Office decluttering tips and tricks

If you are great at organizing, then you mostly don’t have an issue with clutter. But it seems that most people get an occasional bout of clutter here and there. And they are mostly okay with it. However, usually, clutter in the workplace is highly unwanted. Especially if you are moving your business. If this is the case, you need to get rid of the clutter for several reasons. First, you don’t want to transfer it to your new space. Think of it as a new leaf – a new office, a new attitude. And second, you will actually have to pay less for moving if you declutter. So, decluttering before moving your office is highly recommended. Here are some office decluttering tips and tricks which will definitely help you succeed!

Make a general to-do list

Before going through your office decluttering, you need to set a timetable. That is, you need to write down a to-do list for everything that needs to be done during the move. Moving offices is never easy. In fact, it is one of the most challenging types of moves, as many companies will tell you. That is why it is good to schedule everything. The organization is key! When you are relocating your office, there is a slight chance that you may forget a few things pertaining to your business, so jot that down, as well. Make your relocation to-do list a general one, however, and later add or deduct some things. This is a time when you also need to set a date for moving your business. This is the time when you book the movers and start taking the following steps.

Make a list of things you (actually) need

Why is this important? Well, it is a good point of reference when you actually start with the task. First, you need to take a sweeping look at what is in your office. Then, identify the things you use often/semi-regularly. Ask yourself whether the things there have a purpose. If you are keeping something that you “might need in the future,” well, you know what to do. Also, if you are keeping things that you can’t even remember were there, it’s time to get rid of them! Remember, this is the first, and the most important step to your office decluttering adventure! Making a list will help you later when actually doing the task. You can go through it and check it every step of the way.

If you have a larger office, check with your colleagues. Engage everyone in the task. After all, they will know best what they need and what they don’t. Encourage them to do the same and, most importantly, to do it on time!

Some of the common things you may want to get rid of

There are some things that you should definitely sift through and mostly disregard before moving. Things are commonly everyone’s sore spot when it comes to clutter in the office. Here are some of the things to look out for during your office decluttering project:

• Paper. We are not talking about filed documents pivotal for your business (although this, too, can be stored in digital form!). We are talking about paper lying around that does not serve any particular purpose. This is the point of digitalizing content. Many things, such as postcards or pictures, and even contracts, can now be digitalized. And there are certainly many benefits to using less paper in the office.

• Outdated technology. If you have a fax machine in your office, but never use it, is it really necessary? The same applies if you keep some CDs or other gadgets that are redundant. The best way is to check with your tech department to see what can be removed with no fuss.
• Broken office supplies. If that stapler hasn’t been working for quite some time, why keep it? The same goes with every other somewhat working item. Chances are, you will benefit more from buying new supply in the long run.

Divide and conquer (your office space)

When carrying the entire office decluttering process, there are some tricks to make it easier. The best way is to divide your office space into three most common areas, and then start from there. Regardless of the order in which you choose to declutter, here are the main “zones” to focus on.

• Desks. These require the least amount of checking up. However, they are not unimportant. Try to declutter your drawers in the best way. As we have already mentioned, throw away or recycle papers and files that are unnecessary. Check drawers for old notes and possibly any items collected at past conferences.
• Supply closets. Check your supply closets, as well. It is highly likely that there you can find something that you most definitely don’t need. This includes, for instance, outdated things, like ink cartridges you no longer need because you no longer have the printer.
• Storage spaces. If you have a storage room in your office, this gets easily cluttered. Some people mistake storage for “put everything here.” Here you may find computers that are obsolete and cannot help you anymore with your business. Also, fax or copy machines that are no longer used. If you are uncertain still, your other option is to put them in storage near your new office. Take note, however, that storage services usually cost extra, so you have to include that in your moving budget!

Additional office decluttering tips

The best way to carry out office decluttering is to make several piles. For instance, one pile could be the “trash pile.” Put there anything that cannot be donated or recycled, i.e. actual trash. The second pile, as we’ve mentioned, can be the “donate pile.” There are many organizations that could use the things your office no longer needs. Aside from the additional recycled pile (and you already know what to put here), you will need another one. The storage pile.

It is common that, when you head to your new space, you may need to put some things in storage. This should include the things you will need in your new office, but not right away. The best way is actually to put them in storage. Take note, however, that you need to be careful when you pack for storage. You don’t want to destroy something that will be necessary later on.

You’re clutter-free and ready to move!

If you’ve carried out your office decluttering project in a satisfactory manner, the only thing left to do now is to wait for the movers and go. Now, when you’ve kept only the necessary things, you will feel much lighter. And, as a result of your office decluttering project, your new office will be clutter-free!