How to Organize a Cubicle

When sitting down at your cubicle feels like you work at a paper warehouse or a garbage dump, a little organization may be in order. By implementing your own system and sticking to it, you can be as organized as the person you think has it all together.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Start sorting. Sift through your cubicle one section at a time, and put things into three piles: one that goes in the garbage, one that you know you need to keep and another for things you aren't sure about and might require more thought.
2. Throw away the garbage. Once you have a pile of things you know you don't need, whether it is old memos, candy bar wrappers or pens that don't work, don't think twice. Just dump it.
3. Take a look at what is in your "keep" pile and take note of what sorts of things you have. This will help you plan out what additional supplies you might need.
4. Invest in some organization supplies. Your individual needs will vary depending on your job and organizational style, but you probably will want plastic trays to use as inboxes and outboxes, hanging folders and file folders for your desk drawers, tabs to label the folders and pen holders and drawer dividers for pens, paper clips, rubber bands and other small supplies.
5. Put your supplies where they belong in the cubicle, and then start putting things from your "keep" pile into their new homes.
6. When you are finished with your "keep" pile, start looking through the "not sure" pile. From here, you should throw items away, put them into their new homes in your cubicle or take them home.

Tips & Warnings

• Think vertically. When putting things into order, keep in mind that your cubical walls can give you some extra space.
• Check with your supervisor or your company's human resource department to see what their policy on office supplies is. Often times, the company will pick up the tab on certain work-related supplies, even if they are not provided for everyone.

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