How to keep a cool workspace

Today's tips are versatile because you can apply them to any workspace (home, school, or office). These tips show you how to make your workspace more comfortable, inviting, and organized.

Choose a good work environment. You know what distracts you, so avoid it. Some people have trouble getting into 'study mode' in their bedrooms because they see it as a resting place and not a working place. Bedrooms can also be filled with tons of distractions like TVs, video-games, CD collections, and magazines. If you can't eliminate the distractions, consider moving your workspace to a different area in the house.

Try some Feng Shui for your workspace. Feng Shui is the art of arranging furniture to promote the flow of energy. Want to try it for yourself? Here are three simple starting points: Set up your desk facing the doorway so that you can greet those who enter. If you're able to, choose a workspace facing south. Get a fish tank for your space.

Organize your memos. Are your notes from telephone calls and to-do lists scattered across the margins of several pieces of scrap paper? Try the one sheet rule. Keep a mid-sized notepad on your desk. Any info you jot down must be written on that notepad, and you may only use one sheet per day. At the end of the day, transfer any information you still need from the notepad to an appropriate spot (ex. move appointments to your calendar and phone numbers to your address book). Then, throw the sheet away. The result? You don't lose any of your notes and your work space is clutter-free!

Prioritize with Proximity. The stuff you use the most should be most accessible. Keeping your most popular office/school supplies close will save you time and keep things neat.

Be a minimalist. Lots of people think that de-cluttering means buying nice containers or storage units to put all their stuff in (all this really does is rearrange the clutter). A pencil cup overflowing with pens and pencils still takes up space; choose your favourite pen and your favourite pencil to keep handy, and eliminate the rest.

Hide your electronics. There's nothing like a rats' nest of wires to make your work or study space look unwelcoming (as though it's being attacked by a monster). Keep your wires and cables out of sight or at least below eye level.

Don't make unpleasant tasks harder. If there's a certain task that you always procrastinate, keep the things you need to accomplish that task super-accessible. If you hate filing things, arrange your work space so that you can file something away without getting up from your seat. If you rarely clean your desktop, keep some spray and a roll of paper towels handy. If you make certain tasks more convenient, you'll be more likely to actually complete them!

Personalize your space. Bringing in a couple photos or a neat desk toy (like this walking robot pencil sharpener) is a great way to add some colour and style to your workspace without adding to the clutter! How do you personalize your workspace? Post your own tips as a comment below.

Bonus tip: Check back to Y&F this Friday for a Bonus Tip and the Webthing of the Week that will help you pull it off!

Larissa

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