It really is essential to keep a clean and clutter free desk - whether at home or work. Let's start afresh in 2011 and get your desk in order!
Here are some helpful tips to help you get your desk under control and work smarter, not harder:
Making Your Desk Functional
You must be able to find what you need quickly - planning your space well will save you time and ultimately money.
Have a place for everything - which will enable you to access items at a moments notice - not go hunting through piles of clutter to find something.
If you use something every day - it needs to be more accessible than something you only use once or twice a week.
Organise your files by labellilng them clearly - and in a system which allows you to find papers easily. I use alphabetical order - just easier that way for me. Always make a point to file your papers as soon as you have finished with them - handling paperwork only once will help save you time!
Computer equipment takes a lot of room on our desk - printers, cords, modems, etc... Keep your cords bundled together with velco strips and label them so you know what you are unplugging.
Creating Better Desk Habits
Piles are paper are one of the biggest problems I've come across as a professional organiser. The biggest piece of advice that I can offer you is to process each piece of paper as it comes to hand. Handle that piece of paper only once. Maintaining a clutter free desk will help keep you working productively.
A regular desk organisation routine can help save you loads of time. A planner or diary is a better place to make notes rather that random scraps of paper. Any time you are looking for information - it will be in the one place.
Tidy your desk at the end of each day - and it will give you a clean and fresh start the next morning.
Some Basic Tips to Help You Declutter And Reorganise Your Desk
You'll need to have a rubbish bin, a pen, files/folders,labels and a few good hours of your time.
Clear your desk completely - the top of the desk, the drawers, etc. Sort through each item and categorize it --- either put it away or get rid of it.
Get rid of things that you don't need - pens and pencils for example - if you're not going to use it - it's CLUTTER!
Have a place for everything - which will enable you to access items at a moments notice.
Setting up A Paper Managing System
- Set up an inbox with a stackable tray where all items can be put that need attention.
- You can have other trays - but less is more. Personally, I have three: Inbox, Bills to Pay and Projects - this suits me, but may not suit you.
- Remember to file,shred or recycle that piece of paper once you have processed it.
Brash and Sassy specialise in organising - if you have a desk or office out of control - we can help! Contact Us here and work smarter in 2011.
Whether you want to admit it or not - we've all done it at one time or another - Re-gifting! It is a great way to save money - as long as it is done with thought and tact. If you are considering "re-gifting" this holiday season - consider the following points first:
- Is the gift actually "re-giftable"? Never ever regift handmade items, free promotional items. Gifts such as good bottles of wine, new household items are fine to regift.
- Check the quality of the gift. Only new and unopened items should be considered. Use the general rule: if you have to dust it off - it is *not* regiftable.
- Don't be tacky and re-gift to just give a gift - ensure that the recipient will appreciate the item. People like to believe the gifts that they receive were chosen with thought and care.
- Do update the wrapping and put a new gift card on the item.
- Don't forget where the gift originally came from. Keep a list of regifts with the name of who gave you the gift.
- Have you considered that an unwanted gift could be a welcome donation to a charity?
- Another option is to sell your gifts on eBay. You can use the proceeds from the sale of the unwanted gift(s) to buy real gifts.
Christmas is the time of year that can bring out the best in people --- but unfortunately it can also bring out the worst...I have listed some basic etiquette tips below - to help make this a wonderful Christmas for all.
- Regardless of the cost or the size of the gift - be grateful for any gifts that you receive. Someone though enough of you to give you that gift.. Don't offend someone by not being thankful for what you have received...
- Take a moment to spread the Christmas spirit and help someone who is less fortunate than you.
- We all know that Christmas shopping can be a bitch - no one enjoys battling the crowds - but don't throw away your manners and etiquette - display patience and kindess while shopping. It really isn't that hard to be considerate of others.
- Eat, drink and be merry at the office Christmas party - but know when to stop! Be cautious and don't do anything you'll regret the following morning.
- Be careful in "re-gifting" --- ensure that the item is in perfect condition and make sure that there is no possible link to the original giver.
- If you are happy with a service you've received throughout the year - give a bonus for the babysitter, garbage man, cleaner, etc.
Christmas etiquette is actually very simple - it's about thinking of the needs of others, be grateful for what you receive and these simple thoughts and feelings will bring meaning to your Christmas holidays...
Are you ready for Christmas?
Well, we only have around four weeks left until Christmas to go now.... Don't be one of those people who leaves everything to the last minute - plan now for a stress free holiday! If you haven't already - make a list, check it twice - don't be worrying about who has been naughty or nice... Below is a checklist that I personally use every year in order to plan for Christmas...
October...
- Book hairdressing appointment for December - you would be surprised how busy they get around the festive season.
- List the friends, family and others that you need to purchase gifts for.
- Purchase your Christmas cards - don't forget that you may have spare cards left over from last year --- save yourself some money!
- Make a list of people you will be sending Christmas cards to.
November...
- Order your ham and turkey and/or seafood - you do not want to be dissapointed.
- Write out your Christmas Cards.
- Send out international cards to ensure they receive them in time. The postal services are extremely busy in the month of December - get in early.
- Shop for new Christmas decorations - if you need new ones. They get heavily reduced after Christmas (the best time to stock up on them).
- Check Christmas light bulbs - and purchase new ones if neccessary.
- Purchase your christmas gifts (refer to your list)
December...
- Post Christmas Cards - always keep spare cards on hand (just in case).
- Put up the Christmas tree and decorate your house.
- Plan your food and drink shopping early.
- Purchase your gift wrapping items - don't forget to check what you have left over from the previous year.
- Wrap presents - make sure you have everyone covered.
- Ensure you have the batteries required for any toys that may be given as presents on Christmas day.
- Purchase any last minute gifts
- Clean your fridge and oven
- Purchase drinks and perishable foods a day or two prior to Christmas day.
- Make a time-plan for Christmas day - to avoid panic.
- Check cameras for batteries.
Christmas Eve...
- Prepare any salads and food that you can for the big day ahead.
- Set and decorate the table (if possible).
- Wrap any last minute presents.
- Ensure that you have checked your list twice and you have everything you need.
Christmas Day...
- Get up nice and early - Christmas day isn't just for the kids you know.
- Put the Christmas turkey onto cook.
- Make the last minite preparations such as vegetables, desserts, etc.
- And most importantly of all - enjoy your Christmas day - stress free - with your family and friends...
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