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Do you use a beach background on Zoom because you’re too embarrassed to have your office space seen by your clients or colleagues? Did you shudder when clients stopped by your office unannounced pre-COVID only to scurry them into a conference room? Got a messy desk and can’t find that report?
If this sounds too familiar, you’re not alone. Many of my clients have cried out and confessed to me, “Help! My office is out of control!”
If this sounds like you, get help by using my top 10 list for organizing and decluttering your office!
10. Work in one area at a time…
As you organize your office, don’t leave the area in which you are working. You’ll get distracted and lose valuable time. Put items that belong somewhere else or to another person by the door and deliver them later. Have a full cup of coffee, water or whatever you need to keep you going.
9. Set time limits...
Knowing how long you can work is crucial. Be realistic – if you only have the energy or time to work two hours, then stop after two hours. Don't overdo it because it will discourage you from future organizing. It’s better to make progress in small chunks than no progress at all.
8. Use a timer...
This sounds silly, but it works. Whatever amount of time you schedule to organize, use the first half to sort and the second half to put away. Don't make the mistake of sorting the whole time. You'll start with eight piles and before you know it, you'll have 70 piles and it'll be time to stop. That’s when you get frustrated. Set a timer for half the time, stop sorting when it rings, and start putting things away.
7. Find a clutter buddy...
Having someone to help you keeps you focused and alleviates boredom that may set in. Or you could hire a Certified Professional Organizer® to come in and guide you through the steps necessary to install customized systems with long-term results. Be sure your buddy is not someone who will yell at you to get rid of your stuff. Email me – I have a network of people around the world who can help.
6. Reward yourself...
This is so important! If you know there is something waiting for you at the end of an organizing session, it is very motivating. Some of my clients' favorite personal rewards have been a massage, nine holes of golf, a half-hour of reading a novel, a walk, an ice cream sundae...whatever makes you happy without adding more clutter to your office. For that reason, don't make a shopping spree your reward.
5. Learn to let go...
When you feel yourself hesitating to get rid of something, ask yourself a few quick questions. Here are some of my favorites to help you rid your life of a lot of clutter. Do I really need this? When was the last time I used this? Could someone else benefit from this more than me? Why am I keeping this? If you’re honest with yourself, you'll see that letting go doesn’t have to be so hard.
4. Decide to make decisions...
Here’s my signature statement: “Clutter is nothing more than unmade decisions.” As you organize, you will make a series of decisions. Have a decisive mindset or you'll never get anywhere. Instead, you'll be pondering over old stuff, moving it from one place to another (a.k.a. the “stuff shuffle”). This is another good reason to have a clutter buddy who can help you make some of the tougher decisions along the way.
3. Get the urge to purge...
If you normally keep everything, make sure you are in the frame of mind to declutter and organize. If you are not ready to purge and let go, don't waste your time. To be motivated, admit to yourself that you are unhappy with the clutter. Too many people try to organize and declutter just because they think they should. You have to be ready to make decisions in order to organize and declutter effectively, otherwise you’ll end up trapped behind piles that don’t yet have a home. You won't declutter or make much progress until you’re truly ready. See #7.
2. Eliminate distractions...
While you’re organizing, don't answer the phone, make calls, check your email, write emails, or have anyone around that you are responsible for (plan around children's schedules, etc.). Let people know that you’re not available for the time that you’re going to organize. This will create a productive atmosphere for you to make measurable progress.
1. And my number one tip… Make it fun!
If you look at organizing as a boring or grueling chore, you’ll hate every minute of it. Envision the end results: No more stress, no more piles, setting a good example for your fellow co-workers or family members, being able to find things when you need them, feeling proud of your office space, welcoming a client (post-COVID) to sit across from your desk. If you need to spice it up, play your favorite music. It will get ugly before it gets pretty, so be patient with the process.
Use these 10 tips to organize and declutter your office so you don't need a Zoom background to hide behind. Create an office space that makes you less stressed, enhances your productivity and makes you smile. For more tips on how to declutter your life and win the clutter battle, reach out for a conversation or a copy of my first book, But I Might Need It Someday!
Patty Kreamer, CPO® is a Certified Professional Organizer® and author of But I Might Need It Someday! She is a productivity coach who helps overwhelmed financial advisors take control of their brain clutter, calendar, to-do list, inbox, interruptions and anything blocking productivity and a partner at Productivity Uncorked, LLC. Email Patty at [email protected] or follow her on LinkedIn.
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Advisor Perspectives welcomes guest contributions. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Advisor Perspectives.
