How to Organize a Office

Organizing an office is the first step in improving office efficiency and creating a productive work space. Organizing office space is often put off because other daily office tasks take priority, and there never seems to be enough time to develop a functional organized working space. However, because time is a critical component in the work place, it's vital to set aside a small window of time for organization to improve efficiency, productivity and to reduce stress. Time lost due to disorder costs money and could potentially cost the loss of a promotion.

Things You'll Need

• Two separate bins, baskets or trays for in/out boxes
• File cabinets
• Drawer tray organizers

Instructions

1. Position office furniture (desk, credenza, file cabinets) to allow for easy movement between them. Furniture placed in the form of a triangle works well.

2. Place any office equipment that you use routinely within easy reach. This could include a calculator, stapler, file cabinets, telephone or fax machine.

3. Position your office computer on the credenza or the desk extension if you use an "L" shaped desk.

4. Keep reference materials within reach or no more than a step away from your desk area.

5. Place drawer tray organizers in desk drawers to hold pencils, markers, pens, clips and other supplies to maintain desk organization.

6. Use an in box to keep current matters at hand. Follow up with the in box at the end of each day.

7. Use an outbox as a temporary "placeholder" for completed tasks. File or follow up with the outbox at the end of each day.

8. Designate one drawer for personal use items, such as feminine items, toothbrush, toothpaste, extra tie, extra pantyhose, bandages, Tylenol, hand sanitizer, lotion or tissues.

9. Add a live plant to oxygenate the work space.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use walls or credenzas to display family photos, business awards, education or career achievements.