Part five of The Home Detox Series
Do you feel like you could be more productive if your home office was a bit more organized? Are you constantly cleaning up after yourself, feeling buried under papers or just not feeling inspired? Well, today is your lucky day! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for cleaning and organizing your home office in order to help you become more productive.
Declutter your desktop
Most people’s desks are cluttered with papers, pens, pencils, and other office supplies. Decluttering your desktop can help you be more productive and organized. When your desk is cluttered, it’s difficult to find what you need and to focus on your work.
But did you know that decluttering your desktop can also be good for your health? A cluttered desk can lead to increased stress levels, which can in turn negatively impact your immune system.
By cleaning up your desktop and getting rid of non-essential items, you can create a healthier workspace that is more conducive to productivity.
- Start by doing a quick purge of any items that are expired, broken, or that you no longer use.
- Then, go through the remaining items and decide what can be stored elsewhere. Don’t be afraid to let go of things that aren’t serving a purpose – sometimes less is more.
- Move on to creating a system for organizing your papers and office supplies. Use trays or boxes to sort by project or type of paperwork. Don’t forget to use the back of the door as well for storing items.
- Lastly, put frequently used items within easy reach. Place only things that you need like pens, the papers that you are currently working on… This will help you work more efficiently and will make it easier to find what you need.
Once you’ve decluttered your desktop, you’ll be able to breathe easier and focus on the task at hand.
Clean your desk and surfaces
A clean desk and surfaces can help you stay organized and be more productive. However, using harsh chemicals to clean your desk can be harmful to your health.
- Most importantly, make sure to look for non-toxic cleaners that are gentle on your skin and won’t cause respiratory problems. You can also make your own cleaners which will save you money.
- Start by dusting off the surface.
- Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface, followed by a dry cloth to remove any streaks.
- Lastly, don’t forget to clean the drawers and other areas where dust can accumulate.
- For best results, clean your desk regularly to keep it looking its best.
Organize your cords and cables
If your cords and cables are a jumbled mess (who’s aren’t?), it’s time to get organized! This doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming task – with a little bit of effort, you can have everything neat and tidy in no time.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- First, label your cords and cables with colored tape so you know which one goes where. This will save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.
- Second, invest in cord management solutions like zip ties or cord covers. These are great for hiding unsightly cords and keeping them from getting tangled.
- Third, get creative and use large binder clips to attach the cords to the back of the desk.
- Or, use wine corks! I have an embarrassing amount of wine corks! I keep thinking that I’m going to all of a sudden become creative and make something cool from them. Well, the time is here!
- First, gather a few corks up.
- Second, carefully cut a small groove in it with a knife to fit a cord.
- Next, use glue or double-sided tape to place the cork on the back of the desk.
- Then, Place the cord through it to hold in place.
- This might take a little more creativity than I have but, if you are crafty it may be worth a try!
See, I knew that these things would come in handy some day!
With these tips, you’ll be able to organize your cords and cables easily and efficiently – no more crying over tangled wires!
Purge your files and folders
If your desk or filing cabinet is cluttered with paper, it’s time for a purge!
- Gather up all of your paper files and folders, and sort them into three piles: keep, recycle, and shred.
- For the papers you need to keep, organize them into neat file folders. Then put the file folders into a drawer or storage box.
- For the papers you need to recycle, toss them into the recycling bin.
- And for the papers you need to shred, run them through a paper shredder.
This is pretty straight forward but one of those things that you just need to put time aside for. I have always struggled with this. For some reason, I have electric bills from two years ago! It is about setting that time aside and to just go one section at a time, one folder at a time.
I like to use colored folders for each section… blue are bills, red for bank statements… it makes things easier to find.
After you’re done purging your paper files, you’ll feel much more organized and lighter – and your desk/filing cabinet will look a lot neater, too!
Arrange your furniture for maximum productivity
A well-organized office can be the key to success. By arranging your furniture in a way that promotes productivity, you can make the most of your space and get more work done. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start with a blank slate. Remove any unnecessary clutter from your desk and workspace. This will help you focus on the task at hand.
- Make sure you have plenty of storage. An organized office is one where everything has its place. Invest in some storage solutions so you can keep your desk tidy and clutter-free.
- Create a designated work area. If possible, set up a separate area in your office for work tasks. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
- Choose comfortable furniture. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your office, so make sure your furniture is comfortable. ergonomic desks and chairs can help reduce strain and fatigue.
For myself, I know that I need to have my chair higher so that my arms stay at a 90 degree angle. If I sit with my arms reaching for the keyboard or having my shoulders slightly shrugged, I get really bad neck and shoulder pain. My Physical Therapist pushed big time on the importance of sitting correctly at my desk! There are so many videos online that you can find to make sure you are sitting correctly.
By following these tips, you can create an office that’s both productive and comfortable. Set it up the right way now so you don’t have to go to physical therapy later like I did!
Add some personality to your space with decor or plants
When it comes to adding personality to your home office space, there are a few things you can do.
- First, organize your space in a way that reflects your unique style. This may mean adding some fun and stylish storage solutions, or hanging artwork that inspires you.
- Second, consider adding some plants to your office. Not only will they add a touch of natural beauty, but they can also help to purify the air and boost your mood. (Here are 10 Great Plants to Have in Your Home for Better Air Quality).
- Finally, don’t be afraid to have some fun with your decor. Choose items that reflect your interests and make you happy.
By personalizing your space, you’ll create an inviting and inspiring environment that is perfect for getting work done.
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you need to know about organizing your home office! Well, almost everything. The most important thing is to just get started. Decide what space in your home will be dedicated to your office and start moving things around until it feels comfortable and organized. Once you have a plan in place, it will be easier to figure out the specific details like what type of desk or storage solutions you need. And don’t forget – ask for help when you need it! Most people are working from home still and may have some ideas that have worked for them.
If you have any other ideas, share them in the comments below.
Thanks for reading!
(Just so you know, the links I share here are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase from one of my recommendations, I may receive a small commission. But, don’t worry, this is at no extra charge to you!)
