Practical Ways to Organize Your Office

A disorganized office leads to chaos. It is difficult to stay focused and productive when you are surrounded by clutter and mess. Take control of your workspace by implementing some smart organization systems. It will save you time, reduce stress levels, and allow you to work more efficiently. To that end, here are a few practical tips to get things in order:

Purge! Purge! Purge!

First thing’s first; get rid of anything you don’t absolutely need. Go through every drawer, cabinet, and storage area, ruthlessly purging unnecessary items. Recycle old magazines, shred unneeded paperwork, and donate office supplies you’ll never use. The less clutter, the easier it is to organize what remains.

Designated Zones

Determine specific zones for the different tasks and activities that occur in your office. For example, you may want areas designated for supplies, active projects, storage, meetings, or breaks. Clearly defining zones helps keep everything in its proper place. Use labels, shelving, and containers to maintain separation.

Storage Space Solutions

Invest in proper storage solutions tailored to your needs such as shelving units, file cabinets, magazine holders, supply carts, etc. Having a place to stash everything neatly makes an enormous difference. Look for affordable options like repurposed bookcases or storage cubes. Get creative with vertical storage to maximize space.

Desktop Overhaul  

Clear off your desktop completely and start fresh. Use trays and organizational tools to create destinations where only the current day’s work lands. Having a clean desktop clears your mind for better focus. Develop a routine for clearing off at the end of each day.

Stop Paper Piles

Those unsightly stacks of documents and files have got to go. Establish a system that properly houses paperwork by using folders, binders, and filing cabinets. Create a “to-file” bin to collect items before sorting and filing weekly. Digitize documents, when possible, to reduce paper clutter.

Cable Management

Tangled cords and cables are unsightly and unsafe. Use cord covers, ties, labels, and clips to tame the wire mess. Mount surge protectors to salvage floor space. Consider a cable zipper or tubing system to hide cords along baseboards. 

The Art of Labels

Use clear plastic labels to identify the contents of all storage containers and filing areas. This removes any guesswork about where things belong. Take it a step further by color-coding categories for easy retrieval. Don’t forget to label electronics, cords and shelving.

Kitchen and Break Station

If your office has a kitchen or snack area, organize it with the same diligence. Toss old food, dispose of chipped dishware, and scrub surfaces. Create designated snack zones and reassign mugs/dishes to keep areas tidy after use, and stock supplies neatly in labeled containers. 

Shared Supply Stations  

For supplies used office-wide like pens, paper, staplers, and file folders, create dedicated supply stations that get restocked weekly. This beats rummaging through multiple areas for what you need. Post checklists to determine what needs reordering.

Hire a Cleaning Crew

To maintain order once spaces are pristine, consider hiring professional office cleaning services like All Pro Cleaning Systems. They’ll ensure floors, surfaces and bathrooms stay spotless. With routine deep cleanings, you can preserve an organized atmosphere.

Keep It Simple

While organizing, the key is creating procedures that are simple and sustainable for you and your team. Avoid going overboard with too many rules, labels, or separations that will be difficult to maintain consistently. Strive for spaces and routines that are manageable and user-friendly. 

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to organize any given office. Find a customized system that suits your specific workspace and how it operates. Establish procedures for maintaining organization as an ongoing habit. It’s worth the effort to work in a calm, clutter-free environment.