Office Organization Quick Start

Supplies Needed:

8-10 large cardboard boxes for sorting

Sticky notes

Sharpies or other marker

Poly Velcro envelopes

Trash Bag

Instructions

1. Use marker to label cardboard: Donate, Recycle, Shred, Supplies, To Do, To File, To Store, Belongs Elsewhere.

You may also need boxes for Books/Reference materials, or Samples/swatches this will depend on the type of work you do in your office.

2. Sort contents of office into boxes

Force yourself to make a decision and apply one of the categories above to each item.

3. Donate any excess office supplies, books, etc. to a local school, charity, or library.

Donate extra laptop cases or portfolios to Dress for Success.

4. Recycle any excess supplies that can't be donated including paper.

DO NOT PLACE SENSITIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THIS BIN.

5. Shred box is the place for any sensitive information.

6. Supplies should only be saved if you absolutely need them and plan to use them within a year's time.

If you have a tiny office, remember that work is first and foremost. It's better to limit your supplies to those you will use in just a few months rather than sacrifice work space. Put just enough supplies in an organizing tray on top of your desk or in your desk drawer.

7. To Do items should include legitimate projects that you are working on sort them into clear poly envelopes, or use file folders or task clips.

This is the perfect time to use decorative file folders It will set apart your "To Do" items from your "To File" items.

It couldn't be too important if you've been meaning to do it for two years, items like this are better left undone and out of your "To Do" pile. To File items will need to be sorted into file folders.

For now you can label the folders with sticky notes, later create printed labels using word processing software or your neatest handwriting with a felt tip pen.

8. To Store items should be primarily financial records, and a few edited keepsakes. Contact your CPA or look on the IRS website to see how long to keep records.

Save as much as possible to a DVD disk and store with your tax return.

Limit keepsakes to 1-2 See Jane Work Art Boxes(These are what I use to store my children's artwork and other mementos.) If they get full I go through and edit.

9. Belongs elsewhere items that have found their way into your office, but really don't belong need to be removed from the office.

If at the office return things to storage room or your car to take home.

If at home enlist family members to help you quickly clear out the box, return shoes to closets, etc.

10. Organize odds and ends.

Manuals can be found online, no need to store these.

Donate rarely used books to the library. You'll know where to find them if you need them.

Organize fabric swatches or other oddly shaped items in clearly labeled storage boxes.

11. Trash any non-recyclable waste and you're done!

Don't forget to toss any loose extra supplies collecting in the bottom of your desk drawer.

by Holly Bohn Weiss - Copyright © 2013