Gone are the days when we would need to wake up at the crack of dawn to miss the morning traffic. Thanks to remote working and home offices, many of us get to enjoy that extra bit of sleeping time before tackling the work day. Working from home has become increasingly common, and with home and office organisation, a clean home office can make all the difference in being productive and staying focused.
Whether you’re a newbie to remote working, or you’ve been lucky enough to call home your office for a while, we’ve got expert advice for home office organising and cleaning. In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies to clean and organise your home office, creating an environment that promotes efficiency and creativity.
Preparing Your Home Office
Before we look at the cleaning steps for your home office, it’s crucial to start with a clean canvas. Remove any unnecessary items, such as old papers, expired supplies, or broken equipment. Decluttering your workspace will give you a blank slate to work with to better assess your needs. Follow the organisation steps below.
1. Clear Out Clutter
Begin by sorting through all items in your office. Categorise them into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and chuck out. Be disciplined in your decision-making and only keep items that serve a purpose.
2. Assess Your Needs and Layout
The next step is to assess your workflow and office layout. Factors that should be considered are natural light, access to power outlets, and proximity to essential supplies. Rearrange furniture and equipment to optimise your workspace, ensuring everything is within reach and set up for success.
Deep Cleaning for a Fresh Start
Once you’ve managed to organise your workspace, it’s time to give it a deep clean. Dust and wipe down surfaces, including your desk, shelves, and electronics. Vacuum or mop the floors and give the windows a thorough clean to let in more natural light. Follow the further steps below to ensure your work environment is clean, ultimately boosting your motivation and productivity.
1. Wipe Down Surfaces
Use the necessary and suitable cleaning solutions for each surface to wipe down your desk, keyboard, monitor, and other frequently touched surfaces. Regularly cleaning surfaces help maintain a tidy and germ-free workspace, ensuring your health and well-being are as they should be.
2. Clean Electronics and Cables
Electronics play a vital role in any office, but in the interests of keeping your home free of risk, even more so in a home office. Thus, it’s essential to keep them clean. Use compressed air or a soft cloth to remove dust from keyboards and vents. Untangle and organise cables using cable management solutions to prevent tangling and tripping hazards.
Organising Your Home Office for Efficiency
A well-organised workspace at home that is set up according to an ergonomic plan will give you the comfort needed to produce the results you want. Follow the steps below to create a comfortable working environment in your very own home.
1. Ergonomics and Workspace Optimisation
Ergonomics is key to maintaining good posture and preventing discomfort while working. Key metrics that need to be considered and adjusted are your chair height, desk height, and monitor position to align with your body. Go chair shopping for the most comfortable and ergonomic chair you can find. Don’t forget about accessories like a keyboard tray or wrist rest to reduce strain on your body.
2. Streamline Your Desk Setup
A cluttered desk can hamper productivity. Create a system where only essential items are within reach, such as your computer, notebook, and frequently used supplies. Use desk organisers, trays, or drawer dividers to neatly store pens, sticky notes, and other small items.
3. Establish Storage Solutions
Effective storage solutions are vital for keeping your home office organised. Storage tools that will help are filing cabinets, shelves, and storage boxes to store documents, books, and supplies. Label each storage area so that you don’t waste time searching, creating a systematic approach to finding what you need.
Maintenance and Daily Habits
Preparing, cleaning, and organising your home office are the vital beginning steps, but in order to maintain and balance a healthy work life, there are daily habits that are required. Follow the steps below to have a good work day every day.
1. Daily Tidying and Maintenance Routines
Dedicate a few minutes each day to tidy up your workspace. Simply putting away supplies and clearing the clutter off your desk will make the world of difference. By making these habits part of your routine, you’ll prevent clutter from accumulating and maintain an organised environment.
2. Filing and Document Management Strategies
Establish a system for managing incoming documents, ensuring to sort and file them promptly to avoid piles of paper clutter. Go paperless wherever possible by scanning important documents and storing them digitally. This will help you to reduce physical clutter and make retrieval easier.
3. Prioritising Tasks and To-Do Lists
Create a to-do list on a whiteboard or calendar, or use a task management app to prioritise your work. Don’t take on too much at once. Instead, break down projects into smaller, manageable tasks and set deadlines. Regularly review and update your task list to stay on top of your workload and maintain focus.
Adding Personal Touches to Enhance the Atmosphere
A clean and orderly workspace is essential to an impressive output, but another vital element is your personal touch. As strange as this sounds, this will make you feel more at home, bringing more smiles to your face during the day. Use the techniques below to enhance the atmosphere.
1. Design an Inspiring Workspace
Add a touch of inspiration and motivation to your office space by decorating it with artwork and meaningful objects that bring you joy and reflect your personality. These could include photos, motivational quotes, or a vision board. They will constantly remind you of your goals, aspirations, and loved ones, creating a warm and inviting space that fuels your motivation.
2. Incorporate Plants and Natural Elements
Plants not only add visual appeal but also improve air quality and create a calming environment. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or pothos that thrive indoors. Place as many as you’d like around your home office to bring a touch of nature to your workspace.
Conclusion
Once you’ve managed to effectively clean and organise your home office, you’ll be set up for success. Make the most of the benefits you have of working from home, but don’t forget to go into your company’s offices once in a while to show face and socialise with colleagues.
For the best home office cleaning, we are your go-to. Simply head to our website or easy-to-use app, choose from one of our many expert SweepSouth cleaning services, and look forward to a clean, happy home. For your home office or any other part of your home, we’ve got you covered!
