|
A Space
of Your Own
by Debbie Williams
Recent statistics reveal that the average
executive wastes 150 hours per year searching for lost documents.
One in 20 documents is lost and never recovered.
When setting up your home office, there are a few
basic ways to keep yourself organized. Begin by defining your space,
then utilize whatever storage solutions are necessary to keep your
papers and products together.
Creating a home office can be challenging for those of us with
limited floor space. Fashion a bonus room by using an office armoire
or unused closet. Setting up a card table or banquet table, which
can be folded and stored when not in use, can create additional
workspace for special projects. Store files in portable crate
systems or in a vertical desktop rack. Hang shoe or jewelry
organizers over the doors for office supplies, books, and tapes.
Bulletin boards placed around the room at eye level provide easy
viewing while you are seated at your desk.
Keep your office clutter free by providing a dedicated place for
everything. Store hanging folders in file cabinets or in portable
crates under the desk. Purchase stackable bins for processing
paperwork. Purchase a drawer divider for stationery and desk
supplies. Inform family members where to deliver incoming
correspondence. Utilize a master calendar or wipe off board for
coordinating special projects. Clip or scan articles, and file in a
folder for reading at a later date.
Maintain a workable follow up system with an index
card file or accordion file. The dividers are numbered 1-30, and
documents (or note cards) are filed on the appropriate day of the
month for future action.
For an office on the go, create a portable system for your car or
briefcase. Keep a large sturdy crate or laundry basket in your car
to contain product samples. Small hanging file crates carry client
information or product literature securely to your destination. Some
suggested items for your portable office are: letterhead and
envelopes, business cards, brochures, postage stamps, calculator,
pads of paper, pens, pencils, stapler and staple remover, scissors,
tape dispenser, Post It Notes, rubber bands, paper clips, and change
for parking or tolls. There are a number of visor and glove
compartment organizers to hold small items. Pocketed organizers that
hang on the back of the car seat are excellent for holding maps,
brochures, literature, etc. A compact alternative would be a
zippered pouch full of office supplies for your briefcase.
Now that you’ve set up your personal space, take just a few
minutes a day to preserve it. Write your to do list for tomorrow.
Straighten your desk before you quit for the day. Purge your files
on a consistent basis. Begin each day with a clear desk and a clear
mind, and find renewed fervor in the work that brought you here in
the first place.
---Debbie Williams is an organizing strategist
and parent educator who offers tools and training to help you put
your house in order. She is the author of Put Your House In Order.
Learn more at
http://www.organizedtimes.com |
|
|
Christians
In Business eNews!
Networking, Marketing Tips, Business
Resources and more to enlarge your business territory!
View Current Newsletter
Here
|
