There are a million tips online regarding how to spring clean/declutter your home. But how about office spring decluttering tips? Not so much. So below you’ll find a summary of the:
- Top 10 problems I’ve seen in people’s offices
- An associated solution for each
| COMMON PROBLEMS | BREN’S RECOMMENDED SOLUTION |
|---|---|
| I don’t know where to start! | Create/Document SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic & Time-Sensitive) goals for each zone (file cabinet, desk, bookcase, etc.) For example, “Purge 10% of the unnecessary papers from each file cabinet drawer by Friday, 03/25/22 so I can find what I want/need within 5 minutes.” |
| How do I clean when there’s so much stuff in the way? | Before you start cleaning, DECLUTTER! Otherwise, all you’re doing is organizing your clutter! |
| I get easily overwhelmed by my clutter everywhere! | Get a hula hoop and place it around a small area you want to tackle. Declutter that first. Don’t have a hula hoop? Then circle your arms over an area you want to declutter and target that first! |
What do I do with the stuff I no longer want/need? | Gather boxes/bags in advance and label them with their ultimate destination. Examples include Trash, Recycle, Donate, Gift, etc. |
I can’t find my paper or digital files quickly enough. | Create the same filing system for both paper and digital files. If they match, you’ll be able to find the correct file more easily and quickly. |
| I can’t decide what to do with items. | Ask yourself: Do I use it? When was the last time I needed it? Would I be able to find it again? Can I get it somewhere else, etc.? |
| It takes me forever to declutter. I pick things up only to put them down again without taking any action. | Practice the “OHIO” principle with each item- “Only Handle It Once.” Even if you’re not from OHIO, this is easy to remember! Remember that clutter comes from delayed decisions. |
| I have so many other things to do! | Estimate how much time you want to spend on each task and use alarms to keep you on track. When the alarm sounds, it’s time to move on. |
| I HATE this. I get so bored! | Make it FUN! If your project doesn’t require concentration, listen to your favorite tunes to make the process more enjoyable, fun, and improve your mood! I listen to disco—what about you? |
How do I keep on top of this once I’m done? | Create rules for yourself. For example, instead of leaving your desk a mess at the end of the workday, create the rule ”I’ll invest 15 minutes at the end of each day to organize my desk so I have a clear mind tomorrow morning.” |
I hope I’ve provided at least one tip that you’ve never tried or haven’t tried in a while! Want more tips? Check out this blog on 5 Things You Should Do for National Clean Out Your Computer Day!
LET ME HELP YOU!
Is your office cluttered? Tell me the number one problem that keeps you up at night (as it relates to your office and not your life, lol), and I’ll do my best to help!
Brenda Tringali, CPO® (Certified Professional Organizer)
Organizing | Productivity | Speaker
At Your Fingertips Organizing
Serving Greater Myrtle Beach, SC or “virtually” anywhere via video
Cell/Text: 603.490.6062
Brenda Tringali is the owner of At Your Fingertips Organizing. She provides Speaking, Organizing & Productivity services to Workplace/Residential clients both in person in the greater Myrtle Beach, SC area & “virtually” anywhere else via video, phone, etc. Brenda is an active member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing professionals) and the former Chair of NAPOCares, NAPO’s Social Responsibility Committee.