Tips on How to Keep Your Office Desk Clean and Organized

Many of us find ourselves lost in a pile of paperwork and feel overwhelmed. Why not help ease the frustration and organize your workspace?

By keeping your working environment tidy you can help eliminate stress and accomplish more with your time spent at the office. How many times have you misplaced that important paper you need right then, or you can't seem to find that clients phone number and you swear you set it down right in front of your face. This can cause anxiety and unnecessary freaking out. If you desk is well kept you will find what your looking for faster and will have a better day.

First things first, file all paperwork that you are not using on a daily basis. Throw away all old unneeded papers and garbage that may have made its home in your drawers and desk top. Pens and pencils that are of no use or don't work anymore need to be discarded. All business cards and phone numbers need to be kept with your rolodex. If you don't have one, buy one and put all your important phone numbers on it. Place all work that needs to be done in a pile at the top left corner of your desk as to be sure it's not mistaken for clutter. Old work that your not sure if you should throw it away should be filed. Notes that you have taken or sticky notes should be either re-written on a pad of paper and kept close by, or thrown away.

Keep the most used forms for your company within reach. Filing shelves are great for organizing and can be used for forms that are needed daily and have to be out on your desk. Keep in your desk four good pens and two pencils. All other pens need to be put up.

Clean your desk with cleaner and wipe down your computer monitor, mouse, stapler, calculator, pens, drawer handles, chair and keyboard. Be sure to clean your phone and its handset as it holds the most germs.

Try only to keep several things out on your desk at once. Objects that should remain out on your desk should be your telephone, monitor, name plate, oversized calculator, filing shelf and rolodex. One or two personal things such as a picture frame or plant are fine and can add peace and personality to a desk. Be sure to keep professionalism, no partying pictures should be out or filthy novelty items should be on display.

Just trust your judgment and use common sense. If you don't use it, get rid of it. Less is more. Keep it simple and you will have peace and serenity within your work space.