Creating a Clutter Free Office

There is just something about offices that just seems to attract paperwork. For whatever reason, it simply seems like an office isn't really an office until there is paperwork strewn about all over the place. While this may be the traditional hallmark of a busy office, it definitely isn't the sign of a well organized one. Creating a clutter free office is a project that any truly efficient person should have on their to-do list. Well, stop putting that project off and get it started today. You will be amazed at just how much a clutter-free office can really help your job performance.

• Reduce your reading. To truly begin creating a clutter free office, you need to first reduce the reading that you have to do. While you may not be able to eliminate it totally, but by reducing the amount of reading that you need to do each day you can eliminate a lot of clutter. What this means is that instead of having to deal with a lot of loose papers, documents, and other physical items, try to use email and other electronic sources as much as you possibly can.
• Do you really need to print? The next time you are about to print something, take a moment and think about whether you really need to print it out. Before unnecessarily printing documents, emails, memos, and web pages, make sure that you really need it. Not just that you want it, but that there is a real physical need for that particular document. If there is not, then do not print it out. Not only would printing out unnecessary documents lead to a higher chance of clutter, it also wastes resources and money.
• Hold onto what you need. Only hold onto the things that you actually need. This means that you need to create some kind of system that can help you determine how long you need to hold onto that latest memo from your boss. Some pieces of paperwork you should hold onto indefinitely, such as any financial statements, corporate documents, or even contracts. However, some paperwork (such as voided checks, purchase orders, monthly financial statements, etc.) should only be saved for three to six years.
• Get rid of what you don't need. Another great way to begin creating a clutter free office is to begin getting rid of the things that you don't need. If you don't need to hold onto that memo setting up a pre-meeting to get ready for the meeting, then get rid of it. If you have equipment that you don't use or don't need, then get rid of them. Conversely, if you still need certain documents, then consider storing them offsite to free up your current workspace.