As an executive, you know the value of time. You also know that time management isn’t just about scheduling appointments or creating to-do lists. It’s also about reducing clutter and getting organized. The benefits of organization extend beyond just being able to find what you need quickly; organization can boost productivity, reduce stress, and even improve your posture. In this blog post, we’ll explore simple strategies for getting organized both at home and at work, and discover the transformative power of decluttering.
Start Small:
The hardest part of getting organized can be figuring out where to begin. Start by decluttering a relatively small area, like your desk or your closet. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you complete a small project, which can help motivate you to tackle larger areas later. A good rule of thumb is to keep only the things you use regularly or that have sentimental value. Everything else can be donated, recycled, or thrown away. For example, a stack of papers on your desk might seem essential, but if you take a closer look, you may find that most of it is unnecessary or outdated. Also keep in mind if you are getting rid of paper, plastic, etc. these are all items you can recycle! At 1628, we strive to recycle everything we can. If you have any doubts about what can and cannot be recycled, check out the city of Cincinnati’s page on recycling.
Create Systems:
Once you’ve decluttered an area, don’t just stop there. Create a system to keep the area organized moving forward. For example, you could create a “pending” folder for documents that need attention, and schedule a regular time each week to sort through it. Or, you could use a color-coded filing system to easily access the files you look towards frequently, and ones you might not use as much. The goal is to develop a routine that helps you maintain your newfound organization. A system that works for you might not work for someone else, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you. If you need some help coming up with systems to stay organized, check out this article that has 8 ideas.
Efficient Furniture:
At work, investing in efficient furniture can make a big difference in your productivity and comfort. Consider a standing desk, which can help alleviate back pain and improve posture. The New York Times posted an article with the 4 best standing desks for some ideas on which ones to look at! File cabinets that are within arms reach are also great for dropping in papers that need to be retrieved. At 1628 our designated desk package includes a filing cabinet within arms reach to help boost efficiency. In your personal office, consider a desk with built-in storage options or bookshelves to keep everything easy to find and access. Efficiency can also mean creating workstations at home, like a prep area in the kitchen that has all the tools in a drawer, or a charging station by your entryway for all of your electronics.
Streamline Daily Tasks:
Chances are much of your day is spent completing familiar workflows like responding to emails. You can streamline these tasks by taking a few minutes every day to organize your work or sorting incoming emails by priority. Map out all of your regular activities, and then examine them to identify ways you can eliminate inefficiencies, such as unnecessary meetings or emails that simply take up space. Automation is also a great solution for routine tasks that you find yourself doing manually, such as sending a daily email.
Prioritize Your Day:
At the end of each day, take a moment to map out your priorities for the following day by creating a to-do list. This will help you stay organized, focused, and on-track. Keeping a written list of tasks to check off throughout the day not only helps your productivity, but it also boosts your satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. Creating goals for yourself and seeing them through without distractions will help you deliver better results overall.
Getting organized takes effort, but the benefits are worth it. By simplifying your surroundings, you can reduce stress and boost your productivity. So start small and create effective systems for decluttering and organizing your space. The positive impact on your work and personal life will be a welcome reward.