Regardless of what you use your Decatur home office for, it can be hard to get things done if it’s messy and cluttered. Office organization can be a challenge when you have other tasks and responsibilities to do. Getting and staying organized is a way to reclaim your office space. Here are some organizational strategies recommended by experts that could help you. You can create an organizational system that will allow you to be productive in just a few hours throughout your workweek.
Set Up a System
Before you can clear off your desk (or even your desktop computer), you will need to have an area to put everything. That is why creating an organizational system is an important first step. Working with a lot of paper would mean you will need a system that includes things like an inbox, a file rack for open projects, file storage for completed work, a recycling bin, and so on. On a computer, perhaps you create a consistent way to organize files and documents, whether by date, alphabetically, chronologically, etc.
Invest in Storage
You will still be keeping at least a few important documents and papers in your office even if most of your work is online. Thus it is always a good idea to invest in quality storage for your home office. A filing cabinet and some shelving are must-haves for any office. For more storage, you can make use of the vertical space in your office. Tall shelves give you extra storage space without crowding your desk area.
Go Digital
If you want to minimize paper in your office, you can scan things into digital files instead. A lot of software programs let you easily convert printed documents, invoices, bills, and others into digital files. A good quality scanner or all-in-one machine (printer, scanner, fax) will be a very helpful investment. You will also need a shredder to destroy any documents you don’t plan to keep.
Clear Away Clutter
One of the fastest ways to feel more organized in a hurry is to clear the clutter off your desk or other areas of your office. Anything unrelated to your current project must not be on your desk, including office equipment. Try creating a neatly organized area next to your desk and move items you don’t need easy access to into a different room or store it in a cabinet or boxes. It will be easier to focus on your work if your office is organized.
Re-think Your To-Do List
Another concern for home offices is keeping track of schedules and deadlines. Having a system to keep track of everything you need to remember and do is essential. This system could be as simple as a desktop planner. If you want to go high-tech, there are also available apps on your computer or smartphone. It is important to choose a daily to-do list format that works for you, regardless of what others are doing.
Make Time for Organization
When your home office has been organized, the next step is to keep things that way every day. One of the best ways to automate your organization is to schedule time for it every week. Plot it in your calendar, just like you would any other meeting. And then use that time to shred old papers, go through your inbox, or put away clutter. Doing this will help maintain your home office and keep it ready for a productive work week.
Are you looking for a Decatur rental home with a dedicated home office? Or do you need a new place to support you in your career? If a new rental home is on your to-do list, Real Property Management North Point could help you cross it off. Check out our online listings for more information.
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