How to Declutter an Office

Whether you work at home or in the office, you need a clutter-free area to do your best work. You can still keep your resources, office supplies and accessories at hand, provided you keep everything organized.

Things You'll Need

• Colored files
• Filing cabinet
• Plastic caddies
• Closet and shelf organizers

Instructions

1. Make a list of all the things you need in your office. Then make a list of all the things you actually have in your office. Your goal is to keep the things you need and find a new home for the things you don't need.

2. Organize your stuff into three piles. Create one pile for the things you need. Create a second pile for things you want to discard. Create the third pile for things you want to keep, but not in your office.

3. Discard the things you want out of your office. Do this step first so you can see progress. You now have less stuff to organize. Start with your desktop and the floor. The room will seem much more organized when these areas are clear.

4. Package anything you want to keep, but don't want in your office. Take these things to another location as soon as you can. This allows you to see how much space you have left in the office.

5. Organize your filing cabinet so that you can find things easily. Use colored files that are clearly labeled. Make sure you discard any information you don't need. Financial papers should be kept for several years, but if you currently don't need the papers, move them to a location outside of your office.

6. Look over your bookshelves. Donate any books that are outdated or that you don't need.

7. Use plastic caddies to organize pens, pencils, staplers and any other office supplies. Use shelf organizers and closet organizers to stack items within easy reach. Organizers help you get rid of office clutter.

Tips & Warnings

• Do a little bit at a time if you tend to get easily overwhelmed.

• Start with the things you want to get rid of so you have more space for the things you are keeping.

• Write down the titles of the books you give up, if you are worried that you might need the books again. You always can borrow them from the local library.

• Don't throw out important papers. Keep anything you might need later.