Save Time By Becoming Organized
Posted on 22. Jul, 2010 by Guest in Productivity
If you’re like how I used to be, you likely have a workspace where you need to spend a couple of minutes to find virtually anything that you’re searching for. If you think this isn’t a serious issue and that it’s only a few minutes wasted, think again. Over the period of 12 months this can be six or more weeks in total wasted time!. Can you envisage how much more efficient and successful you could be if you had an extra eight weeks a year to do your work?. With those kind of numbers it’s hard to neglect the issue any longer – you must take action and get yourself organized!.
Your desk is where you pass most of your day and it’s important that it’s neat. Remember, your desk is for working on, not for storing papers, pens or anything else. To take your space back, start with cleaning out your drawers from any old junk, then move the things from your working space to the new space in your drawers. Of course don’t just throw stuff into your drawers as you will need to be able to find items easily later on. If you don’t have drawers, you can always buy some low-cost plastic ones from any home workspace store, or get a set of office drawers to go under your desk space.
Once you’ve got all your office supplies out of the way, you need to handle your files. First you have to sort documents into items that you still need now and things that you can file away for later. Any papers that you’re in the middle of doing something with, or you’re waiting on answers for, or that in some other way still needs to be actioned, should go in the first group.. The optimal way to issue with current files is to have some plastic trays, usually the stackable ones are optimal, where you can separate your ongoing documents into whatever groups make sense to you. The second group is all those files that you are no longer using or have to do anything about but still wish to have around. Anything from legal files down to handwritten meeting notes could fall into this group. The best way to store these files is in some kind of file folders, such as manila and two pocket folders. Also because they are so little and simple to keep you can keep huge amounts of papers in a small space.
Now you need to find a folder organizer to keep all your file folders in an clean and simple to access way. If you already have a filing cabinet or some shelevs in your workspace, either of them will be great for storing all your new files. It’s a good idea to think about this before you invest in folders, because different systems work optimally with different file folder varieties. Shelves are best for 2 pocket folders while a filing cabinets will work optimally with manila folder or hanging file folders. Whatever you go with, it’s important to try to make sure that your filing system is within arm’s reach of your desk. Getting up means you’ll use the filing system less and be more likely to just save items to put away later, and before you know it your desk will be a clutter again.
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