Paperwork is an inevitable part of office work, even when you have a home office. Despite most paperwork being digital these days, physical documentation is no stranger to the modern professional. From documents and statements to bills and forms, these pieces of paper add up and can make your workspace cluttered.
If you’re finding that you have to sift through hundreds of sheets just to find a single document or move aside stacks of paper to reach your pens, it’s time for a refresh. Learn how to declutter and organize your home office’s documents with our advice below.
Sort Into “Keep” and “Trash” Piles
The first step of any deep-cleaning is knowing what you have to keep and what you should get rid of. This will take some time, as you’ll have to sort through every document. However, it’s worth it. Grab some tea, take a seat, and get to work sorting each sheet into “keep” and “trash” piles. Be thorough but quick—don’t spend too much time second-guessing your choices.
Properly Dispose of Documents You Don’t Need
After sorting, it’s time to properly dispose of the documents you don’t need. Though you can simply toss papers with random notes and other superfluous information, you should shred any papers containing sensitive information to protect your privacy. Remember to organize your documents before shredding them to ensure you don’t accidentally discard something important.
Green Tip
Try to recycle nonsensitive materials to keep your workspace and the environment clean.
Use Creative Storage Solutions for Documents You Still Need In Your Home Office
For the documents you decide to keep, you need tried-and-true storage solutions—clearly, your previous method wasn’t working. One effective method is using labelled folders and filing cabinets to keep everything in place. However, this takes up a lot of valuable floor and desk space.
Shelving is a top solution for small offices, as it maximizes vertical space while still keeping important documents within reach.
Every home office needs to declutter and organize its documents now and then. If it’s your time to start this process, use these tips to make it go as smoothly as possible. Afterwards, you’ll be excited to start work in a space with freshly organized paperwork!
