How to Organise a Busy Desk

There are four categories to help you manage your workflow and paper clutter every day. This fearsome foursome will spiral your desk out of control, unless you have dedicated spaces for each of the four. They cannot be combined under any circumstances. Now remember, creating systems or homes for things improves the way you work so here’s the categories; In Box, Action Zone (folder stand up), Out Box, Reference zone.

These four areas of your daily workflow, need a container or zone on your desk (like illustrated by the yellow areas), dedicated specifically to each of them. This is a good way to get your paper flow under control on any desk. Plus you will get some extra, clear space to work at your desk every day.

IN BOX
The in box accumulates everything that crosses your desk, especially new items, that require your attention. So when the mail comes and you are running out the door, don’t just put it on your desk. It’s new. Put it in your “in” box. Just watch that it doesn’t overflow.

ACTION ITEMS
If you are working on several projects at once, separate the paperwork for each project into manila folders marked with the name of the project. Invest in a vertical sorter where you can clearly store the graduated action files. I prefer to see this right in front of me, on my desk.

OUT BOX
This is the holding bin for papers you are done with or are moving on to someone or somewhere else, to be mailed or even filed

REFERENCE AREA
Here you put all things you refer to every day, like account numbers, chamber directories, manuals, rules, regulations, codes, etc. They need to be handy, and in one zone on your desk. Behind your computer is perfect, as this is often unused and wasted desk space.

This idea of having dedicated zones on your desk will:

• Minimize clutter

• Provides a clear vision as to what needs to be accomplished at any given point

• Enables you to easily retrieve necessary information, at any part of the work flow process

• Allows you to effectively handle multiple responsibilities!

If you wish your desktop looked more like this or would like to learn how yours can function this simply, Little Miss Efficiency can help with a personal desk zoning session. Please contact Little Miss Efficiency directly at 702.673.0624 or info@littlemissefficiency.com

Written by Wendy A. Miller, CEO and Founder of Little Miss Efficiency, www.littlemissefficiency.com, 702.673.0624. COPYRIGHT: This article may not be reprinted or quoted anywhere without written permission. This email is protected by copyright. Copying of this article – or of any works presented or recommended by Wendy A. Miller – is strictly prohibited. These works may not be reprinted in any form on any website, blog, book, ebook, or any other form without the express written permission of Wendy A. Miller. All Rights Reserved.