Many offices are more often untidy than
tidy. Files are piled up high and there are papers all over the desk, and
sometimes even all over the floor. If your office is a mess, start
clearing it up - now! Here are some top tips from leading time management
specialists, to help you clear the clutter in your office.
1. Find a place for everything and put
everything in its place.
2. The space closest to your work
station is the most precious - don't clutter it with junk.
3. File everything alphabetically (or
use some other consistent system).
4. Keep unnecessary material out of
sight - otherwise it's physical graffiti.
5. Make the decision once about where
to put a piece of paper and write on the top right corner.
6. Computer systems follow the same
basic principles.
7. Store things upright, not flat.
They're easier to find next time.
8. Archive systematically - every
year.
9. Label everything.
10. Throw out stuff you don't need.
Ask yourself these key questions: Will I ever need this again? If I do,
where can I get it from if I throw this away? What's the worst thing that
can happen if I throw this out? When was the last time I used it?
11. Have a parking place for
everything, even keys and glasses. Then you'll never lose things.
12. Create a 'halfway to the rubbish
bin' file for the things you can't throw out - yet.
13. Use periodical boxes (and manilla
folders for sub-categories) to store loose paper upright.
14. Label boxes and files as you go -
don't rely on memory.
15. DO IT NOW! Don't look at something
and put it aside for later. If possible, act immediately. If you have time
to handle it you've usually got time to do it, or at least move it one
stage further.
