Getting Your Home Office Organized

getting your home office

organized

Somet imes wor k in g from home can spill over more easily into our personal lives—and not just because the kids are asking you yet another question but in the literal sense too. Papers stacked, files one on top of the other, pens that have dried up months ago, what used to be the dining room now looks like a file cabinet exploded—and what is one to do with all the old electronics? Here are some office decluttering tips to keep you organized:

Kee p, donate , toss , se ll. You have to begin by decluttering! And donate or sell immediately; the longer it hangs around the more likely you are to keep it.

Mana ge pa per flo w. You can do a lot to alleviate unnecessary papers by subscribing to paperless online billing, scanning and saving receipts on your computer, etc.

Sched ule wee kly clean in gs. Paper and dust mites dwell in stacks of papers, files, and books, so make it a habit to clean, purge, and disinfect on a regular basis. If you actually see it on your To-Do list each week, it is more likely to get accomplished.

Sta y foc used and rea list ic. While cleaning out your office, ask yourself: Do I need it? When was the last time I used it? Will I need it in the foreseeable future? Don ’t buy more stora ge. The point is to “get rid of” not “add to” so don’t go buy new filing cabinets or storage bins—that defeats the purpose.

Or gan izin g the mess of ca bles . Cords and cables are unsightly and provide more surfaces for dust and dirt. You can use rain gutter segments to hold cables, or check out products specifically designed for hiding them such as IKEA ’s Signum line or Cablox.

E-cyclin g begins with yo u. On average, televisions are used for less than two years, and for computers, it’s three. Recycling your electronics is critical for preserving landfill space and ensuring that hazardous materials are disposed of properly. Visit www.ecyclingcentral.com for more information and recycling centers in your area. w