Organize your Workspace
Your workspace, like your home, needs to be well organized. Use these handy tips to get your started:
LAY OUT YOUR WORKSPACE
* Use "L" and "U" shaped desks for the most efficient workspaces
* Store your gadgets and equipment -- telephone, computer, etc. -- on one "wing"
* Leave the other wing free to spread out while you work
* Have everything you need within arm's reach
* Put your telephone on the side of the desk opposite your writing hand
* This way you can hold the telephone and take notes at the same time
* Add a hutch for extra storage for books, supplies, and equipment
* Avoid cluttering your workspace by filing away personal items
PUT ERGONOMICS TO WORK FOR YOU
* Pay special attention to your body -- aches and pains aren't normal
* Do not generally bend, squat, or stretch at your workstation
* Place your monitor at eye level -- if not, raise your monitor
* Place your wrists flat when typing or using a mouse
* If not, use a keyboard tray or wrist rest when typing
* When sitting, your thighs need to be parallel to the floor
* Your calves need to be perpendicular to the floor with feet on the ground
* If not, adjust your chair or bring in a footrest
ORGANIZE YOUR SUPPLY STORAGE
* Do not hoard supplies at your desk
* Keep only what you need right now at your workstation
* Use a separate supply area for storing bulk amounts
* Store away extras in labeled containers and group like items together
* Ex: writing utensils, clips, notepads, etc.
* Place flat items (paper, sheet protectors, and folders) in stacking trays
* Place drawer dividers in drawers to keep small items in order
* Place envelopes and note cards in a small vertical rack
* Use bracket shelves above your desk for additional storage
IS IT TIME TO HIRE AN ORGANIZER?
You are busy and you feel lost amidst all your mess and clutter.
THERE ARE REASONS TO HIRE AN ORGANIZER
* Organizing is much more than just cleaning out
* If you do not honestly understand why you accumulate, it will just come back again
* Professional Organizers serve as holistic "clutter doctors" to free up the soul
* Eradicate the cause of disorganization, as well its symptoms and you will be free
* Create a lasting change in your environment and your organizational habits for a lifetime
6 REQUIREMENTS FOR ORGANIZING SUCCESS
* Learn practical, useful, concrete information for a lifetime
* Learn easy-to-understand organizing techniques that you can implement yourself
* Acquire and learn to use the appropriate organizing supplies and simplify your life
* Containers, shelving, racks, desk accessories, drawer dividers, etc. all work great
* Set up proven, effective, easy-to-use organizing systems to de-clutter the mind
* Use standardized methods for handling paper, workload, and daily activities
3 COMMON ORGANIZING PRINCIPLES
* 1) Reduce all forms of clutter
(Get rid of anything that wastes time, space, energy, or money)
* 2) Create systems that make everyday jobs easier
(Develop effective routines and standardized procedures)
* 3) Simplify daily responsibilities
(Reduce the amount of time and energy spent on routine activities)
WHAT DO PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERS DO?
* They help you change a disorganized environment
(Reorganize storage, home or office layout, clean out the "clutter")
* They help change behaviors that cause disorganization
(Procrastinating, failing to plan ahead, and accumulating "excess stuff")
* They monitor and encourage your ongoing progress
(Offer follow-up visits, phone calls, coaching, and “homework" assignments)
* They teach organizing techniques -- also keep clients motivated and focused
* They wear many hats -- educator, resource, coach, and cheerleader, project manager