PrintEmail

If you\'re frustrated, overwhelmed, despondent and thinking that the issue of clutter and disorganisation is something you just have to live with, read on. There is a solution and it maybe simpler than you think.

Buying containers does not solve the problem
Effectively organising your office is a process and a skill. The good news is that like anything else you can learn it and apply it to your own situation. Some of the common mistakes that we all make is to think that buying containers will solve the problem. But organising is a process that requires thought, planning and execution, if its to be successful. Looking for containers at

the beginning is like a quick fix and doesn\'t work unless you\'ve first sorted, purged and found home for things.

If you want to succeed, it\'s crucial that you start at the beginning by answering some simple but important questions of yourself. As Alice said " If you don\'t know where you\'re going how will be know when you get there?".

Identify the issues
Identifying the key issues will give you important feedback. Most people miss this step because they don\'t realise what a vital part it plays in the overall success of their organising project. You need to write your answers down on paper and answer the same questions for each organising project whether it be organising the entire office or the stationary cupboard.

• What\'s working in the office?
• What\'s not working in the office?
• What items are most important to me or my business?
• Why do I want to get organised?
• What is causing the problem(s)?

What\'s working?
You may ask yourself this question and immediately reply - well nothing. But take a closer look. Perhaps you have a roladex that\'s working well. Now ask yourself why ? Perhaps it has a home and you know where to find it quickly, perhaps the names are filed in a way that you can relate to. (Filing doesn\'t have to be in alphabetical order - I file "articles" under "Fascinating People" - I love the title and file everything of interest about business in there). When you know what\'s working you can apply those same principle to other areas of your office because you will have gleaned some crucial information about "what\'s working and why".

What\'s not working?
It\'s just as important to understand what\'s not effective. This is the stage where you get an opportunity to list "everything" that\'s frustrating you. Be honest, don\'t edit anything. e.g.:
I can\'t find...........
There\'s no home for...
I\'m losing money because.......
The clutter is.......................
When people visit I ............
This disorganisation makes me feel.........

This list will give you an overall picture of what the problems are and what they are costing you in time, money and emotionally/spiritually. Armed with this information you\'ll be fuelled with some important reasons to get started and stay focused. Post the list somewhere so you\'re reminded of why you\'re getting organised.