We are all guilty of not having the time to spring clean the office, or convincing ourselves that we need to keep every single document we've ever produced...!
However, this year we challenge you to raid your cupboards, dusty archive boxes and start throwing out all of those unnecessary documents and "stuff" that are filling up your work space!
With that in mind, here are some ideas to get you started on how to spring clean your office and working environment...
Computer
- Go through the files saved on your computer and delete old documents that have no importance or relevance to work you're doing today or in the future.
- Also, create new folders for new documents and keep them in the correct folders on your computer. Never just save things "for now" on your desktop - it gets cluttered fast!
- Delete files, software and applications that you have on your computer that you do not use, they are just taking up your computer storage and can affect the speed of your computer.
- Purchase anti-virus software and scan your computer on a regular basis to keep your computer running smoothly. This will also ensure you can get your work done knowing your computer and files are safe from viruses.
Desk
- Empty EVERYTHING from every drawer and every corner of your desk.
- Now that your desk is completely empty, give it a thorough clean! That is dusting, wiping and then restoring appropriately (see below).
- Go through everything you had in your drawers and on your desk, then ask yourself, 'Do I need this?', if the answer is 'no', get rid! Need it but not at your desk? Create a desk archive box and store items away.
- Put things back in desk drawers in an orderly way, for instance, put all stationery in the top drawer, paperwork in the next and so on.
- Experts recommend that you place your computer screen at a 90 degree angle to your desk.
- Create two different piles of work on your desk, one pile is priority and one is urgency, there is a difference and you should know which things on your to do list belong in which pile.
Storage Drawers / Cupboards
All businesses can be guilty of keeping documents from 2001, although there are some documents you should not be throwing away! Be realistic and raid through your old files, storage boxes and paperwork to discard of unwanted items and documents.
When filing away documents always remember to have a colour code set up. Have a green file for bank related documents, a blue file for client details and information and so on. This will help you to locate documents that you need to retrieve in the future.
Top Storage Investments
- Wall racks
- Archive boxes
- Filing cabinets
- Desk tidy
- Filing boxes
Now you have cleaned your office you can get back to work in a clean and productive working environment!
Find more like this via Office Life.
