What do you think?

I’m not sure I prescribe to this motto. I think you should do the fastest task first; here’s why. Let’s use a home office as an example. Let’s pretend it’s a disaster, and needs some organizing and cleaning. In fact, we’ll pretend it’s my home office. I’d clean and organize in the following order:

1. Pick up anything on the desktop (it would be rare for me to have a mess on my desktop, there’s likely just a pen or two sitting there, so super easy).
2. Clean laptop, mouse, and keyboard.
3. Dust top of desk and the bookshelf I keep next to my desk.
4. Clean out current box.
5. Take all extra files, books, and any other items that have ended up on or near my desk, and put them where they actually go. Note that all my extra files would need to be filed in my large filing cabinet, so it’d take a while.

This list starts with the easiest and quickest part of my desk clean-up, and ends with the most obnoxious part. Why I do this is because if I don’t happen to finish cleaning in one space in time, at least, hopefully I got the first 3 or 4 items on the list done. At least a lot of my office space is now clean, and more user friendly. I tend to do this with other tasks as well. I take care of stuff that’s fast and easy first, and put off the harder and longer tasks.

For me this works. That said, if you know that you ALWAYS put off the hardest tasks of organizing then maybe doing the worst first is going to be key to your success when it comes to organizing projects.

Now you tell me – which is better for you; organizing the worst or easiest first? 

Post from: Blisstree

Organize the worst first – yes or no?

1. Keep your desktop clear: I’m not a fan of a paper pile anywhere, but a paper pile on a nearby shelf beats a paper pile on your desktop. Most of us work better when our space at least appears tidy. What you might consider are two small garbage bins on the side of your desk. Fill one with absolute recycling, and the other with stuff you’re unsure of. You can sort later.

2. Use a small file box:  If you keep the bulk of your work, research, necessary papers, or what have you, in a large file cabinet, purchase a small file holder box (like the one I refer to above in the current box link) and keep it near your desk. All you need to do is reach down for a file, which means file clutter stay off your desk. Once you’re done with the file return it to the larger cabinet.

3. Make daily clean up a habit: Each day, or at the very least every other day, pick up loose papers, old files, pens, and other collected desk items and put them where they actually go. If you spend five minutes at the end of each day picking up, you won’t accumulate as much desk clutter in the long run.

4. Have the best office you can afford: This rule applies if you spend countless hours at your office. For a little bill paying home office set-up, it doesn’t really matter, but if you spend a lot of time in your office space; if it’s your means of income, then buy the best desk chair, desk, computer, and other office items that you can. Shoddy office furniture and a suck chair practically beg you to run away fast at the end of the day. Be comfortable and you’ll be willing to spend more time in your  office space (even if you’re organizing).

5. Decorate a little: Keep some pictures you adore on the walls, place incense or a candle nearby, buy a calender that’s actually nice to look at, own a nice green plant or two, and do whatever else you can to make your office your own. An office with a personal touch makes you feel invested in the space, which means you’ll be more likely to want to keep it organized and thus attractive. Never underestimate atmosphere.

For some very cool tips and lovely office photos read Designing a Dream Home Office.

[Home office image via Closet Tailors - which is, by the way, a super place to research if you're planning a home office. Closet Tailors offers many very functional and great looking home office designs.]

Post from: Blisstree

Five ways to keep your office more organized