This post was most recently updated on December 23rd, 2022

[A collaboration post – all thoughts are my own.]

I really need to find time to organize my workspace before entering 2023. You would rethink your opinion that you don’t have time for home office organization if you actually realized how much time that disorganization was costing you.

It doesn’t count on occasionally rearranging and moving piles. It also doesn’t help to clean off your desk if you simply swipe the mess into a desk drawer or trash can. An office that is largely tidy and well-organized makes room for greater productivity and less inefficient use of time.

Home Office Organizing

Your office can be organized in a few hours, rather than over several days. In fact, if you treat maintaining an organized office as a continuing task rather than a big blow, it will be a lot more effective.

The following organizing advice will help you make your workplace a productive workstation if you’re ready to get started.

Clean up your office

Take everything out that you don’t need or want and declutter, empty, shred, and get rid of it. Look around you. Take one area at a time. What hasn’t been used by you recently?

Send it out for repair or throw it away if it doesn’t work. If you haven’t used it in a while and can’t imagine a day when you’ll truly need it, throw it away. This applies to furnishings, equipment, supplies, etc.

Don’t forget about trinkets, plants (real or fake), and decorations; if they’re dusty and give your office a worn-out appearance, they’re fair game.

Organize your desktop

For your home office organization, use desktop organizers or containers. For papers, use trays, and for smaller objects, use containers.

Don’t forget your desktop computer! Check that all of the files or photos are in the proper folders. You should always clean off your computer’s desktop before you leave for the day. I always do this because I have so many blogging-related files and translation files that I need to organize before turning off the computer.

Organize your drawers

Sticky notes and notepads, for example, should be kept in the same drawer as stamps and envelopes. For small items like paper clips, pins, etc., use drawer organizers. Put your personal stuff in a different drawer.

Organize your piles

You still need to filter through the old papers, but maybe your newly organized office will prevent you from creating mountains of paper in the future. Put each item in its proper location or destroy it after going through the pile (a bit at a time if necessary). Read here about how to reduce paper clutter.

Create “Work Zones”

Analyze the activities that take place in each area of your office. The main workspace (usually your desk), a resource area (filing cabinet, shelves, or binders), and a supply section (closet, shelves, or drawers) are all likely.

As much as possible, make sure the right equipment and supplies are put in the right spot. Arrange the supplies and equipment you use the most in an easily accessible place. For home office organization, You can store or put away items that you hardly ever use.

Get a good labeler

For your home office organization, pick a label maker that is simple to use. Spend some time labeling the drawers, boxes, and shelves. It will not only help you remember where things go but also help anyone else who might need to find, use, or store something in your office.

Check your filing system

The need to keep paper files has decreased as we completely enter the digital era. What digital services does your store offer? Some of the folders and files you’ve used in the past might be unnecessary. Make sure you are making routine backups if you are saving files on your computer.

Here’re some storage ideas for creating a smooth filing system:

• To store old documents and remove them from your current file space, use affordable storage containers.
• For home office organization, create a file specifically for print materials that you want to read but aren’t urgent.
• Put all the materials together and store them when a project is finished. Maintain your “working folders” for ongoing projects. This is how I keep track of my document translations over time.
• Keep your paperwork from accumulating. Once a week, file all of the documents you have in a “To File” folder.

Filter your emails

It is important to read certain emails, but not all of them. You can choose which emails to respond to first and their importance by using the filter system to categorize different types of emails. Check out these ideas to get your inbox to zero.

Try one tip or all of them. Your efforts in setting up and maintaining a productive workspace will pay off greatly. You’ll be able to work and enjoy being clutter-free instead of wasting time seeking for things and moving piles around.

How do you usually organize your office? Do you have any advice for home office organizing I should know?