Tips to Organize Your Home Office

By Kirsten M. Lagatree, author of Feng Shui at Work

Whether you work at a corner of the dining room table, in the spare
bedroom or in your own private office, staying organized can pose one of
your biggest challenges as an entrepreneur. Many of us let filing and
organizing go during busy times and think we'll deal with everything when
we "have time." But beware of the clutter trap; it can truly take on a
life of its own. A messy desk and chaotic filing system siphons off your
time, energy, focus and productivity. Here are some tips for getting
organized and staying that way in your home office.

Attack That Pile of "Stuff"
If you're starting out with an intimidating pile of stuff on and around
your desk, don't despair. Take a deep breath and devote a small amount of
time -- half an hour -- daily to sifting through it. This makes the job
more manageable, and if you stick to the discipline of doing a little each
day, you WILL reach the end of the stack.

Throw Out Those Old Papers
As you go through your stacks of paper, piles of files, mountains of magazines
and so forth, ask yourself: Do I need this? Why? What happens to it next? Where
will I look for it when I want it? (Not where should I put it). No filing system
is good if you can't remember where you put things.

If you tend to save papers because you aren't sure whether or not you'll need
them again, create a two-step trash system. I use a large wastebasket to toss
anything I think I'm through with but not totally sure about. I keep another,
smaller container for papers and other items that I'm sure are "trash." Empty
your large basket only every few weeks; that way, you can retrieve anything you
decide you shouldn't part with. Don't forget to put banana peels and other
pungent disposables into the container that gets emptied frequently.

Keep Often-Used Items at Close Range
Items you use daily belong on your desk. Your computer, pens, calendar, message
pad and anything else that's part of your daily routine can stay. Other items
such as Scotch tape, stapler, calculator, writing paper and so on should be
stored in your desk drawer -- handy to get at, but not in the way when you don't
need them.

Don't Store Supplies in Your Desk
Fax and computer paper, extra pens, file folders and the like can be put in a
cabinet across the room. I have a shelf over my desk for reference books I reach
for frequently. They're always at hand but never in the way.

Don't Mix Business and Pleasure
Don't keep household paperwork such as bills, catalogs, vacation brochures and
other personal items where they can distract you. Blending business and personal
work at your desk is usually distracting rather than efficient.

Once you've worked your way through these tips, you will have a work space that
makes you look forward to getting down to business every day. Good luck!