Organize Your Desk

Working in the business world for over twenty years, I can attest to the fact that people are sensitive about their desk space. Some people are pilers, stacking papers and files on any surface, creating a fortress impenetrable to spying eyes. Others are post-it note organizers, sticking reminders throughout their workspace like wallpaper. People defend their organizational methods, firmly digging their heels into institutional-gray corporate carpeting when change is suggested. "I've got a system!" they declare.

Unfortunately, an unorganized desk can create problems not only for the desk owner, but for his or her co-workers. No-one wants a frantic phone call while they're on vacation in the Caribbean, as the entire office is searching for a piece of paper that you alone can find on your desk. If you're dealing with a home office, or work alone, the benefits of having a highly organized desk can increase your productivity, and give you peace of mind.

A common phrase for organizers is "to have a place for everything, and everything in its place". Practice this jewel of wisdom, and your "desk life" will be more organized, peaceful, and productive.

First, don't be afraid of changing your desk space, especially if it's totally out of control. Repeat the mantra "I will be able to find things", and move forward. Second, make sure you have enough file space to hold your work. If you're working with just a desktop and no drawers or cabinets, you may be setting yourself up for trouble. If finances are an issue, press-board or metal drawer space are both inexpensive options.

Your primary goal is to create a clean space for you to actually work on your desk. Some organizational experts recommend you have two things on your desk - your planner and your telephone (you'll also most likely have a computer monitor). The idea is to bring out one project at a time, have ample desk space to work on the project, then put the project away. The clear desk space will solve the problem of papers intermingling with each other, and getting lost forever.

Create storage categories for your filing cabinets or drawers. Make them intuitive, so you won't be flipping through indexes wondering how you filed something six months ago. Start with basic categories, such as "Budget", Invoices", "Medical Records", or "Car Stuff". Within these categories, create separate files, such as "1999", or "Acme Company", or "Title and Licensing".

If you're computer savvy, create a to-do list on your planner, time-activating each task. If you've got taxes due on April 15^th, instead of tacking a post-it note on the wall, create an on-line task. If computers aren't your thing, try creating a master list which you can update daily.

Above all, make a concerted effort to file things away, and create a clear working space. Have faith that you will be able to find things once they are organized, then reap the benefits of being more organized. Better organization means higher productivity, which leaves you more time to do other things. Stay true to the adage "there is a place for anything" - picture yourself at the golf course or spending more time with your family, and place yourself there.