10 Tidy Tips for a Cleaner Desk
Office cleaning often becomes submerged underneath the day to day grind of business. Everyone is so focused on their own duties that the physical space of the office begins to resemble a pig sty. Nevertheless, there are small daily steps you can take to improve the cleanliness of your workspace.
Here are ten ways you can keep your desk tidy:
1. Set a Schedule
The best way to keep your desk clean is to get into a cleaning routine. Give yourself reminders about what needs to be done on certain days. Make Wednesday file organising day or Friday garbage day. Getting into a routine helps you to keep your desk clean without going out of your way.
2. Avoid Eating at your Desk
Decomposing apples or empty sandwich bags can quickly pile up and clutter your desk. Not only are these items unsightly, but in the case of rotting fruit, they can pose a health hazard, and certainly a hazard for your nose.
3. Dust Daily
Although a small problem, the build-up of dust is insidious and ever present in the workplace. Knock out this problem by running a paper towel or cloth across your desk every day.
4. Garbage
Unless your workplace uses a commercial cleaning service, you’re going to be in charge of emptying your own garbage. This can often be overlooked until paper is spilling out over the floor. While you don’t need to empty the garbage every day, doing it on a regular basis is a great way to keep your workspace sparkling fresh.
5. Clean the Floor
Although this is technically under your desk, the floor and carpet around your desk still counts as your workspace. Keeping this area clean can drastically improve the appearance of your workspace as most workers overlook it. Pick up and throw away gum wrappers and all those bits and pieces of paper that never seem to make it into the bin.
6. Keep Your Desk Clutter Free
Even if your desk is sparkling clean, having clutter on your desk can give off an untidy appearance. The best way to combat this is to avoid clogging your desk with folders and to simply tuck things away where they belong. This can also make cleaning your desk easier as you won’t have to move as much when you dust and wipe.
7. Labels
Use labels to help organise where everything goes. While the top of your desk may be clean, the desk drawers may be a disaster zone of disorganisation. Put labels on where things go in order to maximise your available space.
8. File Papers
You have desk drawers for a reason. Don’t let paper and files stack up on your desk. File these documents away into their respective drawers by using a filing system. Not only will your desk be cleaner, but you’ll probably have an easier time finding important documents when you need them.
9. Bring Things Home
Don’t turn your desk into your second home. If there are any unneeded objects hanging around your desk, like Tupperware containers for instance, bring those home. Not only do they take up space but unless they have a use at work they probably don’t belong there.
10. Limit the Number of Personal Photos
Don’t line your desk with an endless parade of personal family photos. Few things can occupy more space on a desk than personal photos or belongings.
With these ten tips, a tidy desk is only a few steps away. Good luck!