How to Declutter and Reorganize Your Office

In the hustle and bustle of running a business, it is easy for your office to get cluttered, disorganized, and downright messy. Even if the surfaces in your office are clean, having all this clutter around will not make for a pleasant work environment. Every few months or so, it would be a good idea for you to take some time to get everything back where it needs to be. Here are some tips to show you how to declutter and reorganize your office in the future.

Look at Every Single Piece of Paper

It is common to keep pieces of paper around because you think you will use them in the near future, but when that time never comes, you just end up with a lot of paper cluttering the office. Rather than allowing your office to become overrun by these papers, you need to recycle anything you can. Check the dates on receipts, notes, letters, and more and see if you actually need to keep them. If so, you can file them away in the appropriate folder, box, etc. If not, shred or recycle them so you no longer have to see them in your office.

Scan Important Paperwork

If you are worried about possibly losing something you have printed on paper, you should scan it into the computer for safe keeping. Then if you need to print it off later on, you can simply print off a new copy – assuming it is something you do not need the hard copy for. If there is a document with a live signature on it, you should store the hardcopy somewhere as that will be the only thing you can use in court. Hopefully that event never comes.

Invest in Office Organizers

Office organizers come in a variety of forms, and they serve a variety of purposes. Some are used to store and sort paperwork, while others are made for supplies, cleaning equipment, eating utensils, and more. Look for organizers that suit your line of work, and consider how they will help or hinder productivity in your office. Of course, you need to look for organization devices that will be convenient and visually appealing at the same time.

Try to get all of your office supplies in one general area, rather than having them scattered all over the office. You can put them in an organizer on your desk or you can put them in a drawer somewhere. The goal is to create a streamlined look throughout the office itself so your mind is at ease and your guests are not overwhelmed with the mess.

Practice Regular Cleaning Habits

You can greatly reduce the amount of clutter in your office simply by cleaning it on a regular basis. Ask your employees to clean up before they leave for work every day, and hold "declutter" days about once a quarter. Some departments may need to be reorganized more frequently than others, usually those that deal with most of the paperwork for the business. Commit to this routine, and you will have a great work environment for your employees to enjoy.