Whenever we move to a new workspace we start out with the well-meaning intention of keeping a tidy desk. Maintaining this goal is harder.
An initial zest for a filing system fades, clutter begins to creep and the dust moves in. We become overwhelmed by mountains of paper and have forgotten the password to that cloud-based storage system that we were supposed to use.
Every now and then we make a half-hearted attempt to push back the tide of clutter, paper and disorganised mess. But it always comes back.
Working in a space that is untidy, unclean and unorganised hinders productivity and can have a negative effect on your mood. But the process of creating and maintaining a tidy desk space doesn’t have to be painful.
Even the most unorganised person will find something to help them maintain a tidy and functional deskspace in these five simple tips:
#1 Declutter
Minimise the clutter on your desk. Donate or recycle everything you don’t actually use.
Old documents, worn out folders, excess stationery, books you will never read, chargers that no longer charge anything - get rid of it all.
Giving your workspace a thorough declutter can increase your overall productivity as your space will be much more appealing and you will be able to quickly find what you need when you need it.
#2 Invest in your workspace
Wave goodbye to the days of dining table workingg and get your remote workspace in order. Invest in a proper desk to both improve your posture and organise your space. FlexiSpot offers a wide selection of standing desks, several of which come with excellent storage options.
The Comhar EW8 has a spacious drawer which is great for storing away your wireless keyboard, essential stationery items and any other items you may need. It also comes with two in-built USB plugs to make charging your phone or other devices simple.
Or the L-Shaped E1L tucks nicely into awkward corners so that you can create a dedicated workspace in any room.
If you work in an office, why not invest in a storage pot for your desktop or a peg board for displaying essential information? Use cable ties to tidy the mass of wires under your desk and clear out your untidy drawers.
Whether you work from home or in an office, working in a cramped and unorganised space will have a negative impact on your productivity, posture and mood.
FlexiSpot’s Comhar EW8 All-in-One Standing Desk Wooden Top
FlexiSpot’s L-Shaped Adjustable Desk E1L
#3 Digitise and file
Unlock more space and a tidier desk by digitising what you can and filing things away.
Transferring important documents, photos and other media onto a cloud-based storage system, like Google Drive or Dropbox, will give you a feeling of calm. With everything stored safely online you will also find it easier to access the things you need at lightning speed.
Reducing your overall paper use will also help you to create a tidier desk space. Avoid the temptation to print wherever possible and recycle old paper documents that you no longer need.
Paper documents that are essential should be given a home. Set up a simple filing system that will help you to keep your documents organised and easy to access. Use tabs to help you find things quicker.
Keep scanning and digitally filing away all essential documents to help your space stay organised.
#4 Embrace desk minimalism
Try to establish a minimalist workspace. Not only will your desk be more organised (which is great for productivity), but you will also find it much easier to maintain a streamlined and effective workspace.
Resist the urge to cover your desk with decorations and personal items. Stick to just one personal item and one decorative item. Your desktop should be reserved for essential items which you need during your work day.
Also remove excessive stationery, that mountain of post-it notes and your jar full of paperclips. You don’t need them! Anything that you don’t use everyday should either go away in an organised drawer or you should get rid of it altogether.
#5 Clean
Regularly give your whole workspace a little tidy and a thorough clean.
Keep things organised by starting each day with a two minute tidy. File away papers. Return stationery items to the drawer. Put lingering litter in the bin.
Also wipe down your keyboard and mouse each daily with a microfibre cloth. The amount of bacteria which develops on those regular touchpoints on our desks is shocking. Once a week dedicate a few minutes to giving your desktop a thorough clean with an anti-bacterial cleaning spray.
Keeping your desk and general workspace clean and tidy will benefit your general health and help to put you in a great mood and boost your productivity.
