A cluttered workspace can make it difficult to focus and decrease your productivity. Whether you work in an office cubicle or have your own desk, keeping it clutter-free and organised is essential to ensure a smooth workflow. In this article, we will provide you with tips to organising your office desk or cubicle at work.
Start by clearing your workspace. Take everything off your desk or cubicle walls and assess each item. Ask yourself, "Do I need this?" If the answer is no, discard or find a new place to store it. Categorise your paperwork: important, immediate, and unnecessary. Place unnecessary items in a storage cabinet or shelf, the immediate items should be within arm’s reach, and the important ones should be kept in a filing cabinet or desk drawer. Using labelled clearfile folders to separate these can also help manage documents.
Invest in storage solutions like file folders, desk trays and boxes to manage your paperwork. Use them to sort your materials according to projects, clients, or deadlines. Consider using labels to make your information easy to find. Keeping your papers organised is essential for preventing clutter, but also saves you time when you need to access important information.
Make the most of your desktop space by keeping only the essential items like your computer, phone, pen holder and a small notebook. Anything else should be stored in your drawer or cabinet. Keep your phone and keyboard at a comfortable distance from your body to reduce neck and eye strain. Additionally, invest in an ergonomic chair and wrist pads to provide comfort and prevent discomfort after long hours of sitting.
Some items that might help with sorting your office are:Â
Desk Organizer - This item is a great tool to keep frequently used office supplies within easy reach. A typical desk organizer features slots for pens, pencils, staplers, and sticky notes, among others. Not only does it serve its basic function of organizing your workspace, but it can also double as a decorative piece that can add a pop of color to a dull cubicle.
Wire Basket - Use a wire basket or cable clip to manage your cords. Loose cords can be hazardous and are unsightly and can make it difficult to switch or add equipment to your setup. Clean up your cords and use a cable management system if needed. It will truly make your workspace look more polished and professional. A great tip is to label the cords using colored stickers or cable ties, so you never unplug the wrong device.
Monitor Stand - A monitor stand raises the height of your computer screen and may provide additional storage space underneath. Elevating your monitor can help improve your posture and diminish neck and back pains. Some monitor stands also come with built-in USB ports, which can be very practical.
Magnetic Board - A magnetic board can be used to display photos, memos, and even tools. You can also hang a magnetic pouch or jar for your pens, markers, or paper clips. Choose a magnetic board that matches your color scheme or aesthetic theme.
Storage - Last but not least on our list are storage boxes. Storage boxes can be used to keep items such as files, folders, and books in designated compartments. There are a variety of sizes and styles for storage boxes, so choose one that suits your needs. Storage boxes can be stacked and stored away when they are not in use. Alternatively, use storage drawers or cupboards to keep all your files and reference materials out of sight.
If you like to personalise your workspace, feel free to add some family photos, a desk plant, or a motivational quote. Making your space your own can help boost your mood and creativity, which leads to better performance. However, avoid going overboard as it can lead to clutter and distraction.
So there you have it. Organising your office desk or cubicle is an essential part of creating an efficient and healthy workspace, and will help you feel more in control, increase productivity and reduce stress. The tips in this article should help get you started on creating a productive workspace. Remember, keep only what's essential, declutter often, and invest in storage solutions. This coupled with maximising your space, and removing unsightly and hazardous cords will ensure you're well on your way to making a big difference in your workday!
If you need advice on setting up or revamping your workspace, get in touch with our team!
