A clean office is key to your reputation as a professional. When customers and clients come in and see a neat, organized facility, it gives them confidence that you will be able to manage their needs in a timely and organized. If they see clutter and mess, they’ll question—just as any hiring manager would question—your work ethic. But let’s be frank: loose papers, Post-Its, and notepads filled to the brim with notes from your meetings, can easily accumulate across your computer keyboard. But every now and then, something has to be done about it. So let’s start with the basics.
You’re Not a Slob for Being Busy
This seems like a no brainer, but you’d be absolutely shocked at how much “stuff” around the office can be tossed or recycled. And this goes beyond loose paper. The more you dig through filing cabinets, closets and cabinets, the more you’ll realize that you’ve accumulated empty boxes, old phones and other equipment you no longer need. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean your slob.
In any hectic work environment, it’s easy to start working on one task—say, putting up a poster on that blank back wall of your office—and then quickly get distracted. But taking an hour, or just a few minutes every day to find things you no longer need, can empty out valuable office space and bring a new air of weightlessness to your work space.
Time to Organize
Now that you’ve cleared out trash from your office, you have much more space to reorganize your space. Maybe you have a near-empty closet now to fit your filing cabinet, or can finally pick up a few chairs for those impromptu meetings in your office.
Create a space that not only reflects who you are as a professional, but that can streamline office duties. Get a professional or bright calendar you can hang on your wall. This will keep your desk relatively clear. Simple decorations, even a unique set of Post-Its can do wonders for brightening your office.
Organization should go beyond your desk, however. If your computer’s desktop is a mess, you may find yourself clicking around trying to find a missing file you need for an upcoming call.
However you choose to organize your space, make sure you create a system that works for you. Designate an area for inbound and outbound paperwork. Organize your e-mails in folders in your e-mail client. And whatever you do, keep your notes on a single notepad or tabbed three-ring folder.
Need Extra Space? Rent Storage!
Not everything you clean out of your office will turn out to be garbage. Maybe you have a little too much office furniture, Christmas decorations, or don’t need to keep stacks upon stacks of old records. If you don’t need to readily access certain equipment or paperwork but can’t afford to trash it, it’s time to store it.
Storage facilities offer safe, accessible facilities for your things. Best of all, some storage facilities offer portable storage containers so you can skip out on a clunky, costly moving truck, and expedite the storage process.
Vacuum, Wipe, Dust, and Repeat
It’s unbelievable how much a simple once over with cleaning supplies can make a difference. You know those crumbs that have engrained themselves into the carpet or the dust that has accumulated on desks and shelves? You may have become used to it over the years, but you’ll surely notice when it’s gone. It’s not a substitute for the dirty work—getting down on your hands and knees and scouring every inch of the office for trash—but a simple dusting off is a great place to start. 15 minutes with a rag and spray bottle and your office will already be looking like a brand new place.
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Andrew Bender is a professional business blogger, producing content related to the workplace, from building business relationships to streamlining tasks.