Want to know the absolute best hacks for organizing your workspace? The following tips will give you the exact steps for having a neat and tidy desk!
Although every day is different, I do have one consistent habit and that is using my workspace. Whether I’m working remotely, writing blog posts, or just browsing the internet. I find myself sitting at my desk for at least a few hours a day.
If you are like me though, your workspace needs to be organized or else you cannot concentrate. And with all the incoming papers, bills and coffee cups, it can be a challenge to keep it tidy. That’s going to change today when I show you all these great ideas for organizing your workspace.
This post is all about the best hacks for organizing your workspace that everyone should know about.
Best Ideas for Organizing Your Workspace
1. Desk Organizer
Adding a desk organizer is such a game changer when it comes to organizing your workspace! I found this cute desk drawer chest at TJ Maxx and it’s perfect for storing things that I use all the time. I keep a few hair ties, pens and notebooks inside. It’s also great if you have to get up from your desk, but don’t want to leave it cluttered. For example, if I printed out a few papers, but then have to run to the store, I can easily store them inside without leaving my workspace a mess.
2. Paper Holding Trays
If you find yourself surrounded by papers and don’t know where to start, consider using the paper holding trays method. You can get four paper holding trays and use them in the following manner.
The first paper tray would be the in-basket. This is where you can place mail that you have not sorted, like mail and bills.
The second tray would be the out-basket. This is paper that can be thrown or filed away or confidential papers that need to be shredded.
The third paper tray is for work-in-progress support papers. This could be for a bill that you still need to pay.
The fourth paper tray is for read and review. This is for work that you need to sit through and look at before you get rid of it. This could be a contract you need to review or a magazine article you would like to read.
3. Three Zone Organization System
Creating zones can really help with organizing your workspace. Try to plan out what you use your desk most for. If you get ready for the day at your desk, then consider dedicating a drawer for your makeup and hair. Label that your “Beauty” zone. If you work remotely, but also work on personal projects or household bills at your desk, then make different zones for each section. In this case you could have a zone for your job, your projects and household paperwork.
4. Organize Office Workflow
Setting up a workflow when you are in your office can really help with organizing your workspace. Try setting up time blocks in your planner first thing in the morning. For example, the first hour of the day you plan on reading emails, then the next hour you may work on a hobby. If your hobby involves a lot of tools, it’s important to clean up before you move into your next block of time. Having an organization system can help a lot with cutting down on clutter. You don’t want a bunch of glue sticks and loose paper around as you are trying to focus on writing your novel. Getting rid of clutter can help you focus on the task at hand.
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5. Physical Inbox
During the day, you can accumulate a lot of tasks to do. Sometimes going old school and using paper to track your to do list is easier that staring at a screen. For the physical inbox, you could write down a task you need to complete and put it on the top shelf, then throughout the day, as you complete your tasks, you can move it down a shelf to the complete section. At the end of the day, you will feel so accomplished to see how much work you were able to get done!
6. Magnet Organize Your Workspace
If you have a metal desk, adding magnets is a great solution for keeping your workspace tidy! You can add hooks for your bags, magnet pen cups, magnet paper storage, even magnets for holding up important bills or papers. Out of site and out of mind, can help you remain productive.
7. Desk Caddy
A desk caddy is perfect for those who like to see everything that they have. It’s a great option if you use stationary often. You will always have your sticky notes or pens close by and it makes cleaning up really easy.
8. Declutter
Getting rid of things can make a big difference when it comes to organizing your workspace! Not only will you be more productive, but having a clear space can provide you with a sense of calm. Setting aside 10 minutes each week to go through your desk and put things back in their place can make your more productive.
9. Routine
Getting a routine started can really help when it comes to organizing your workspace! In the morning, clean up your space before you get started and take out your planner. Plan what you would like to accomplish that day. At the end of the day, put your papers, notebooks, and pens away and clean off your workspace.
10. Clean Your Desktop
This is an easy way to feel more put together. At the beginning of the work day, grab a dish rag and your favorite cleaning spray and wipe down your desk. Then you will have a fresh start to the day! At the end of the day, you also will want to put everything away and wipe down your desk. You will be more likely to sit down and feel good and be productive.
11. Turn to Digital
Another way to organize your workspace and simplify your life is to turn to your paper products into digital. I still love having a paper to do list and a paper planner, but I use a lot of other things in the digital space. For blog posts, instead of drafting them in a paper notebook, I usually draft them in google docs. Then I can access them on any computer or my phone. I also keep my grocery list on my Notion website, so if I come across a recipe online, I can add it on my computer and read the ingredients on my Notion phone app when I’m at the grocery store.
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