Desk Duty
Banish clutter and embrace organization to make the most of your desk space
By Michael Haun, Home & Garden Editor
Daytona Beach News-Journal Online
It's where we pay our bills, surf the Internet and write letters to
friends and family.
In some households, it's where the kids do their homework, too.
When you think about it, the family desk might very well be the most
important, most utilized spot in the house.
It's also one of the messiest spots, too.
Ready to clean up your desktop act?
We turned to professional organizer Ingrid Timbs for tips on how to
take a desk from cluttered to composed, without spending a bundle.
GETTING STARTED
Remove everything from the desk, except for the computer, phone and
lamp, Timbs recommends.
Now, here's the hard part. Put back only items used every single day.
For Timbs, things like family photos and assorted tchotchkes don't
count.
NOW FOR THE PAPERWORK
Papers that were on the desk get filed, tossed or placed in what Timbs
calls an "action area."
When it comes to filing, make sure to create a system that works for
you.
Figure out if you are a "filer" or a "stacker," Timbs said.
Only then can you purchase office equipment that will suit your needs.
Stackers wouldn't use a filing cabinet, and vice versa.
Next, purchase a shredder.
"It's surprising that most of my clients don't have one," said
Timbs,owner of Lagniappe Professional Organizers in Port Orange.
Shred old papers, credit card applications, and junk mail. If in
doubt, shred it, Timbs added.
GET COMFORTABLE
If your desk is a shared space, make sure your desk chair is suitable
for all of its users. Purchase one that has an adjustable height,
Timbs recommends.
Also, make sure filing cabinets, storage bins, trash cans and more are
all within easy reach.
If these things are too far away, you're less likely to use them, she
said.
THINK BEFORE YOU SPEND
Most of us have a bevy of storage containers, desk organizers and the
like.
"Everybody wants to buy more storage containers first," Timbs said.
"But usually they have plenty."
|
