Work Smart

Working smart has become even more important as work and home life merge into one more than ever before.

I’m looking at my desk as I’m typing away and I’ve realised it is minimalist, phew. My desk is organised, and everything has a home.

AN UNCLUTTERED DESK

Only the bare essentials are here – the monitor, hard drive, keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, a desk organiser which holds my pens and phone, a headphone stand, and lastly my notepad.

My electronic cables are positioned in place using cable drops attached to the desk. Anything else is unnecessary clutter.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

I have one drawer where I store other items that may be used from time-to-time, but don’t get used regularly.

This drawer contains a drawer organiser tray, and has placed for my stapler, paperclips, a ruler, and a few highlighters.

How did I get to this level of items you ask?

I took everything off my desk cleaned everything and only put back what is actually needed and nothing more.

Howards Multi-Purpose Stackable Drawers

SHOP WORK & STUDY

The most productive way to work is to have clear open space, a beautiful outlook at something green.

I’m lucky enough to be able to sit back and stare at my backyard and watch nature at work – the bowerbirds at play, the breeze through the fruit trees, the amazing sunsets. I find this very therapeutic and a great way to get my eyes away from the screen.

View from Brooke’s Office

If you don’t have a view, a nice indoor plant such as a peace lily or a vase for a flower, is beneficial. Having a nice picture behind your screen is another way to motivate you to complete your tasks.

Work Reset

If you were to close your eyes, would you be able to name every item that your top drawer contains right now and be happy with the results?

Or would you have to push past the pens that don’t work, the old receipts that have yet to be filed, or the old dodgy nail file and lipsticks which no longer compliment your complexion?

If you said yes to any of the above paragraph, then of course you know what to do. Declutter, my dear reader, declutter and work smart (after you have finished reading my blog, of course).

Sort Your Files

A way to organise your files is to categorise and create a system that makes sense to you.

I use a 3-drawer filing unit positioned near my desk.

One drawer is for files yet to be actioned, one for completed files and the third for printer paper.

These drawer filing units are transparent and labelled, so I know exactly where to look for the file I need.

Completed files are put in the correct drawer and I can move onto the next file. This then allows me to keep my desk less cluttered and clear from loose paper.

Write a list

Finally, at the end of each day I recommend writing down 5 tasks that you wish to achieve the following day.

As a result, it allows your mind to declutter and have it set up ready to start afresh the following day.

You can do this electronically or on a note pad.

This is a great way to work smarter, setting yourself up for a productive day and not wasting precious time.

Working from home is the new normal. Having a proper desk setup that works for you is important.

A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind, which will make you less productive.

So, by organising your workspace you will be more efficient throughout the day and feel better for it.

Brooke Townsend
Bella Abode
www.bellaabode.com.au
www.facebook.com/brooke.bellaabode
www.instagram.com/bella_abode

Brooke is an experienced Professional Organiser located in the Northern Illawarra. She is trained in Mental Health First Aid, Visual Merchandising and Interior Decorating.

Brooke says:’ I am passionate about what I do and strive to meet the goals of each and every client.’

Brooke is also a member of The Institute of Professional Organisers (IOPO)