Working from home is so much easier when you are organized. Having piles of clutter all around you will not only hurt your productivity, but it may cost you money as well. Having to go out and buy something again because you just can’t find the original is a common problem with cluttered offices. Heck, I have done it several times.

Working with a little at a time can make an overwhelming job much easier, for instance if you focus only on this list, and ignore the rest of the desk, you will cut out a ton of clutter. Doing a mad dash around the office only throwing away trash and clutter, if you want, set a timer for 15 minutes like FlyLady.net recommends. You can accomplish a lot in 15 minutes.

1. Obvious trash. Things that are obvious, empty bill envelopes, cups, soda cans, candy wrappers, etc.
2. Outdated or expired materials. Advertisements, expired coupons, brochures and anything you can find elsewhere (like online) can be trashed.
3. Unnecessary duplicates. If you have unnecessary copies of forms, bills, outdated lists and anything else you don’t need 2 of.
4. Junk mail. Prevent it from finding you in the first place by signing up for the opt-out programs. If it does sneak into your mail pile from time to time, send it back (at their expense) with “Remove From Mailing List” written on it.
5. Rough drafts of completed projects. This can be old lists, post ideas, advertising rough drafts, copies of projects you never finished and never will.
6. Useless souvenirs and conference giveaways. Just because it’s free doesn’t mean you need it! Whenever possible, go through conference goody bags at the event and leave any unnecessary or unwanted items right there.
7. Anything empty, unused, or unknown. For this category, either fill it, use it, seek out its purpose, or get rid of it.
8. Items you dislike and do not need. We often display items because we feel we “should” – if we received them as gifts, for example. If you do not like or need it, and you own it, you have the right to handle it as you please (even if that means, gasp!, re-gifting!).
9. Things you do not use on a daily basis. In general, the items on our desktops (and countertops at home) will only include those things we use on a daily basis: computer, telephone, planner, and coffee mug, for example. Whenever possible, other less frequently used items can find homes elsewhere, to keep our immediate workspace fresh and clear.
10. Anything in excess. Rather than 70 pens of questionable functionality stuffed into a canister, how about three or four quality, easy-to-access ones instead? Seek out the excess in whatever form it takes and take steps to eliminate – or at least decrease – it.
11. Materials that evoke negative or unresolved feelings. Things like little items given from old relationships, pictures that remind you of a bad event, or anything else that does not make you happy when you look at it. Analyzing these items one by one can help with closure as well.
12. Items that do not help you pursue your purpose. If you’ve written your personal purpose statement encompassing all aspects of your life (career, self, family and so on), you have a clear vision where you are headed and will more easily discern what “stuff” is blocking your path. Get rid of any items not helping you carry out your mission. You never know, they might be just the items to help others live their purposes!

Having a neat and organized office can help you gain momentum and purpose. I find I write better in a clean house. Something about knowing it is done opens my mind to be more creative and productive.

Popularity: 10% [?]

TAGS :    
Last Modified : February 6th, 2008
Filed under : Life Management
Navigate : Previous post / Next post