Category: 
- Completely clear everything off of the desk, including your computer, printer or any other large pieces of equipment. Take a few minutes to dust the desktop, throw away any trash that may be laying around and clean your computer monitor or any other items that could use some TLC.
- Looking at what you've just removed, group similar items together. Supplies such as pens, pencils, paper clips, tape and staplers would go in one group, while reference materials, such as dictionaries, catalogues, price lists, etc., would go in another. Be sure to make a separate group for items that you use frequently and want easy access to, such as phone lists, calendars, quick-tip sheets or headphones.
- When sorting through your items, ask yourself how often you use certain things and if you really need to hang on to them. Resist the desire to say, “Surely I'll use that one day.” If you have files on your desk that you are required to keep but rarely or never refer back to, consider boxing them up and putting them in a separate storage area in your business. If you find supplies or knickknacks that you haven't touched in five years, throw them in the recycling bin or donate them to a local school, church or community center.
- Once you've weeded through your items and have gotten rid of all the unnecessary things, it's time to put your desk back together. Start with the obvious: your computer, printer and phone and then move on to books, files, folders, and other reference material. When it's time to replace your pens, pencils, paper clips and notepads, use some type of tray or caddy to help keep everything from spilling out over the desk or in a drawer. Your local office supply store will most likely carry several options to help organize these loose items where you'll be able to easily access them.
- When you're done, take a look at your desk. Make sure all of the frequent-use items are within easy reach, and that knickknacks or picture frames do not obstruct the space you need to work efficiently.
If the thought of taking 30 minutes to an hour every couple of months to organize does not appeal to you, you can always do a little bit every day. Make it a rule to always put items back where you got them from, even if it's only a pen or a stapler, and as soon as you're done with a document or catalogue, be sure to refile it. Experts agree that an organized desk not only helps with productivity, but also looks more professional to clients, customers and employees.
Read more of this article at NFIB
