Was an Organized Office One of Your New Year's Resolutions? Here's How to Make Good on It.
Now that we are a month or so into the new year, are you looking at a nice organized office? Are your papers all filed neatly and everything you need for tax time in the appropriate folders? If this isn't the case, you're looking forward to several days or maybe several weeks of sorting things out.
I have no magical answer that will make things easier this time. However, consider the following:
1. Make Folders--If while you're sorting, instead of piling things in neat piles everywhere, start making folders to file your papers in. Chances are, the reason you have so many papers lying around is you haven't stopped to make a folder for a long time.
2. File Now--If you have folders made that some of your material can be filed in, file it now. If your business is not really large, you can use these folders for this year also. You may want to put a piece of blank card stock paper in your folder to separate this year from last year. This will give you a start on getting organized for the new year.
3. Make Multiple Folders--If it's not possible to use the same folder, make two folders at the same time. For small or home businesses, it isn't necessary to stop and type a label for your folders. Hand writing or printing is much faster, as long as you're only one using the files. You don't have to worry about anyone else reading your writing.
4. Decide What Goes--While you are sorting and filing and getting ready for tax time, it's also a good time to make decisions on what can be tossed--so keep the trash can handy.
Just by doing your filing, making folders and tossing what you can, you will make a big difference in the appearance of your office. This alone will make you feel better and you'll now have a head start on being organized this year. Of course, if you don't want the same mess next year, you'll have to stay better organized. For a detailed guide to help you , send for my "Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing Your Office."
Laura Shepherd is an office organizing consultant with 25 years of experience in the secretarial field. For information on every aspect of how to organize your office, send for her "Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing Your Office." The cost of the guide is $5, postage paid.
Send your request and $5 to:
Laura Shepherd Office Consultant PO Box 620006 Oviedo, FL 32762-0006
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