You know the feeling. It’s the end of the day, you’re about to leave work, and you suddenly realize that there’s a substantial project you forgot to do that will take a significant amount of time. Or maybe you’re constantly misplacing your keys, or your to-do list is a never-ending mess.
Meanwhile, a dozen notifications are blowing up your phone.
Whatever the case, we’ve all been there — but it doesn’t have to be that way. Pocketbook Agency has ten life-changing tips to help you stay organized at work (and in life).
With some assistance, you can feel more productive, efficient, and in control as you go through your daily routine and tackle the most important tasks in your workday.
One of the best ways to mentally declutter and stay on top of your workload is to create a daily to-do list. Write down everything you need to do, then prioritize each task in order of importance.
As you complete each task, check it off your list so you can see your progress in a physical space. This simple tip will help keep you on task and motivated throughout the day.
You might also consider using a project management app or task management software on your computer, tablet, and phone to streamline your workflow and do better work overall.
Some of the most popular task management apps in 2022 include:
– Asana: This app allows you to create and manage tasks, projects, and to-do lists to build your organizational skills. You can also share files and collaborate with team members on Asana, helping you delegate tasks and save yourself a lot of time in the process.
– Trello: Trello is a Kanban-style task management app perfect for visual learners struggling with procrastination and work-life balance. In Trello, tasks are represented by cards that you can move from one stage of a project to another.
– Todoist: Todoist is a simple, straightforward task management app perfect for busy professionals who need to stay organized.
– Google Keep: This app is ideal if you already use other Google products like Gmail and Calendar. Keep allows you to create notes, task lists, and reminders of due dates, and you can also add images and audio files to your notes.
Invest in a detailed planner if a daily to-do list isn’t enough to keep you organized. Planners come in handy for long-term projects or events that need to be scheduled weeks or months in advance.
Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as crossing an item off your calendar once it’s been completed.
Some popular planners on the market today include:
– Day Designer Daily Planner
– Happy Planner
– Panda Planner Pro
– Anthropologie Self-Care Planner
– Field Notes 56-Week Planner
A cluttered workspace can cause unnecessary stress and make it difficult to focus on the task. Make it a habit to tidy up your desk every night before you leave so you can start fresh the following day.
You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel when your surroundings are neat and orderly.
Here are a few other tips for keeping your workspace tidy:
– Invest in a first-rate filing system.
– Use a calendar to track deadlines and events.
– Create a to-do list and prioritize tasks.
– Store supplies in storage boxes or baskets.
This tip may seem silly, but trust us — it works! Color coding will help you quickly locate what you need without searching through piles of paperwork.
Assign a different color for each type of document (e.g., red for client files, blue for internal memos, green for invoices, etc.), then buy some brightly colored folders or binders to get started. Once you start using this system, you’ll wonder how you ever functioned without it!
There’s no excuse for being unorganized with all the technology available today. There are endless ways to make your life easier, from smartphone apps that track your expenses to online calendar systems that send reminders directly to your email inbox.
This software allows you to manage your finances and track your expenses easily. There are many different accounting solutions available, so it’s essential to find one that suits your needs.
Some popular options include:
– QuickBooks: QuickBooks is a popular choice for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It offers features like invoicing, tracking payments, and creating reports.
– GnuCash: GnuCash is a free, open-source software perfect for personal finance management. It primarily helps with budgeting, tracking investments, and reconciling accounts.
– Sage 50: Many larger businesses and corporations use Sage 50 for invoicing, inventory management, and payroll processing.
A digital calendar allows you to track your schedule, appointments, and tasks easily. There are many different calendar systems on the market, with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and DigiCal being some of the most popular.
Most systems will integrate with your existing tools and allow you to sync your calendar with other devices, such as your phone or laptop, so you have quick access anywhere you go.
Cloud storage is hard to beat for keeping your files organized, easily accessible, and secure.
Many different options are available (e.g., Google Drive, IDrive, Microsoft OneDrive, etc.), and most cloud storage providers offer a free trial period. Test out different providers to determine the best fit.
Allowing your email inbox to spiral out of control is one of the biggest culprits of disorganization. Email can be a significant time-sink if not managed correctly.
Here are a few tips for keeping your email under control:
– Create folders and labels to organize your messages.
– Use filters and rules to file messages into the appropriate folders automatically.
– Set a schedule for checking your email and stick to it.
– Delete unnecessary messages.
– Unsubscribe from mailing lists that you no longer need.
– Use a tool like Boomerang to delay sending or receiving emails until you’re ready.
There’s something about writing down tasks that makes them feel more tangible and achievable. If you struggle to stay organized, try using a pen and paper to track your to-dos.
It may take a bit of practice, but you may eventually find this method more effective than relying solely on electronic tools.
There are many different ways to track your to-dos, but here are a few tried-and-tested methods:
– The Kanban Method: The Kanban Method is a popular productivity system that uses sticky notes or cards to track tasks.
– The Bullet Journal Method: The Bullet Journal Method is an organizational system combining elements of the Kanban Method and the GTD Method (see below).
– The GTD Method: The GTD Method (Getting Things Done) is a time-management system developed by productivity expert David Allen. It recommends creating lists of tasks and organizing them by category, priority, and deadline.
If your desk drawers are anything like ours used to be, they’re probably crammed full of pens, paper clips, sticky notes, and who knows what else. While clients and coworkers may not know what’s in those drawers, you do.
Knowing that clutter abounds can add stress to your day and make it hard to find something when needed.
Take a few weekly minutes to go through and organize your desk drawers. If you come across something that doesn’t have a home, find a place for it or get rid of it.
It may sound like a small task, but keeping your desk drawers neat can make a big difference in how you feel about your workspace.
If you constantly search for papers, it’s time to invest in a filing system. Having a place for everything (and everything in its place) will save you time and frustration. Plus, it’ll be much easier to find what you’re looking for when you need it.
There are many different filing systems to choose from, so take some time to research what will work best for you and your needs.
If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few popular options:
– The ABC Filing System: The ABC Filing System is a simple categorization method that uses letters and numbers to organize files.
– The Dewey Decimal System: The Dewey Decimal System is a more complex categorization method that uses call numbers to organize files.
– The Hanging Files System: The Hanging Files System is a physical filing system that utilizes folders and file cabinets.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, working straight through lunch or skipping your afternoon coffee break is tempting. But working non-stop is not a sustainable way to stay organized. It’s likely to make you less organized and productive in the long run.
Take breaks when you need them. Get up, move around, take a quick walk, or chat with a colleague. Taking a few minutes to clear your head will help you return to your work refreshed and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
Organization is vital for both personal and professional success. But let’s face it, it’s not always easy to stay on top of everything. Fortunately, you can change all that by following these ten simple tips!
So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see how much more productive (and sane) you’ll feel tomorrow. And if you need to hire professionals to help you stay organized at work, go through Pocketbook Agency to connect with top-tier candidates.
Sources:
Clutter and Mental Health: What’s the Connection? | Verywell Mind
How To Clean Your Desk for a Fresh Start | The Spruce
Dewey Decimal System | Pratt Institute
What’s The Best Way To Stay On Top Of Email? | Forbes
11 tips for organization and productivity | Rochester University