Working from home is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you can take a break to make a cup of coffee in the middle of the day without any hassle. But on the other hand, it seems like there is never enough space for everything you need.
The desk or table that you’re using becomes cluttered with paperwork, and you start to feel stressed and overwhelmed. It would be best if you had a clean-up and some new organization in your life to make things less complicated and more pleasant. If you genuinely want to start with a clean slate, you might want to hire professional house cleaning services to remove anything that is not essential to your work.
After a good cleaning, you should look at your workspace and think about how to make it as functional as possible. Here are some tips for maximizing space and minimizing clutter:
1. Declutter your workspace
Remove everything from the surface of your table. This way, you’ll know exactly what you have to work with and get rid of anything that doesn’t belong there or isn’t useful anymore. If you can reduce your items to just a few neatly placed decorations, then you’ll have ample room to organize everything else.
2. Organize your desk according to your needs
You need some items for work, like your computer and writing utensils. These should be the only things left on the table. Put them in easy-to-reach places, so they don’t take up too much space or clutter up the area. Plus, they should be easy to clean up so that you don’t suddenly lose your spot while working.
3. Create a system for organizing your papers and files
There’s nothing more annoying than having to shuffle through a stack of papers just to find the one you need. Instead of letting paperwork get out of hand, create a system that organizes paper by type. For instance, all bills can go in one pile, while bank statements go in another. It will be easier for you to find them when you need them and to put them away when you’re done.
4. Use your drawers and shelves for storage
Many devices can add extra storage to your desk area. For instance, you can purchase a printer stand with open shelves for storage. Hardware stores also carry many other devices that can help you maximize your space while keeping things organized.
If you have a computer or some other device that takes up a lot of room, consider using a wall-mounted shelf. This way, the items take up less space, and you can store them out of sight when they aren’t being used.
5. Set up a filing system for electronic documents
If you use a computer for work, you know how easy it is to create files and save them. Don’t let your electronic documents accumulate and become a huge source of stress. Instead, set up a filing system that helps you organize and store your files rather than letting them take up all of your free space.
You could also make it a habit to clear your desktop when you’re finished with your workweek. This way, the electronic documents won’t clog up your workspace, and you’ll be able to start fresh on Monday morning.
6. Improve your workstation ergonomics
If you have to sit at your desk for extended periods, you need to make sure that it fits your body correctly. Your chair should have good armrests and a comfortable back. Plus, the desk should be the right height, so you don’t have to lean or slouch while working.
Many people prefer to use a standing desk because it won’t cause them pain or discomfort. If you can adjust it, you’ll be able to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. This way, your body will get more variation in its positioning, which will help you to stay comfortable while working.
7. Keep your workstation clean and organized
It’s hard to stick with a filing system if there’s clutter everywhere. Therefore, you should make it a habit to clean up your workspace every night. Not only will you have more room to work with, but it will also be easier for you to find the items you need when you search for them.
If you can’t keep your items to a minimum, then at least keep them neatly organized in storage containers. You’ll be able to take them out and put them away without having to spend time sifting through stacks of clutter each time you need something.
Of course, you should always take care to keep your workstation neat and organized. Using the tips above will help you create a more efficient workspace that will make it easier for you to complete your work tasks promptly.