Spring is here and it’s time for that yearly ritual – spring cleaning! As many of us continue working from home, spring cleaning our home office is more important than ever to boost productivity. Here’s how I tackle a home office spring clean to increase my productivity.
Declutter Paperwork and Supplies
The first step is going through all the paper files and office supplies to remove clutter.
- I clear off all flat surfaces like my desk, shelves, and windowsills. I gather everything into a big pile to sort through.
- I go through each paper item and ask – do I really need this? Receipts, old notes, and manuals for electronics I no longer own all get tossed.
- For items I want to keep, I set up a filing system so they can be easily retrieved later. I invest in file folders, accordion files, magazine files, and binders to properly organize and store items.
- I go through office supplies like pens, highlighters, and sticky notes and get rid of ones that don’t work or that I haven’t used in a long time.
Decluttering paperwork and supplies frees up physical and mental space so I can focus better.
Organize Cables and Chargers
Next, I tackle electronic device cables and chargers which easily get tangled and create clutter.
- I gather up all the cables and chargers from around my desk and sort through them. Broken or unneeded ones get tossed out.
- To avoid tangling, I wrap each cable neatly using velcro ties or twist ties.
- I store the organized cables in see through bins or bags so I can easily find the one I need.
- For chargers, I use a power strip tower to neatly store them in one spot.
Organized cables and chargers make my office look cleaner and prevent me from wasting time untangling them when I need to get powered up.
Update Computer Files
My computer desktop and files also tend to get disorganized after months of saving documents. Updating these helps me work more efficiently.
- I sort through each folder and delete old files I don’t need anymore. This frees up storage space.
- For ongoing projects, I create a dedicated folder to store relevant files together for quick access.
- I back up important documents to an external hard drive or cloud storage to prevent loss.
- I re-organize desktop shortcuts into proper folders and delete unused apps.
An organized computer with redundant backups reduces time spent searching for files and ensures I don’t lose important work.
Perform Deep Cleaning
A thorough deep cleaning makes my office look and feel fresh for the new season.
- I empty bookshelves and wipe down the shelves and books to remove dust.
- If needed, I vacuum and shampoo office rugs to revitalize them.
- For hard surfaces like countertops and desks, I use disinfecting wipes to clean.
- I wash windows to let more natural sunlight in.
- For decor items like plants and artwork, I give them new life by wiping leaves clean or replacing frames.
Deep cleaning makes my home office an inviting workspace that fuels productivity.
Evaluate and Upgrade Furniture
Finally, I take time to evaluate if my office furniture still meets my needs:
- I inspect office chairs and replace worn out wheels or seat cushions so I can sit comfortably.
- I rearrange desk and shelves so most used items are closest.
- I look for new organizational furniture like a desk with cubbies or a laptop stand.
- I upgrade lighting fixtures for better illumination when working.
Optimizing furniture setup supports my work style and keeps me engaged throughout the day.
By tackling these areas, I’m ready to take on the new season with a clean, organized, and productive home office! A spring deep clean removes distractions so I can focus on the meaningful work that matters most.
