From his recent Tech Tour, we know Mike Tyson has his cords and cables properly organized, so it is no surprise his try-out post for Unplggd is about decluttering the home office. Tell us what you think below!
Are you having a hard time concentrating? Or maybe you simply don’t have room to write down a simple note on your desk. Whether it’s for your peace of mind or to increase functionality, we can help you rid your desk of the usual culprits of clutter with just 4 easy steps...
1. Clear the paperwork.
If you have stacks of papers piling up around you, try and sort them out for hidden storage. Depending on the magnitude of paperwork that you have, it might be better to opt for a filing cabinet system. CB2’s TPS filing cabinet is a nice, stylish option for smaller spaces. Additionally, Craigslist constantly has cheap, used filing cabinets for sale. If your paper problem is much less serious, perhaps a drawer option like IKEA’s Helmer is right for you. The small drawers can help separate papers that you need to access easily yet need them to be out of sight. The bonus function of the Helmer drawer system is its ability to organize all of your pens, pencils, and other tools you use constantly throughout your workday.
2. Go wireless.
It’s the little things that make a big difference. Removing the wires from your keyboard and mouse will enhance the visual space of your workspace dramatically. Apple’s wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse are great additions to a Mac setup or if you’re using Windows, I’ve always been fond of Logitech’s options. If you’re looking to save money (who isn’t?) eBay is a good bet to stay within budget.
3. Use floating shelves for additional storage.
Most of the time desks tend to find themselves against a wall. Don’t let that precious wall space go to waste! Some well placed floating shelves could be just thing to keep your items organized and accessible yet free from your workspace. IKEA’s classic LACK shelf is the perfect budget-friendly option.
4. Clamp that light.
A desk lamp is a way of life for many of us late night workers but just because you need a light doesn’t mean it has to take up precious real estate on your desk. An architect-style clamp light is a perfect option for someone who wants a nice directional light but doesn’t want to sacrifice the space. There are also some beautiful vintage ones to be found on places like Craigslist and eBay, or order a unique one like this Solo Speed Clamp-Lamp.
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What is that saying - a messy desk reflects a messy mind? Well, what does an empty desk reflect?
An organized mind.
hidden storage is good for some, but not everyone. Ever read a book called "A Perfect Mess?" The premise is that sometimes overorganization is not optimally efficient, and some people need to see their stuff. I'm a pile person. Neat stacks of paper in a bookcase will remind me that I have projects going on, bills to pay, etc. If the stuff gets hidden, I forget all about it, start a new project, leave everything out in messy drifts of paper and am suddenly back to square one with the neatness and organizing dilemma.
this is my current desk: ;)
http://blueantstudio.blogspot.com/2010/06/one-month-with-no-computer.html
joel
Hi, this is Mike.
I don't mean to suggest that there is only one approach to an efficient workspace. I'm only trying to help with what I know and how I work.
For me, visual space = mental space. The clarity helps me focus.
Jlc74: I completely understand what you're getting at. "Out of sight, out of mind." Although my desk space might be clear, my virtual space is filled with notes, schedules, to-do lists, etc. I personally have been able to better manage my responsibilities if they're on a computer instead of on my desk. However, you can never quite beat the extremely urgent reminder written on a post-it note, slapped onto your computer screen. :)
I agree that a clean desk CAN help many in keeping organized but I'm like a lot out there, out of sight is out of mind, more than likely.
But that being said, letting the clutter get out of control is another matter entirely and when that happens, it's time to clean up and tidy up, and that means, putting bills in a bill holder, filing stuff or simply putting in the "to be filed" bin and do later, toss out detritus, take the dirty dishes/glasses to the kitchen, wipe down the desktop etc and then begin anew, now in a middle of a project, a bit of clutter is perfectly fine, which in an ideal world, which isn't unfortunately, I'd be able to afford a 2 bedroom apt and have my desk, computer etc in the second room so when in a middle of a project, I can leave it until done and not have that crap in my bedroom. :-)
ah well, I'll get there, someday...
I love it when my desk is clear of clutter, although that almost never happens...
I think this is a great post. I say, be as messy as you want if it works for you..but its nice to have attractive "stash" places when needed. Some think organizational styles, have to do with right or left brained thinking. In Real Simple mag last month, they have an article called Organizing for Your Personality and you can also take a fun little test and read it online. I personally always come up 50/50 on these things so i have a balance of piles vs tidy hidden storage on my own desk..this works for me.
You can check out the article here:
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/tips-techniques/organizing-for-your-personality-00000000034690/index.html
“The key to successful organizing,” says Melissa Picheny, principal of a functional-design company in New York City (declutteranddesign.com), “is to pay attention to your personality. Then come up with a plan that conforms to it, rather than trying to work within someone else’s system.”
I want Joel's desk
ANother one of those posts that is useless and pointless. I would imagine that the kind of person who finds distracting a desk lamp or mouse and keyboard wires has already outfitted their desk with them. If you find that your desk is no longer working for you because of clutter, none of these are that helpful because they involve merely shifting the clutter to newly purchased real eastate above or below the desk.
Now, a post about keeping cat fur from getting into my mouse and keyboard, that I could use.
I love my clutter! (But it's cute clutter)
No woman is a desert. I'm more of the island kind. Pretty, cluttered island with a lot of color.
I actually rescpected all your rules , like thta I have more room for toys, art stuff and knickknacks.
Except for going wireless. Anyone with a toddler knows how nice it is to have the keyboard and mouse attached to the computer.
Work how every you wanna work, messy, clean as long as you work.
I tried going the "organizational" route but it just doesn't work for me. In fact, it's less productive than just leaving things messy and in piles.
Keeping things "decluttered" on a regular basis takes time. It's more efficient for me to have my piles and the stuff I need out in view and ready to grab. Sorry, but even that 15 minutes or whatever it would take at the end of each day to "put everything back" just isn't worth it. I'd rather be doing anything else.
When you're self-employed, time = $$, and frankly that 15 minutes every day adds up and it's time you can't charge for (at least in the work I do). I'd rather spend that 15 minutes doing something personal and not related to work.
I'm the one in the office with the really messy desk.
But I have to question whether the ones with the almost empty desks and the spotless filing systems with color coded labels are wasting too much time on keeping things perfect.