The Small Business Association says that 80% of the papers we've been piling, stuffing, filing aren't even needed! Start purging!
1) Overwhelmed? Start a timer for 30 Minutes and go through one piece at a time, make a decision if it's to file, an immediate to do, recycle/shred, or memorabilia. Only those 4 piles should be created--no more. The first focus is to PURGE. Not try to sort and file.
2) Only keep papers that are a tax write off, dispute or memorabilia.
3) The IRS now only requires tax papers be kept for 3 years! Shred all other out-dated years now!
4) Purge your floor first, desk/table tops second, drawers last. Look at every single piece of paper--open up each folder/envelope and look. You never know what you misfiled, what may be memorabilia, or lost money!
5) Go through your office supplies--stationary, cards, dead pens, chewed up pencils, your three staplers. What can you toss/donate?
7) Now put everything away! Create a better, simpler filing system. File Everything--no more boxes or piles or "clutter catchers" on your desk. Store office supplies within arm's reach of your desk chair. Rearrange furniture and decor to complete the look.
On average, office organizing takes 3 days to de-clutter and organize. I highly recommend that clients do 2 days back-to-back of paper purging. Then the next week file it all.
Too overwhelmed to Do It Yourself? Call me at 925-817-9642
