Dirty Desk...Dirty Mind

What would happen if you threw half your desk -- and some of your habits --  in a dumpster?

Perhaps nothing.  Last July, we moved offices.  At least half of what we had accumulated over the previous three years found its way into the trash or storage.  And you know what?  We never missed it!  Obviously, if we were in a different kind of business that required our keeping client records for years, trashing stuff would not be wise.  But working leaner has proven to be very efficient for us.  We also work in a big open space, so any clutter is really visible, as we no longer have ample closets to stash things in. 

My grandmother used to save old wrapping paper and flatten aluminum foil for re-use.  A product of the Depression, she learned to reduce, re-use, and recycle long before it was fashionable.  Perhaps we can all take a page from Nana Molly's playbook and think long and hard about what we REALLY need to buy, save, and hoard.  For example:

• Think before you hit "print."  And if you must use paper, print on the back of scrap paper for drafts. 
• Neaten up your desk at the end of every day or first thing in the morning. 
• Scan and store, rather than keeping lots of paper files.
• Have monthly clean-up days with your team.  It can be a great bonding experience.
• Do not be over-zealous in your dumping.  You might accidentally pitch something that's useful.
• Donate and recycle whenever possible.
• Invite clients to your office regularly.  It'll give you a good reason to tidy-up.
• And, if you're not inspired to clean after reading the above list, read this article about bacteria that lurks in offices.  You'll either want to clean-up, wear a face mask, or stay home from work.

Now that you've tackled your work space, look at the time you fritter away doing things that really aren't essential.  Meetings often have no agenda and drag on for hours.  You may spend time at events and with negative people or "takers" (see the "Schnorrer" and "De-tox" posts for elaboration...but don't spend too much time reading this blog, otherwise it'll fall into the category of frittering, and that would be bad.)

Molly would be proud.  She's probably watching down on us from heaven, ironing aluminum foil and turning chicken bones and scraps into soup.

Tips for tidying your desk

Office cleaning advice

Music to clean by

The ultimate souce of aprons (if you really want to look the part as you clean)

 

Comments

[Jonna]

i enjoyed your article. It is so true how a desk can really clutter your mind. I was thinking of entering that messy desk contest by contest factory so they would come and pimp out my cubicle for me!! I am sooo lazy and cleaning a desk is so hard. I think you would enjoy some of the videos!! They should probably read your article. Take a look at their twitter page.. https://twitter.com/PimpMyCubeCF