Clear your desk, clear your mind By Stania Rensberger

Is your desk covered with so many piles that you cannot see the color of your desk top? Are there papers to be filed everywhere around you? If this sounds familiar, then you probably waste at least one hour a day looking for misplaced items. Disorganization is frustrating and also very expensive. Time is money!

People also do not realize the extent clutter around them clutters their mind. A clear desk clears your mind so you can be more focused and more productive.

It is very important to invest in a good quality desk, even if you work from home. Using a dining room table as a substitute is not a good idea. An ergonomically correct chair will enable you to retain good posture and avoid back strain. Swivel chairs are very practical. You can reach a cabinet next to you or behind you without getting up. Also, consider investing in a good quality file cabinet. It will definitely make your filing easier. You may even purchase a fireproof cabinet for storing important documents.

Now, how do we accomplish having our desk clear? First take an inventory of everything that presently covers your desk. Avoid piling! It is very difficult to find anything in a pile. Every single piece of paper should be in a file. An efficient filing system is the foundation of any business and it is crucial for daily operation. Avoid creating more paper. Print only essential e-mails. Reply to as many as you can and delete them. Create folders in your computer for those you have to keep for later action.

In addition to piles, is your desk covered with little pieces of paper with phone numbers, ideas and reminders? Is your desk drawer full of business cards you collected over the time? Use technology. Store your phone numbers and ideas in your computer. We all collect too many business cards that we never use. Keep only those that have a purpose. If you intend to follow up with a person, enter the pertinent information into your data base, schedule the follow up and discard the card.

What non-paper items are on your desk? Do you keep several containers full of pencils, markers and pens? Keep only few and store the rest in the office supply storage cabinet. Keep your in-box and out-box away from your desk. Place the in-box on a credenza or a file cabinet close to you. Empty it daily. The best place for your out-box is by the door.

It is a great relief to work at the clear desk. Your mind is un-cluttered and therefore more creative. You are more productive and when someone comes to see you, you are able to listen better without being distracted by your papers. In addition, you will be able to enjoy the color of your desktop.

Stania Rensberger
Stania’s Organizing Systems
619-296-3910
www.staniarensberger.com