Especially when you’re busy, staying organised at work can seem like a challenge. The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to bring order and serenity to your workspace. If you want to clear the clutter and generally take control of your office, take a look at this handy guide.

Make sure you have enough storage

Storage really is the unsung hero of the workplace. When planned well, filing cabinets, shelves and cupboards blend into the background while helping to keep offices neat and tidy. The key is to have enough of it. By investing in plenty of storage solutions, you can rest assured you won’t run out of space for your work essentials. If you’re short on square footage, consider using space saving solutions like full height filing cabinets and shelves, as well as under-desk units. For example, the office desks from Furniture at Work™ are available with integrated or mobile filers that sit neatly out of the way underneath your workstations.

Find suitable homes for all your supplies

Purchasing storage solutions isn’t enough by itself. You also have to make appropriate use of these furnishings. Rather than simply piling your documents and supplies into your drawers, it’s important to come up with an effective filing system. You should also plan your storage carefully so that your office supplies are conveniently situated. For instance, you could keep spare paper close to the printer. As a general rule, all the things you use on a regular basis should be the easiest to access, while other items can be kept outside your immediate reach.

Understand that less can be more

You have to be a little bit ruthless to maintain order in your work area. Holding onto any unnecessary documents, stationery or other supplies can crowd your office and make it harder to tidy. For this reason, it’s useful to have regular clear outs. Also, bear in mind that while a few personal items and ornaments can help to give your workplace extra personality, too many of these objects can serve as a distraction.

Keep your desk tidy

Take steps to keep your desk tidy too. If you tend to have a lot of paperwork on your workstation, make sure you use a tray – and create a labelling system that tells you which documents you’ve already read, which you are yet to read and what requires your urgent attention. You should also have a stationery tidy for your pens, stapler and other basics.

The key to staying organised at work is to put effective systems in place and to make sure you stick to them, even when you’re in a rush and under pressure.