May 2014 – Monthly Newsletter

Spring Cleaning: Either you love it or you hate it! I personally love to clean and organize – a closet, a drawer, my office, and my garden, whatever! I know that I work better and more efficiently and simply feel calm, when things around me are well ordered.

So now that spring is here, why not take a few minutes to spring clean your office? Don’t let the clutter obscure your capabilities. Here are 7 easy tasks to spring clean your office and keep it tidy. Let’s get started!

1. Your computer’s desktop. When your favorite desktop background starts getting obscured with icons, it’s time to de-clutter your virtual desktop. Streamline icons – a desktop cluttered with icons triggers stress. Delete unnecessary files and sort needed materials into well-labeled folders. Send everything else off to the virtual recycle bin and get rid of those outdated sticky notes too!
Not only will you have a much more attractive looking desktop screen, but you will save countless hours searching for your important documents.

2. Your keyboard. Another often-overlooked area of the office is your keyboard and mouse. Remove loose debris, and then use a sanitizing wipe or cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface of the keyboard. Try compressed air if you really need to get in between the keys.

3. Your email inbox. Many folks use a single inbox and just let everything pile up. Create virtual file folders for different projects and tasks to keep important information organized and easy to find. When you get new emails, determine right after reading it whether it needs to be sorted, deleted or flagged for follow-up.

4. Your desk. Daily use items like pens, planner and post-its deserve a spot on your desktop where they are easily accessible. Other items, such a tape, stapler, and envelopes, should be neatly stored inside your desk drawers. Speaking of drawers, you should dump the units out, look through everything and save only what you absolutely need. Throw out any writing utensils that don’t work. Give each drawer a purpose. And as for those papers on your desk – everything should have a home, and that home is not a miscellaneous pile. Shred it or file it away.

5. Your phone. Your desk phone is likely one of the most germy places in your office. Take a sanitizing wipe and clean off the buttons and receiver. Make a note to do this once every two weeks.

6. Your filing cabinet. Establish limits. The issue isn’t space, it’s too much stuff. Toss all unnecessary files and create a clean, organized filing system for all of your important documents. Consider color-coding the files for certain tasks, as well.

7. Your decor. This one is my favorite! That photo of your kids from two years ago or December 2013 calendar page need to go. Refresh the walls of your office with current photos, inspirational quotes and anything else that will help keep you on track and make the space yours. There! You’re done with your spring cleaning and your office should be good to go!

REMEMBER – a cluttered, messy workspace can cause added and unnecessary stress. Stay organized and set weekly and monthly reminders to organize and clean your desk area.

What’s your best tip for keeping your office space clean?