When you think about the word spring, your mind automatically goes to images of blossoming flowers, light rain and fields filled with wildflowers. Before you start running through the hills and singing, you should stop and think about spring cleaning. Most people remember to clean out their house during the spring months, donating items to charities and removing the trash that piled up during the winter. While cleaning your house is always helpful, so is cleaning your office space. Spring is the perfect time to clean out your desk or work area and get rid of all the old and outdated things.
During the winter, you naturally feel a little run down and have less energy than you do during the warmer months. Instead of throwing things in the trash can, you tuck things inside the desk. You might plan to clean out your desk later, but later never comes. The warmer temperatures that come during spring give you the chance to clean out your desk and encourage your co-workers to do the same thing. This lets you stay healthy and get rid of the funk that plagues your office during the winter.
Start by setting up trash bins around the office. Label the bins for different types of materials, including paper, metal and miscellaneous items. You can recycle paper and metal to make money for the whole office. Once you fill a bin, place the junk to one side and fill a second trash bag. Take the items to a local recycling center, and trade in those objects for cash. Use the cash that you make by recycling to treat your co-workers to an office party or lunch away from the office. You might be surprised at how much recyclable trash you have sitting inside your desks.
I believe that cleaning and organizing is a process – and a practice – not a project.
MEAGAN FRANCIS
Go through each drawer or space in your desk carefully. Make separate piles for things that you need to keep, documents that need filing and items that are trash. Remove everything from your desk and arrange those items into the stacks or piles. Once your drawers are completely empty, wipe out the insides with a high-quality cleaner. After the cleaner dries, carefully arrange everything back inside with a filing system. You should also take time to remove anything you have on top of your desk. Clean the surface of your desk with a good cleanser.
Most office workers do not realize the number of germs circulating through the space. Make sure that everyone cleans their mouse and keyboard with an antibacterial or disinfectant cleaner that removes any germs or bacteria. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to clean out the kitchen space, break room or any other shared spaces. Cleanse the surfaces with antibacterial cleaners that kill any germs. You can also open any windows in the office. The fresh spring air that sweeps through removes any funky or unusual smells from the space, making your work area not only look better, but smell better too. When you feel better about your work space, you might find yourself working harder.