10 WAYS TO CLEAN UP YOUR OFFICE SPACE

Did you know a clean office space can improve your productivity? Yes, it can. As a matter of fact, working in a tidy environment improves concentration (clutter can be a distraction!), reduces time spent searching for stuff, puts you in a better mood, and keeps you healthy. 

So here's how to swing an office clean-up!

1. Paper

Heaps of paper are the cause of untidiness in an office. Tame this clutter, and claim some space so you can work efficiently. File documents, receipts, and invoices in a folder or save copies of them on your device to keep them organized. Use a tray file to organize documents you are presently using and discard those you do not need. Use digital versions of to-do lists and post-it notes instead of paper.

2. Pens and Pencils

 

There's no point in having dozens if you only need one. But if you don't want to part with them, especially souvenirs, use a stand or case to keep them organized on your desk. Check which ones are duds and trash them.

3. Paper clips and Office pins

 

Paper clips and office pins, like their counterpart, paper, are another clutter culprit. We usually ignore them because they are small, yet they can wreak havoc. Unless you want your desk to look like a kaleidoscope, there's no point in keeping a pack of 100 paper clips on your desk. The trick is to keep a few on your desk - no more than five (put these in your desk organiser). Keep the rest in the pack and store them in a cabinet.

4. Dust

Atishoo!!! If that is you every morning when you sit at your desk, then your office or desk needs a thorough wipe-down. Use a mild disinfectant spray on a cloth to swab your desk. Lift stuff like trays, and folders, so you can clean under them. We suggest you do this every morning during the pollen season or if you have pets in your home.

5. Clothes

Clothing like shoes, scarves, and socks also add to the clutter in your office. The solution is to get some storage like a shopping bag or storage box to stash them. Remember to take them home with you at the end of the week or take them to the laundry.

6. Toys, Swag, Cards

It's cool to have stuff like office swag or birthday cards on your desk. But after a while, it begins to look like a shrine. The earlier you get over your attachments to these objects, the better. As a rule of thumb, if you've had any such thing for six months and over, it's time to say goodbye. The best options are to take them home or give them away. However, you might want to leave items like accolades or awards on your desk or shelves - they could be the inspiration for your next business idea.

7. Office Supplies

Cutting down on how many supplies you use is a surefire way to keep your office space spick and span. You don't need to use every colour of highlighter or four notepads at a time, come to think of it. A minimalist approach can help keep clutter to the barest minimum. Always make a mental note to use a few of everything at a time - just a pen, a highlighter and a notepad. Moreover, opt for all-in-one office equipment. For instance, an all-in-one desk organizer with a pencil holder, holder for files, office pins, and post-it notes saves space and keeps your desk more organized than having these items individually on your desk.

8. Hardware

 

Give office equipment like your PC or laptop and printer a thorough wipe-down to keep grease and dust at bay. If getting the dust out of the keypad or keyboard and CPU is a hassle, use canned air to blow it out.

9. Food

Talk about smell and grime, and you know food is the guilty party. So what's the way out? If you have access to a kitchenette in your office, eat there. But if that is an inconvenience (well, because the kitchen is two or three floors above you!) and you must eat in your office, then make sure you do the following:

• Discard leftovers.
• Put untouched food in the fridge.
• Clean up all dishes.
• Use air fresheners often and open your windows to let in some air.
• Give your desk a wipe-down with a microfiber cloth and disinfectant spray after every meal.

10. Disinfect

Did you know the office space is germier than the restroom? That means you probably caught your last cold from something sitting on your desk - shocker! Well, I guess it's time to grab some disinfectant. Spray, swipe and repeat till your desk is squeaky clean.

Lastly, always spend five minutes tidying up your desk after work - it's a good habit to pick up!

Need more office clean-up tips? Check out 5S Lean.

 

 

By Nana Ama Afoa Osae I Writer I GreatWonderful Team

Leave a comment and share this post on social media.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram @grtwonderful