Working at home surely requires a huge amount of self-discipline. Aside from effectively balancing work and family time, a constant challenge among home-based workers is to keep their workplaces clean and organized. Staying consistent can be particularly difficult for those who are in the comfort of their own homes.
Now you have to remember that cleanliness usually promotes better productivity. If you want to increase your efficiency, ensuring that everything is orderly can be a huge help. You won’t experience difficulty locating a needed file, for example, anytime you need them.
Most importantly, having a tidy workplace projects a professional image. This can be a great thing especially if you need to accommodate clients or other business contacts from time to time.
Here are some effective tips you can consider if you want to establish a regular habit of cleaning your home office:
1. Clean your desk often.
Take a look at your desk and decide what needs to be kept and what needs to stay there.
You are probably spending long hours on your desk and so it is crucial that you feel comfortable there. Place unnecessary accessories or documents somewhere else.
Also, resist the temptation of eating food on your table. Crumbs can attract insects while coffee stains can be difficult to remove. Do yourself a favor and go the kitchen or dining area during short breaks.
2. Develop a filing system.
Despite the widespread use of emails and electronic files, it is not surprising that many offices still find it useful to keep hard copies of important documents and contracts.
If the same is true for you, then make it a point to have an effective filing system. Use filing cabinets and folders for your advantage. You may arrange your files alphabetically, by date, or by client name depending on your preference.
3. Keep your electronics dust-free.
Whether you are using a laptop or a desktop, you need to make sure that it is always free from dust and dirt. Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean your monitor and keyboard. The same can be used for wiping your printer, scanner, telephone, and everything else.
By following these practical tips, having a tidy home office will be possible for you. Of course, these routine duties should be done often for you to experience the big difference. Doing major cleaning tasks also needs to be done at least once a month.