect, having your desk piled high just makes more work.  Having a clear desk area is calming and promotes quality and satisfying work.

Use paper trays.

They come in all shapes, colors and sizes.  For those papers that you need to have on your desk, give them a home, one that is need and tidy.  You are more likely to keep things organized if you have some equipment that makes it simple.  Which leads me to my next point.

Implement an easy filing system.

The trays will work great so long as they get emptied periodically.  Create a simple system that works for you.  It doesn’t have to be fancy.  So long as it is easy, efficient and tidy, it will work.

Date things to create deadlines.

You are more likely to deal with papers if they have a defined due date.  Cycle through papers frequently and deal with those whose due dates are approaching.  Resist the temptation to procrastinate.  De-cluttering takes discipline.

Lastly, tidy your work area at the end of each day.

It is a simple task that often gets ignored when you’re rushing out of the office.  It only takes a minute or two, and it will give you a jump start on the next day.  There is a no more discouraging way to start day than coming in to a cluttered mess.

The steps are simple and quick.  The results will be invaluable.  Life at work is so much simpler when you’ve conquered the clutter!

Happy DeCluttering BizOrganizing family.