Having an organized office is crucial to business success. Here are 25 tips to help get your office in tip top shape.

1. organizingguru.com

2. Office organization requires effort and
planning, but it isn’t difficult to accomplish.
Taking the time to organize and maintain
a productive office can benefit you
financially and reduce the stress of not
finding what you need, when you need it.
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3. Use these tips to turn your office
into a haven for productivity...
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4. The Desk Zone
Desks should only contain the necessities like your
computer, phone, printer, and reference materials. Too
many things cause clutter and disorganization.
Ideally, your desk should have drawers for supplies
and files used daily. Pens, pencils, tape, paperclips,
and staples should all stay in containers or in easy to
reach drawers.
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5. The Paperless Office
One of the best things you can do for your office
and the environment is to go paperless. Paper
creates clutter!
Although a certain amount of paper is necessary,
try reading and storing documents online instead.
Before you hit the print key, ask yourself:
“Do I really need to print this?”
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6. Inbox and Outbox
Having in and out boxes on your desk
creates a space for those documents that
have to be printed, as well as incoming and
outgoing mail.
This allows you to know exactly where
documents are, instead of having them in
piles all over your desk.
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7. Snail Mail
If your office gets a lot of mail, it might be
better to sort it into smaller trays and title
them:
To-File, To-Read, and To-Contact (write or
call), rather than placing it all in your in or out
boxes.
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8. Filing Cabinets
An organized office needs file cabinets, so use
them! Color coding makes it easier and faster to
find information.
If your files become stuffed, clean them out. Put
prior year’s files in a labeled storage box to free
space.
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9. Magazine Boxes
Store the magazines you want to keep in special
magazine boxes on a shelf so they don’t clutter
your work space.
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10. Paper Shredder
Shred documents with personal information that
you don’t need to keep. This will free up file space
and protect confidentiality as well.
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11. Recycling Bin
Unneeded papers can quickly pile up, so keep a
bin close by and use it often.
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12. Do Not Disturb
Reclaim your time by hanging a sign on the door
or a dry erase board to let others know you’re
unavailable.
Dedicated work time helps maintain an organized
mind as well as an organized office.
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13. Personal Items
Personal items can crowd your workspace. And
that’s okay, but don’t let them overrun you.
Designate a specific area for personal items. This
keeps your desk organized and free from
distraction.
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14. Plan It
A personal planner or desk calendar will help you
keep track of your schedule and deadlines.
Write everything down! Include birthdays,
appointments, client meetings, deadlines, and any
other helpful notes.
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15. Once A Month Clean Sweep
Spend one day a month doing a total clean sweep in
your office. Put files and supplies back where they
belong.
Clean out desk drawers and file cabinets. Shred
papers that you don’t need if they contain personal
information.
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16. Tip Top Computers
Computers are the lifeline of an office. Use canned
air to dust weekly and screen cleaners to keep your
screen in tip-top shape.
Install and use anti-virus software and system
utilities to keep your computer running well. Also,
you’ll want to backup regularly.
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17. What ‘To-Do’
Maintaining a daily to-do list will help you stay
organized. Make it a habit to write down important
tasks and cross them off as they’re completed.
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18. Ugly Cords?
Tidy up those messy cords with twist ties or rubber
bands. Or cut empty paper towel tubes lengthwise
and gently push the cords into the tubes. You can
even decorate them for a creative flair.
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19. The Reference Zone
If your job requires you to have reference material
on hand, set up a specific zone in your office for
these materials. This could include binders,
books, manuals, magazines, dictionaries, and
professional items. A bookcase should fit the
zone nicely.
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20. Surge Protectors and Backups
Surge protectors and battery backups are a must for
any office. They play a huge part in keeping you
organized by ensuring your computer stays up and
running.
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21. Deadlines
No one likes them, but we all have them.
Incorporate your deadlines into your master to-do
list and keep that handy in your planner. Sticking
to a deadline schedule will force you to stay on
track.
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22. Did Someone Say Lunch?
Lunch is important to keep you focused and
motivated through the rest of the work day.
Stick to your scheduled lunch time and give
yourself an extra boost of energy by taking a
short walk for some fresh air.
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23. Fresh Start
Straighten your desk at the end of each day.
That way, when you sit down in the morning,
you can start with a clean slate.
If you have a priority task that needs to be
completed first thing in the morning, leave that
out on the desk to help you get focused and
ready to go.
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24. Label It!
A label machine is your best friend. Labeling all
files, folders, bins, containers, trays, boxes, and
other organizational tools lets you know exactly
what’s inside.
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25. Time Yourself!
Using a kitchen timer can be a great help
when you’re pressed for time or taking
breaks.
Stopping when you’re in the middle of an
important tasks wastes time. You lose the
time from the task and you lose time trying
to get your train of thought back on track!
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26. Organize Your Phone Time
Make the most of your phone time by making
calls in batches, leaving detailed messages, if
needed.
Always include the time you called and make
notes about what needs to be done next
regarding the call.
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27. Develop Your Own System
Take time to discover what works for you and stick
with it. It’ll be well worth the effort.
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28. Stick To Your Goals
It takes 21 days to make a habit. Stick with
your organization goals and they’ll become
habits.
Your increase in productivity will make you
glad you stuck with it!
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29. Keeping yourself and your office organized isn’t
hard.
Following these simple tips can keep your office
running smoothly, enable you to accomplish
more, and help you feel less stressed!
organizingguru.com

30. BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
SAMANTHA POINTER-FOXX, FOUNDER OF GET IT TOGETHER!
JOIN THE CONVERSATION AT FB.COM/ORGANIZINGGURU
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