This time of year, many businesses slow down and take care of the annoying tasks they haven’t had time to deal with all year. Some people are still wrapping up loose ends, finalizing contracts and planning ahead for next year, but for the most part, businesses are getting ready to enjoy the break between Christmas and New Year’s.
Those few quiet days are the perfect time to clear out your home office and get organized. Start with these tips:
- Don’t try to organize everything in one day. Your home office didn’t get to the point where it is now, overnight, so it will take time to get your office back in shape. If you try to do everything at once, you run the risk of getting discouraged and giving up altogether.
- Break the job down into manageable chunks and tackle one thing at a time. Toss (recycle) old magazines and papers you’ll never refer to again. Also, move extra furniture, old sports equipment and anything else that isn’t helping you with your business, out of your home office.
- Make a list. Take note of everything you want to accomplish during your organizing project and reward yourself for each task you finish. Chocolate can be a strong motivator.
- Make a list of supplies you need including extra printer cartridges and printer paper. While you’re doing a mini inventory, take out any supplies that you haven’t used in years and donate them.
The most important tip of all? Pour yourself a cup of coffee, take advantage of the slower pace of each day, and enjoy the holidays.
Well done Lisa, this is a great post. You perfectly handled the stress associated with getting organized before the start of a new year. As we look forward to the coming year, we cannot help but wish that things will be best for us. The only way is to take stock of the previous day and organize for the upcoming year.
You handled that well Lisa.
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Thanks, Martin. I’m glad you like this post. Planning ahead and organizing are great ways to reduce stress and avoid having to react to every crisis.
Lisa recently posted..Last-Minute Tips for End of the Year Organizing
That sounds for those who won’t be spending three days at an out-of-town family gathering. The Holidays are always the best time to get all the stuff done that you don’t have time for the rest of the year.
David @ self help blog recently posted..Mow the Lawn?
Maybe organizing is something you can do when you get back. If not, there’s always next year.
Lisa recently posted..Last-Minute Tips for End of the Year Organizing
Loving this article and this is the perfect New Years resolution because I can actually keep it.
Brandi – Keeping It Indie via Blogging Mastermind Facebook Group
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Thanks, Brandi. Good luck!
I have already done the bulk of the end of year organization because I had someone vacate a bigger room! It did give me the opportunity to clean out all of the corners. Great tips here. I am still organizing, and I take on one little piece of it a day. It is nearly done!
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You’re probably so relieved to have cleared out the stuff you never use. Congrats on your move to a bigger office and on your successful organizing project!
I especially need to make time to do the last one on the list — get that list together of supplies and things needed in my office.
Love the last tip. I think I’ll do a bit of organizing and make the fresh cup of coffee my reward.
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Sounds good! Coffee makes everything easier.
Lisa recently posted..Last-Minute Tips for End of the Year Organizing
Great tips. I am always trying to be more organized, but it is tough. I am just going to start throwing out as much as possible in the office. I save papers that I don’t need only to not be able to find the ones that I do need! Not smart.
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