How to Create a Minimalist Work Environment
File it or bin it ?— A quick checklist for decluttering your desk
Marie Kondo is all the rage. But even before tidying was in vogue, we all knew that getting rid of clutter is one of the best things we can do to create a more efficient work environment. Yet for some of us (myself included!), this can be a daunting task. We often like to hang on to things.
But a messy desk can be distracting and makes us less productive. So it’s time to check what’s in front of you and start sorting!
When tidying the papers and bits and pieces around your office, make four piles:
- Give away to friends or colleagues!
- Keep or display (if it’s something really fancy)!
- Bin!
- File!
Sometimes it can be tricky to decide whether to bin or file a document. Use these questions to make your decision:
Will I need to refer to this document later on?
- YES: File it
- NO: Bin it
Do I have a digital copy that will suffice in the future?
- YES: Bin it
- NO: File it
Is it not directly related to me, or will someone else have a copy that I can refer to if needed?
- YES: Bin it
- NO: File it
Do I have to keep it due to legal requirements?
- YES: File it
- NO: Bin it
If I file it, will I be able to find it again if I need it? (Be honest here!)
- YES: File it
- NO: Bin it
Set aside an hour each week, maybe Friday afternoon, to go through the papers that have accumulated during the week. This will help you stay organised and keep a tidy desk. After all:
“Tidy desk, tidy mind.”
