10 ways to organize your work space

From the Community…

• 
  Posted by kavekarst Fri Aug 15, 2008 10:27pm PDT

  Work space? Um, that's my 2008 F250 Super Duty I had tricked out as an

  aluminum flatbed behind a regular cab. 11.3 mpg the last time I looked.

  It is the same pump supply for all public servants but these days I'm

  using an electronic card to open whatever needs protection from public.

  I'm organized enough to be near retirement. There is not a lot of paperwork. Some E-mail. Fewer cellular too but then I'm kinda cranky.

  The travel is wonderful. The high point of my last work week were two

  stops at an Indian Reservation; it was rural and agricultural. Guess

  I've got too much office space, huh? Thanx for helpful tips.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Kris C Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:02am PDT

  I am overwhelmed, I admit. I used to have a system, when single and living alone, of using the master bedroom in my house for my office and getting ready spot, and just sleeping in the bedroom (my clothes and things were not in there.) This worked BEAUTIFULLY, because unless I cooked, which wasn't often, the entire house except one single room was spotless and ready for company. Now, I am married and living in a beautiful 1929 colonial, but with tiny closets and I have stuff everywhere, plus my hubby has his stuff and habits, and I miss my home of perfection! I need to put some of these tips in place and see if I can make organization work here. :-))))

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by coolgal18 Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:06am PDT

  lists lists lists. when i feel overwhelmed because of the amount of work i have, it does not help that i can't even remember what to do or where to find the things i need. so when i have papers all over my desk and they're all seemingly important. i stack them, one huge pile and start at the top, think of what i need to do with it, make a list and make it priority # "x". once i have a list, i start at number one and cross it off as i go.

  it really does help... if i can't finish it in one day, the next day i come in i already have my list of what i need to do and i know just where i can start.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Nectareous Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:36pm PDT

  Hhmmm I would have to say that my desk at work is just as organized as my home. I am one of those people who cannot focus unless everything is organized and neat. I am constantly organizing everything at work may be once every 2 weeks. I am a systems analyst at a bank so I have a lot of paperwork to proof stuff that I ok's and all of that is usually labeled with a tab and goes into folders with dates on my top drawer. I have requirements documents and they all sit in the front coz I constnantly refer to them. All my learning materials are in my bottom drawer. I really have nothing on my desk except for the work I need todo that week. I have a to do list and I cross if off as I go. I mark all my meetings on my calender and set reminders in my email.

  I have my goals written out and step by step plan on achieving it and I cross if off as I go too. Not sure if I am helping at all but this has helped me reduce stress a lot in life and at work. I like knowing where everything is, what I want to do next adn how I will do it! It keeps my head clear and I can stay focused.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by CrazyCook Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:27am PDT

  OK my workspace is my kitchen counter. My hubby promised me he'd get me a desk in the corner of the kitchen IF I cleaned up the mess of stuff, junk, and whatevers in front of the corner. The kitchen counter usually seats 3 people but currently serves 2 - because of my very disorganized workspace. I can't seem to get real with a workable filing system. I search magazines, catalogs, and newspaper ads for stuff to buy to help me get organized only to find that its not accomplishing what I want it to do. (I REALLY want a magic wand but I'm not friends with Tinkerbell). However, I CAN clean out my fridge with no problem and I have partially adopted a mnenomic for sorting the mail: OHIO - Only Handle It Once - which does work. Thank goodness for recycling bins! Now, get this: I can go over to my friends' or parents' house and re-organize their fridge or closet or kid's rooms! Why? Because it's not mine. I don't place a value on someone else's stuff. It doesn't contain any sentimentality for me. But then when it comes to my junk, I seem to malfunction in this department. Any suggestions or should I start looking for a shrink?

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Claire Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:00am PDT

  After years of working in my home office with a desk top that resembled an archaeological dig I created The Drawer. As papers accumulate I sweep them into a designated drawer, leaving a clear and apparently organized space. After that it's easy to take them out one at a time and address them -- receipts to be filed, a bill here, a letter there. I establish a daily quota and when I've met it I reward myself by taking a walk or playing a computer game. It's easy, efficient and I no longer have to apologize for my work space.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by city girl Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:48am PDT

  I agree on the focus on one thing at a time,take care of things at hand. Preperation prevents pressure but procrastination produces it.

  Report Abuse