Getting Organized
Written by Kendall Bergman
How is the new year starting off for you? Did you select a word? Have you set an intention? Do you know what will make the next 90 days successful?
If all that feels overwhelming, let’s start with something tangible, doable and specific…your desk. Is it an overwhelming mess of papers, clutter and general disorder? If your response is in the affirmative, I am hopeful this very brief guide might help you organize and declutter your desk. And I offer this in honor of National Clean Your Desk Day celebrated on January 10.
Block 2 hours on your calendar…guard this time.
During that time block, start the organization process with stacks.
Stacks of paper: bills, notes, other documents
Stacks of desk supplies: paper clips, tape, rubber bands
Stacks of subscription material: magazines, white papers, business journals
Stacks of whatever.
Start with one stack.
Separate into separate categories: notes, bills, etc. and organize by date.
Pay bills
File papers
Shred proprietary materials
Throw away what you don’t need to keep
Separate desk supplies
Paper clips go in a dish or tray
Continue the process with tape, rubber bands, post-it notes, etc.
Separate subscriptions
Organize by subscription
Leave out what you want to read
Store what you want to keep
Throw away what you know you will never read
Miscellaneous
Separate chewing gum or mints, Kleenex, etc.
Store what you want to keep. Throw away the rest
This might seem simple and obvious…elementary, even. But, if you experience overwhelm anything like me…you might become paralyzed at the prospect of trying to organize stacks on stacks on stacks. In those moments, simple and obvious are welcome solutions.
Parting suggestions:
Focus on one task and category at a time. When I was in my 20’s, I moved into a new apartment. Sitting in my new place surrounded by boxes and more boxes, I was excited and scared and paralyzed with overwhelm. I called my mom and shared this with her. She was quiet for a moment and then said, “Kendall, the best advice I can give you is to completely unpack one box at a time.” Again…maybe simple and obvious, but oh so welcome!
Go to Amazon or The Container Store and order any tools and supplies that will help you create and maintain an organized desk. This might include file folders or cabinets, desk trays or drawer organizers, magazine/publication trays, etc. Help yourself out!
In all honesty, too often I let the loose papers, bills, magazines, etc. pile up before I carve out time to store, file or discard. By the time the stack on my desk is about to fall over, I experience a bit of overwhelm before realizing I know how to approach this challenge. Hopefully, following the steps I’ve laid out above will come in handy and restore a bit of peace.