Your work desk is a place where the magic happens, so it needs to be well-organized and clean, as having an untidy desktop can make you less productive and more prone to procrastinating. Therefore, before you start working on your next project, take your time to make sure that your desk is tidy, so you’ll be ready to work. In case you don’t know where to start, here are some small tips that will help you organize it and be more successful:
Declutter first, ask questions later
That old note that might be useful one day? Toss it. A number of pens, left scattered on the table? Unless you’re not going to organize them, toss them. As you can see, in order to start, first you need to declutter your desk from everything that’s causing you to procrastinate and get distracted. All the unnecessary papers, bills, invoices and the junk you don’t need should be going to one place only: your bin. Also, that bin should be somewhere near the table, preferably underneath or next to it, so you’ll be able to throw things away without having to leave your desk. That way you’ll learn how to declutter bit by bit before the mess accumulates and starts making you feel anxious and lazy.
Find a way to organize your physical documents
Since not everything can be kept on a cloud, it’s important to find a way that will keep your physical documents in order. For some, that can be an arduous task, but with a bit of practice (and effort), it’s entirely possible to file and store your documents in a neat manner. The best way to do it is to get a shelf next to your desk (or at least somewhere in your office), so you’ll always be able to reach them in case you need to use them again. Using binders, paper trays and other various filing systems will help you be more productive since everyone works better knowing where their things are.
Make it comfortable, relaxing, and personal
In order to work smoothly, you need to make sure that your working space is comfortable enough and suitable for your needs. Therefore, getting a quality office chair will ensure you enough comfort without causing you any backache. But, aside from a chair, you need to focus on getting the right table that won’t be too low nor too high for you. Not all workstations are created equal, so it’s important to do your research and check all the different desks that seem suitable for you. Whether you opt for a straight desk or a manager desk, first you need to make sure that you’re choosing something that will provide you with enough comfort so you’ll be able to work uninterrupted.
Don’t forget to keep things arranged and neat
Having too many cords and cables lying around can make your desk look messy, so it’s recommended to untangle your cords and then use binder clips or cable holders that can be attached to your desk, so you’ll always have them ready whenever you need them. Additionally, arranging your computer desktop will let you work in peace without having to frantically search for a specific file or folder. So, be sure to regularly delete the files you don’t need anymore and don’t forget to put them in their designated folders every time you create them. Your computer desktop is also a reflection of your personality, so always aim to keep it decluttered and organized.
Feel free to decorate your desk a bit
Maybe the decoration isn’t one of your top priorities, but it can surely add a bit of charm to your desk. Adding a small potted plant, such as an aloe vera or a peace lily can make you feel more peaceful, especially since it’s well-known that indoor plants can be beneficial to your health. Plus, considering that some things still need to be handwritten, it’s recommended to keep your planner and calendar nearby so you’ll always be on track regarding your up and coming tasks. Besides, since a portion of your plans or notes still has to be written down, using a cute pencil cup to safely store your pens and pencils will make your desk look more elegant, professional and well-organized.
In conclusion, keeping your desk clean and coordinated, will surely make you more efficient when it comes to your day-to-day work. Even if you’re not an orderly type, it’s important to organize your desk, as then you’ll feel better and more productive.
