How to declutter your small office | Racking & Shelving

Whether you work from home or you run a small busy office, the organisation of the workspace (or lack thereof) has a huge impact on productivity and morale. We all know that an untidy working environment can be chaotic and stressful; nevertheless, facing up to a big clear-out can be a daunting task. It’s not always easy to know where to start when you’re about to embark on a substantial declutter. Read on to find out how to make it manageable – and even enjoyable!

First off, make a list of everything you use over a two-week period. Anything that you don’t use (excepting occasionally needed equipment, files or cables) is a contender for the recycling. Should you keep it, archive it, or throw it? Unless there’s a viable business reason for keeping it, it might be time to say goodbye. Essentially, anything that doesn’t support your work or benefit your wellbeing needs to go.

Go digital. Create digital archives by scanning copies of paperwork taking up valuable space in your office. If you don’t have a scanner, you can scan and archive documents with a smartphone. Ditch those paper folders if you possibly can and only keep physical documents that are vital to your business and to your productivity.

Clean! This sounds like a no-brainer but there’s nothing like a thorough clean to inspire tidiness and motivate yourself and your staff to keep the office looking its best. If you run a commercial office you will likely have professional cleaners come and maintain the space daily or weekly, but it’s a good idea to have a deep clean at least once or twice a year depending on the nature of your business.

Rearrange and reconfigure. Look round the office with a critical eye. Does the workplace usually get cluttered again as soon as it’s been cleaned up? If so, rethink the layout. Items that you use every day should be kept close at hand. Anything that doesn’t get used regularly can be stored on shelves, in lockers or cabinets. Is there any dead space that isn’t working? If yes, perhaps the introduction of clever shelving and other storage solutions could make a difference. Can you let staff personalise their space by customising lockers and other personal items? If you operate a larger space and you’re running out of room would a mezzanine floor solve any extra storage or workspace issues?

Keep tidy! Make sure that at the end of the day you put items away. Tidy up paperwork and pens and give your desk a wipe down. (Trust us – it will look so much more inviting tomorrow morning!) Keep on top of the cleaning and don’t accumulate clutter or anything that makes you look unprofessional.

Finally, ask yourself: would you be pleased to bring a client into your workspace? If the answer is yes then congratulations, you have a tidy office to be proud of! If you require clever storage solutions for your home or commercial office, Racking and Shelving can help. From cupboards and cabinets to small parts storage , we stock a range of affordable and stylish storage units to help you keep your working environment at its best. We also offer a complete storage consulting, design and installation service across Northern Ireland and the UK. Contact our friendly team today for no obligation advice.