Organize Your Desk Today!

I don't know about you, but it is a constant struggle to keep my desk cleared off enough that I can find everything and that has enough space for me to spread out when I'm working on a project. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when your desk space is not organized. In fact, it can actually make it feel as if you have more work than you do. Just the sheer amount of paper piles, and other junk spread around your desk can make the task of writing or anything else you do at your desk seem insurmountable.

Believe it or not, organizing your desk is easier than you might think. With a few methodical steps you can have the desk of your dreams.

Step 1: Take everything out of the inside of your desk, and from on top of your desk.

Step 2: Put those things that go together in piles. For example, place all writing implements such as pens and pencils in one pile, paper and binder clips in another, papers from a particular project in one pile and so on.

Step 3: Take stock of what you have for your desk and then decide what you would need to organize those items. For example, if you have several projects going at once that have their own set of papers, maybe an file folder with several pockets for example. For items that go in your drawer, some kind of dividers that can hold paperclips, stick pins and other little things is great. This can be something as simple as an egg carton with the lid cut off. For pens and pencils you might want to have a cup or glass for those so they're easy to find and use on your desk.

Step 4: Toss or recycle anything that you don't use, or you know you aren't going to use. There is almost nothing worse than just having a lot of stuff that you don't use cluttering the inside and the outside of your desk.

Step 5: Put everything back inside your desk that you've decided to keep using your storage containers.

Step 6: Set up the top of your desk so that it is as uncluttered as possible and everything is where it goes. Your project papers should be in their file folders/holders, your pens and pencils should be in their cup or in your desk.

Tips:

1. Don't purchase new storage containers. Instead shop at thrift stores, garage sales, or find something you already have that will work and recycle it by using it as a storage item for your desk.

2. Got more storage containers than you need now that you've cleaned everything out? Recycle those old containers by donating them to a thrift store, or a relative or friend that can use them. That way they don't wind up in a landfill.

3. Keep a minimum amount of items on your desk. If you can find a way to keep your papers in a file container that hangs on the wall rather than sits on your desk, this is ideal. The more space there is on your desk, the calmer you will feel and the easier it will be to get your work done.

4. If you can't find a way to hang your paper holders on the wall, consider a small table that sits next to your desk, or maybe your printer has it's own little table? If so, then consider using the shelf beneath it for your paper holder and pencil jar.

There are lots of ways to organize your desk, these are just a few ideas to get you started! Having an organized desk is important whether you work from home and have several freelance projects going, as it is if you only use it to file your taxes and surf the internet. Once your desk is organized, you will find that you have more time, and are able to get more done both of which ultimately are the main goals to having an organized desk.