Tips To Organize Your Files & Keep A Clear Desk

Nothing makes me happier to be in my office than a clear desk. Today I want to share some of the tips I use to keep my files organized and my desk clear! Just like a clean house can bring you relaxation at home, a clear desk sets you in the right direction in your office. With so much paperwork…invoices, resumes, forms etc. cluttering up our office space, we need to stay on top of it! A few simple systems will help you to accomplish your goal of a clean office.

A Few Simple Tips For Organizing Your Files & Keeping A Clear Desk:

  • Act NOW: It is soooooo tempting to put papers in a pile to file later. While having a catchall pile can be a good tactic for minimizing clutter, don’t let it sit around too long. Your catchall pile should be filed at least once per week, but preferably every few days.
  • Have a system: Your industry and the size and breadth of your company will determine what the best system is. Putting your file folders in alphabetical order can make them easy to find. On the other hand, I prefer to put them in order of use…the files I use the most toward the front of my drawer and descending to the ones I use the least. The order of the system matters much less than the fact you have one. Find what works for you and adhere to it!
  • Know your stuff: Do not keep things you do not need. This seems like a no-brainer, but it is important to consider this. Many of the typical invoices and records we once had to keep in paper are now available to keep digitally. Anything you can keep digitally, you should. Label those documents well, and store them on your PC with a backup also on a jump drive. If you don’t need to keep it in your filing cabinet, then please shred it and forget about it!
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