End of Year Office Decluttering 101

Step 1: Take Stock of the Chaos

 

 

Before you dive into the decluttering frenzy, take a deep breath and survey the murky waters. Walk around your office and note all the areas that need attention. Is your desk like a war zone? Are the shelves groaning under the weight of old reports and dusty binders? Is there a forgotten jungle of cables under your desk? Make a checklist of all these problem areas.

Create a Decluttering Plan 

Before jumping into a major decluttering project, create an action plan to guide your efforts. This plan may extend over several days or even weeks, but following a detailed plan will help you see the progress you are making. It will also keep you inspired when the going gets tough.

 

Step 2: The Great Purge

 

Now comes the fun part: the great purge! Be merciless. If you haven't used something in the past year, it's time to say adios. There's no room for sentimental attachment here. 

 

Sort your stuff into four box categories: keep, toss, donate, and store.

 

1. Keep: This category is for items that are still useful and relevant to your work. Be sure to organise them neatly so you can easily access them when needed.
2. Toss: Bid farewell to broken office equipment, ancient documents that no longer serve any purpose, and anything you can't remember why you kept in the first place.
3. Donate: If you have office supplies or equipment in good condition that you don't use anymore, consider donating them to a local school, charity, or thrift store. One man's trash is another man's treasure, after all.
4. Store: This box should include items you can't part with but you don't need throughout the year. Things like seasonal decorations and furniture items.

 

Step 3: Create a Filing System

 

Now that you've freed up some space, it's time to create a filing system that will keep your office tidy year-round. Invest in some file folders, labels, and storage boxes. Sort your documents by category and label everything very clearly. You can even go digital and scan important documents to reduce the physical clutter.

 

Pro tip: Colour-coding your folders can add a touch of organisational flair and make finding documents a breeze.

Streamline Your Digital Files 

A cluttered computer can be just as distracting as a messy desk. Organise your digital workspace. Create folders for your projects, research materials, and personal documents. Regularly back up your work to the cloud or an external hard drive to prevent stress-inducing data loss accidents.

 

Step 4: Do a Desk Detox

 

Your desk is the heart of your workspace and deserves special attention. Start by clearing off the surface entirely. Wipe it down, and only put back what you use daily. Keep a drawer or two for the essentials, like pens, notepads, and sticky notes. The top of your desk should be reserved for ONLY your current projects and tasks.

Optimise Your Office Layout 

Your office layout should be both functional and inspiring. Arrange your desk and chair to face a window or a piece of art that resonates with you. Position your bookshelves within easy reach. Your workspace should be both organised and pleasant to be in.

 

Step 5: Cable Chaos Control

 

 

Ah, the modern office woe —the jungle of cables that seem to reproduce whenever you're looking the other way. Now is the time to invest in cable organisers or use simple hacks like binder clips to keep those pesky wires in check. Not only does this make your office look cleaner, but it also reduces the risk of tripping hazards.

Tips for Tackling the Cables: 

• One cable to rule them all: Start your cable management by routing all of the critical cables through a cable sleeve — or as we like to call it — an umbilical cord. Think of it as a master cable that turns chaos into order.
• Secure power strips: Velcro is your best friend and resource for securing power strips. This method works particularly well for desks, as you can secure your power strip on the underside and hide that mess of cables. If you can't see it, it's not a problem!

 

Step 6: Maximise Your Storage Space

 

Now that you've streamlined your office's contents, it's time to make the most of your storage space. Consider investing in some office storage solutions. Shelving units, cabinets, and storage bins can keep your items in order while also adding a touch of style to your workspace.

 

Step 7: Regular Maintenance

 

Congratulations, you've successfully decluttered your office! But the work isn't over yet. The key to maintaining a clutter-free workspace is through regular maintenance. 

 

Make a habit of sorting through your papers and files weekly. Clear off your desk at the end of each day, and remember the “one in, one out” rule — for each new item you bring into your office, one old item must go. 

 

Some simple and standard office cleaning rules that anyone can follow:

• Always keep your workspace tidy
• Ensure electrical cords are neatly bundled
• Use hand sanitisers and disinfectants regularly
• Keep doorways, hallways, and fire exits free of obstructions
• Dispose of uneaten food and food wrappers in the appropriate bins
• Remove leftover food from the fridge
• Clean up after yourself if you spill something
• Use the correct recycling bins
• If the cleaning crew is coming on Thursdays, don't leave Monday's dirty dishes to wait for them

 

 

End-of-year office decluttering isn't just about tidying up; it's about creating a productive and inspiring workspace. The journey to an organised office starts with a critical eye, a dash of ruthlessness, and the desire to work more efficiently. It's not just about getting organised — it's about creating a workspace that makes you excited to get down to business every day.

 

So, are you ready to tackle that office chaos? Self storage is here to help with any essential items that take up too much space, but you don’t want to throw away. Get in touch with Len's Self Storage today, and watch your workspace clutter worries wash away!