[author: Carly Wilson]*
When it comes to spring cleaning, most of us tend to clean out our closets and pantries but forget about our workspace. A clean office and desk can help improve your performance – it saves you a lot of time and energy if your things are tidy, organized, and easy to access. With flowers blooming and spring in full force, now is the perfect time to pass along a few of my tips on spring cleaning your office space.
First things first, it’s time to tackle the heaping pile of papers on your desk. Once those papers are sorted through, set up a filing system you will stick to. While you may have some physical papers lying around, it’s much more likely that most of your documents are digital. Eliminate digital clutter; take some time to clean out and organize your inbox, remove unused desktop icons, and file documents into folders.
Now that all your papers are filed and organized, you can get rid of any junk or nonessentials lying around and clear your workspace. Everything that you’ve decided is a necessity, give a specific place it can call home so your desktop and desk drawers are organized.
You can’t consider it spring cleaning if you don’t actually clean, right? Time to wipe everything down; dust and disinfect your equipment and your furniture.
Your files have a new system, your supplies are organized, and your office is clean. Now it’s time to spruce up the place! Consider adding a couple colorful accessories, art, or plants to make your space a reflection of you. Another tip is to refresh your items that make you happy. That family picture from 3 years ago needs an update! Print out a new photo or two for your picture frames.
The state of your workspace has a big impact on the way you do your job. Here are a few things to keep in mind about the benefits of spring cleaning and why you should take some time to clean up your office:
- Increased productivity
- Improved focus
- Reduced stress
- Clean and sanitary = better health
- Better mood & confidence
- Good impression
Now that you have your workspace looking fresh for spring, it’s time to mark your calendar for regular weekly cleanups to take advantage of the benefits of a neat, orderly office all year long. Stay committed to the filing system you’ve set up for physical paperwork, digital files, and emails. Have trouble keeping up? Set aside 20 minutes once a week to quickly organize and put anything away that may have piled up over the week. Keep a duster and disinfecting wipes at your desk to prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, and fingerprints. These habits will help force you to tidy up your workspace on a weekly basis. Remember that feeling you have when you walk into a clean office and, and work to keep that going all year long! And of course, your coworkers, roommates, or family will thank you for keeping your workspace tidy.
*Lead Marketing Strategist at Planet Depos
