National Clean Your Desk Day

The holiday decorations have been put away, the work-a-day implements are back at hand, and now I’m looking at my untidy desk. It’s hard to concentrate surrounded by clutter.

And it’s not just disarray. Did you know how really filthy an average desk can be? A 100 times dirtier than a kitchen table, and, even worse, 400 times less hygienic than a toilet seat. Plus, a typical office keyboard harbors 16 million microbes. Yuck!

So start by clearing the top and giving the surface a good wipe with antiseptic/antiviral products that are appropriate for your desk. Remember to clean that nasty keyboard too. Do the same for each item before they regain their rightful spot.

How tidy do you want your working area? Experts vary in their opinions. Some claim a pristine environment is essential.

Others swear by the Einstein approach. You should have a sense of what level of organization works for you.

Begin by replacing the essentials: desktop/laptop (remember the backup drive!), a notepad or notebook, pencil or pen, and of course, a sturdy eraser. A good light source to illuminate your work. A neat stationery organizer to store tape, stapler, and paper clips — the small things that crawl around and get out of place. Treat yourself to a classy coaster for that beverage mug that always migrates to your side. A comfortable chair is a must.

Other items depend on your specialty. A writer will add a thesaurus and dictionary. An artist paints or pastels with good-quality brushes. The amateur radio buff includes radio and antenna tuners. An accountant needs a calculator and client files.

Look at your space and prioritize. What do you use each day, once a week, or maybe every month or two? Only the daily use things deserve a place of honor. Rank order the remainder of the pile to a nearby bookcase or cabinet. Remember: less is more.

Most importantly: when the task is complete, add one or two small personal items that make the space your own, like a photo or plant. Make your desk a place where you want to work.

What will you do with your desk this year? Share your plans.

You can follow the Author at her Website or on Twitter.



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