Professional Organizer in NYC’s Time Saving Desk Organizing Tips

What is the one place in your office that you spend most of your time? For most people, that place is most likely your desk. If your desk is cluttered and unorganized, you will find yourself wasting time searching for files that you need, the pen that you misplaced, and experiencing a lack of productivity. So what do you do? Here are time management tips from this Professional Organizer in NYC to help you save time while working at your desk.

Evaluate your space. One way that time is lost while at your desk is when items are not stored in a logical fashion. For example, if you regularly use several files for research in your daily tasks, but you are storing those items on the other side of your office, you have to get up and grab them multiple times a day. When the items you need are not within arm’s reach, you’ll end up spending valuable time getting up from your desk and searching for those items throughout the day. In addition, you’ll run the risk of getting distracted by another task, file or magazine in the process.

Create a flow and identify your needs. The first step is to identify what items you use regularly and create a flow and organize your workspace accordingly. Take a look at the storage you already have in your space. What is accessible while sitting at your desk? If you need those files regularly, use a deep drawer in your desk to store them. If you take a lot of phone calls, keep your phone within reach on your desk. Store office supplies that you use daily in your top drawers, and move excess supplies into a closet or storage area elsewhere. Try and keep items that are used together in close proximity to each other. For example, save time in searching by keeping a ream of paper near your printer. When you are thinking about each item, use the rule of thumb that the items you use most often should go in drawers and shelves nearest you, and the items you use less frequently in the next set of drawers and shelves.

Purge what isn’t needed. It’s hard to stay productive and efficient in a cluttered office space. Look at the items you have on and in your desk and get rid of items that you no longer need. Throw away old notes that are no longer applicable, get rid of office supplies that don’t work or that you don’t use, and move personal items that have been on your desk to a shelf or space away from your desk. You are also more likely to leave items on your desk that need to be put away because you are short on time. Getting into the habit of periodically taking a couple of minutes to clear these items off your desk will save time in the long run.

Your goal in creating a functioning command center is minimizing the times during the day that you need to disrupt your workflow, saving you time and energy. Need more hands on help organizing your desk and applying time management tips to your daily routine? Reach out to this Professional Organizer in NYC today!