How to Clear Up Office Clutter

If that clutter-clogged office or cubicle has you frazzled, these tips will give you peace of mind and a more organized space.

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Between crazy bosses and creepy coworkers, it's a wonder you get any work done at all. Here's a little help.

 
 

You Will Need

  • Wire paper trays
  • 3-ring binders
  • File folders
  • Shredder
  • Recycle bin
  • Closet or dress screen
  • Multi-surface cleaner
  • Paper towels

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Make a plan

    Make a plan to best use the wire paper trays, three-ring notebooks, and file folders and decide what documents should go where.

  2. Documents that you reference daily should be easily accessible while everything else should be filed away for longer-term storage.

  3. Step 2

    Take your time

    Take your time clearing the clutter and don't try to tackle everything at once. Break up your office or cubicle into small sections.

  4. Step 3

    Transfer loose notes

    Transfer loose notes, such as contact information or dates and times of meetings, to one document on your computer or bulletin board.

  5. Step 4

    Remove personal items

    Remove personal items, such as food containers, knick knacks, magazines, books, and electronic devices, that are not work-related.

  6. Step 5

    Shred or recycle documents

    Shred or recycle paper documents that you no longer need or that are out-of-date. File everything else in a notebook, folder, or in a tray.

  7. Open and file the day's mail as soon as you receive it so it doesn't get lost or create more desk clutter.

  8. Step 6

    Hide everything else

    Use a closet or dress screen to hide messy bookshelves, file cabinets, and reference materials that are used only occasionally.

  9. Step 7

    Wipe away dust

    Clean and wipe away dust and crumbs with a simple multi-surface cleaner and paper towels.

  10. The President's Oval Office was not constructed until the Taft administration in 1909 and today's Oval Office was added by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934.

  11. The modern day Oval Office was not constructed until the Roosevelt administration in 1934.

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