Parents of babies: get this desk now. It’ll last your kid her or his childhood.

Introducing The DUMBO Desk from Casa Kids from Roberto Gil on Vimeo.

Related on EcoSalon
Now We Know Why College Kids Eat So Much Cup Noodles [Video]
These Kids Have Brains! [Video]
Bad News, Kids: Body Shaming Starts Early

The post The Desk that Grows [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Your desk says a lot about you. Whether it’s your work desk or home workspace. Whether you work in the corporate world, in the non-profit sector or are self-employed, your desk and organization can speak volumes about your productivity and efficiency.

Organization and tidiness is key, no matter how many people say that they think better with clutter. Clutter and disorganization are both time wasters and in this busy hyper-connected world, you need to be organized to keep everything on track and maximize your effectiveness. Whether you use your new found extra time to work more or to play more–it’s up to you–but learn how to make more time by banishing clutter and creating organization.

 Tips to de-stress your desk…and your life.

1. Digital Desk

These days your desk is not just about paper; much of our work and our organization (or lack thereof) is done in the digital sphere. A messy digital desktop is just as bad as a messy physical desktop. Keep your desktop and hard drive organized and tidy by using folders and coming up with a filing system that works for you. Organize by project type, date, work in progress or completed, name of clients, etc.

In addition, tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote can be useful in expanding your storage capacity and helping you create some organizational structure.

2. Calendar

Consider keeping a digital calendar, if you are not already doing so. By keeping a digital calendar, you can have access at home, work and even across devices. Google Calendar is what I use, and I like that I can easily link to other calendars (like my husband’s calendar) and that I can color code items. I even sync mine to my Facebook account, so my Facebook events show up on my calendar.

The days of having separate work and home calendar are past–our lives are too integrated and fast-paced. Save time and become better organized by using a digital calendar.

3. Physical Desk

Even though so much of what we do is online, we still end up being paper pushers. That means you must develop a system for managing those piles of papers on your desk. Do not let your desk become just a collecting place for receipts, bills waiting to be paid and everything else that needs attending to.

Create a clear system for how to handle incoming paper and outgoing paper. I have a system in place on my desk: unpaid bills go in one place, items waiting to be filed go in another place, items that need some attention (like calling to clarify a bill or with following up with some action) go in another place, etc. Whenever I sit down at my desk, my work is already organized and laid out in front of me.

In addition, discipline yourself to do your filing regularly. I file items weekly in my home office. Finally, decide what supplies you need on hand, i.e. stapler, scissors, stamps, pens, etc and keep those in handy organizers–keep everything else stored away.

 Related on Ecosalon

How to Declutter Your Office In 5 Easy Steps

6 Ways to Get the Navy Blue Trend Around Your Home: It’s the New Neutral

9 Functional Home Office Ideas for Small Spaces

Image: West Elm

The post How to Declutter Your Desk and Increase Productivity appeared first on EcoSalon.

There are plenty of arguments for the genius that accompanies a messy desk, but I have to disagree. When my mind is scattered and stressed, my purses, closet and office reflect the same all-over-the-place mentality. Consequently, once organization falls apart, it takes twice as long to get a task done. Taking the time to organize, discard and prioritize office items opens up a pathway towards clearer work and tasks. Here are 5 easy steps to declutter your office. 

1. Let it all hang out

Take everything out, one drawer, pencil case, or file cabinet at a time. Empty everything onto the desk and floor. Yes, no doubt this step will look a lot worse to start with, (maybe even resemble something of a bomb), but go forth with deep cleaning strength—it’s the only way to truly tackle the task.

2. Let go: Discard and Separate

Grab an empty tote bag or grocery bag, and as you sort through each item (yes, let no item be overlooked) really think about what you don’t need. How many pens are necessary? Do you really need to keep those files from your last job? Remember DaVinci’s words, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

3. Organize 

Although everyone’s workspace or desk size is different, along with the requirements of your office, this step is universal.

Files

Set up labeled files organize by Immediate, Upcoming and Finished. Color coordinate these three labels, and the finished colors can hold items like Car Papers, Tax Papers, i.e., everything that has been taken care of but must be to filed away.

Office Supplies

Keep a drawer or basket that neatly holds your essential office supplies like printing paper, stapler, post-it notes, anything you like, or need, to have around when you are working.

4. Images of Tranquility

One check-off in LEED certified office spaces is having images of nature around your immediate work area. Put up a few beautiful images of natural places or inspirational quotes that will add touches of tranquility to your work space.

5. Calendar Everything

Keep a physical calender. I like to have a planner to write down everything I need. If keeping this information on a computer calendar is better for you, go with what works for you. But make it a habit to dedicate a space (virtual or real) to keeping track of due dates and appointments.  Now not only your physical office is decluttered, but you can declutter your mind because every upcoming task is in one place.

Now every item has a neat place, and your desktop is clear. Time to do some productive work in your clean office space!

See Also:

5 Green Office Products We Love

Multitasking Must Haves: A Green Guide To The Most Versatile Fashion, Foods, Tools and More  

5 Desks To Feel Good About Using

image: CHRISSPdotCOM

The post How to Declutter Your Office In 5 Easy Steps appeared first on EcoSalon.