Time for a Clean Out

Time has flown. It's been six months since you came back from your relaxing holiday over Xmas and New Year.

Remember when you charged into the office that first day, all primed to make the new year the best ever. You made a New Year's Resolution that you would definitely get organised to start the coming year with a bang! So what did you do? You cleaned out all the clutter that had accumulated throughout 2002 and in some instances, since 1992!

And once you had completed this mammoth task, you felt fantastic. The office never looked so good. No more buckling bookcases, overflowing filing cabinets, wall to wall and desk to door piles of paper.

In fact, your colleagues couldn't believe what they saw. The CEO walked in and thought he was in the wrong office!

Six months later?

Let's have a look at your office now ? six months later.

What does it look like? Is it still in pristine condition or does it look like a teenager's bedroom again?

A quick test?

Is your desktop hidden under a mountain of paper?

Do your fingers bleed each time you access your filing cabinet?

Do you risk an avalanche when you open the cupboard doors?

The Solution for the Clutterers

If you answered yes to any of those questions, here's what you need to do.

Clean out the Clutter?

Put the voicemail or answering machine on, inform your colleagues you will be working on a high priority project for the morning/afternoon/day/week or month, grab a jumbo bin or three, close the door (if you have one) and get to work.

Yes. It's that simple. Start with the floor, then the cupboards, bookcases, filing cabinets, desk and anywhere else.

Not sure what to toss or keep?

Follow The Office Organiser's Golden Rules of Cleaning out the Clutter?

Ask yourself:

Do I really need or want this?

Will my life change in any way if I got rid of it?

Would someone else benefit from having it?

If I am going to keep it, where's the most logical place to find it again?

What's in it for you?

Why do you put yourself through this process? Well it's quite simple. You will find things more easily,you'll feel better, you'll look like you've got your work under control (even if you haven't), you'll have heaps more space, you'll be able to focus, you'll save time and your boss will be very happy as you'll save your company a fortune on stationery because you hoarded enough to supply the whole organisation.

Controlling the clutter forever

There's only one way to do that - regularly clean up. A little clean each day will keep you focussed and sane! All you need to do is ?do it!

Have a great week!

About The Author

Lorraine Pirihi is Australia's Personal Productivity Specialist, Leading Life Coach and a dynamic presenter. She runs her own business The Office Organiser specialising in working with Small Business Owners and Managers helping them to dramatically improve their productivity, reduce the stress and the mess and have more time for living life! http://www.office-organiser.com.au

Kids Clutter: Organizing at Every Age

Our children are probably the biggest clutter creators we have... Read More

Organizing Tips to Help You Conquer the Laundry Monster

Laundry. You sort, you wash, you fold, you blink ?... Read More

Memorabilia -- Use It or Lose It!

What do you do with those special items that have... Read More

Four Easy Steps to An Organized Closet

The National Association of Professional Organizers has dedicated January to... Read More

The Organized Move: Unpacking with a Plan

(This is the third in a series of three articles... Read More

3-Step Clean Sweep Program to Organize

3-Step Clean Sweep Program 1 -... Read More

Getting Organized For The New Year - Part 1

The following procedures will insure an organized and well run... Read More

Getting Organized For The New Year - Part 2

In part 1, we discussed a system you could use... Read More

The Five Ways To Ease The Process Of Eliminating Clutter

I recently had a conversation with a friend about clutter.... Read More

Organizing Your Day

One of the hardest things for most individuals working from... Read More

Five Simple Tips to Get Organized Today!

Take time to declutter this summer...Writing can certainly consume the... Read More

Getting Organized - Getting Fit

In a speech entitled "Organized Living in a Disorganized World"... Read More

Get Organized - Stay Organized

My mother is one of the most productive people I... Read More

The Love It Or Lose It Principle: One Simple Key to Living Clutter-Free Forever

It wasn't long ago that you spent an entire weekend... Read More

Secrets to Eliminating Emotional Clutter

Are you plagued by clutter in your personal or professional... Read More

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Organizing Your Kids Rooms

1. In terms of organization, what is the first thing... Read More

10 Tips to Get Organized and Clutter-Free- Now!

1. THE LOVE IT OR LOSE IT PRINCIPLE: Every item... Read More

The Magnificent 7: Tips for Cleaning Up Clutter

Clutter is postponed decisions®. Here are some suggestions to simplify... Read More

Escaping The Clutter Trap? - 5 Steps For Increasing Productivity And Decreasing Stress

? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the "stuff" in... Read More

Organizing Solutions for the Disorganized Entrepreneur

After more than 20 years as an entrepreneur and a... Read More

Organized Living in a Disorganized World

We are bombarded with so many factors that perpetuate disorganization.... Read More

The Clutter Factor: From Packrativity to Productivity

? Are you embarrassed when you walk into your home... Read More

Sticking to Your New Years Resolutions: Ten Tips for a More Organized Life

1. A calendar is an essential organizing tool ? start... Read More

10 Organizing Tips for Road Warrior Parents

Parenting is always a challenge, but particularly so if your... Read More

Clutter is Postponed Decisions?

Do you ever sit down at your desk buried in... Read More