Getting the office organized can be a very painful job. Paperwork tends to stack up on top of the desk. Bills get lost in the shuffle. And we can get very upset quickly when we need to find that one sheet of paper with a specific phone number written on it. So what is needed to get things in order? Get a functional routine going.
First thing to do is get used to shredding paper that you no longer need. Shredding paper saves room and stops identity theft. In particular, look for a cross shredder because this will make tiny chips of paper verses long strips that can easily be pieced back together. Shredding your paper immediately helps to drastically cut down the paper clutter.
You will need to find something to store your paper you need to hold on to for taxes and book keeping. You have a few different forms to choose from. Some people find it most simple to keep binders with plastic protector sheets adequate for keeping their things in order. Some like to go with an accordion file system to keep things orderly.
Once you decide on a system the biggest thing you can do is stick with it. Make sure not to delay, file your paperwork at once after you finish with it.
Third, you will want to get an organizer for your pencils, pens, and office supplies. It can be incredibly annoying to need a pen and not be able to find one with all the clutter. Getting a supply caddy can be extremely handy for keeping the odds and ends in one spot on your desk. You will need to play around a bit to figure out what works best for you. If you have lots of little stuff then a canister organizer may be the best. It is completely up to personal preference.
Getting into the routine of putting things away immediately is a great practice. Most clutter is caused from letting paperwork and other things sit for too long before finding a home for them. Once you have a pile started it is very hard to keep it from growing. The key is not to create a pile in the first place.
