You are confused about the mounting business because the deadline is near, but the task is not yet complete. After a few minutes of reading textbooks or preparing a financial budget, jotting down important information, and making clippings or accounting reports, you'll need to use a stapler and scissors, but they're missing somewhere! Behind the laptop screen, nothing! On the kitchen table, nothing! After walking to and fro for 5 minutes, you start to get frustrated. Many people have experienced this. When you are very busy due to a pile of tasks, a messy workspace can be a nightmare. This article provides great tips for setting your desk, organizing your workspace, and getting things ready to keep you focused and productive.
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Method 1 of 4: Setting Up the Workbench
Step 1. Prepare the equipment needed for work
Place the computer, keyboard, mouse, and stationary case on the table. If you don't have a table lamp, make sure there is a bright enough lamp in the room. Also prepare other work equipment as needed. If you suffer from allergies, keep 1 pack of tissues on the table. If you often neglect your meal schedule, try to have a wall clock or table clock in the room. Make sure the equipment you use every day is on the table.
- If you want to study, place a stack of blank note cards and a calculator on the table.
- Before work or study, prepare a room freshener that smells pleasant because fragrances can stimulate the brain. While studying, associate the smells in the room with the material being studied to make it easier to remember. While working, your favorite scent makes you feel good and it's easier to concentrate.
- You can put a shelf on the table to put the HVS paper you use every day. Otherwise, save the paper elsewhere.
- If you want to place other equipment, such as a masking tape dispenser, consider the area of the table and the frequency with which it will be used. You are free to choose the work equipment you want to put on the table because there are no provisions that regulate this.
Step 2. Move or throw away items that are no longer used
A tidy desk makes it easier for you to concentrate. So, collect things and paper that is not needed, then throw it in the trash. If there are purses, car keys, or accessories on the table, move them elsewhere. Usually, you need 5-10 stationary while working. So, move the unused stationary.
Tables are a bit messy no big deal. Many people feel uncomfortable if the table is empty. Make sure the table setting allows you to work well. Try to make the atmosphere of the room suitable for work, rather than like a place to relax or a warehouse
Step 3. Place table lamps, stationery, and other equipment in a certain place on the table
Gather the stationery you need, then put it in a container so it's ready to be used when needed. If possible, place a table lamp, stationery, stapler, and tape dispenser side by side in one corner of the table to keep the table tidy and there is still room for other equipment.
If you write with your right hand, place the equipment on the left side of the table or vice versa. That way, you can use the table freely without sliding the chair or bumping the writing utensil
Step 4. Clean the desk drawer and tidy up its contents by collecting similar items
If you are using a desk (or shelf) with drawers, remove the contents. Clean the drawers for paper debris or dust, then throw away anything you don't need. Move the unused drawer contents to another room. Then, collect similar items according to their use or function, then store them in a drawer or container. Use drawer dividers so that grouped items don't get mixed up again!
- For example, put pens, pencils, and markers in the first drawer, a second drawer for storing HVS paper, and a third drawer for other supplies (such as a calculator, stapler, and masking tape dispenser).
- If you have a lot of crafts or other activities, put a divider in the drawer to keep the tools from getting mixed up. In addition, you can store your paintbrushes in the first drawer, watercolors in the second, and other tools (such as pencils and painting palettes) in the third.
Step 5. Remove unused and personal items to keep the table spacious
Souvenirs and family photos can be motivating, but they can also interfere with concentration, and even reduce the ability to understand information and focus on what is being done. If you don't mind, move your souvenirs, photos, and decorations elsewhere so you can use your desk for work.
If you want to put something that is not related to work/study, choose a photo or souvenir
Step 6. Use digital documents to replace reminders written on Post-It paper or notes
Consider the option of using digital documents if the desk is full of paper or the corkboard is full of pins and meetings are scheduled. Move all notes containing scheduled and due tasks to your computer by scanning the calendar, installing the to-do application, or using the Word program.
If you prefer to use self-adhesive paper, move your notes to the desktop by activating/installing a program for taking notes (for Windows users)
Step 7. Hide cable connections and tidy up messy cables
Place the cable connection behind or under the table so that it is not visible. If the cable is hanging behind the desk, tie it with a cord or velcro cable tie. If the cable is very long, replace it with a similar shorter cable or tie the cable to make it look neat.
- Purchase a clip to clamp the plug in the corner of the table when not in use. This is especially useful if you have lots of chargers and USB ports that you use only occasionally, but shouldn't be left plugged in.
- If needed, a wireless keyboard and mouse is a great option to keep your desk tidy and reduce cable clutter!
Step 8. Set aside 20 minutes per week to tidy up the table
Sometimes, things on the table get messy after use because you are very busy. Therefore, return stationery and work equipment to their original place by taking 20 minutes per week to tidy up the desk. This tip is especially useful if you work online, but don't have time to tidy up your desk every day.
Use reminders on your phone or laptop so you don't forget to tidy up your desk
Method 2 of 4: Organizing Workspace
Step 1. Place the table some distance from the door so you don't get distracted
You can get distracted when a family member or roommate is talking near the door if the table is right next to the door. As a result, it seems as if you don't have a workspace because the position of the desk is far from the corner of the room. In addition, you can take the equipment you need when you walk to the table so that you are more ready to work.
Many people prefer to sit facing the door while working. Sitting against a wall can trigger claustrophobia. The room feels much more cramped if you keep your eyes on the wall directly behind the computer screen or at the edge of the desk
Step 2. Take advantage of the sun by adjusting the position of the table
If you work in a windowed room, find out where the windows are exposed to the sun. Place a table near the window so that you sit facing the window or at the same level as the window. The sunlight that enters through the windows makes the room brighter so you are more energized and productive at work.
If the workspace has no windows, sit facing the door left open. Thus, you can take advantage of lighting from outside
Step 3. Prepare a comfortable workspace by installing carpets, laying plants, or providing bookshelves if needed
Some people prefer to choose a very minimalist room without additional furniture. You can provide a bookshelf in the room if you want to put the books you need as a reference. Lay out a rug with an interesting pattern and some potted plants if needed, but don't let the room look overcrowded.
You can hang a painting or photo on the wall. It's a good idea to decorate the wall behind the seat instead of the wall in front of the table to make it easier for you to concentrate
Step 4. Make sure the arrangement of the room keeps you productive at work
Before placing the furniture, ask yourself, "Can this furniture improve work performance?" If the answer is "no", don't bring it in. Luxurious corner tables, extra chairs, magazine racks, and empty cabinets make the room feel full. You don't need it when you're not using it or making the room feel uncomfortable.
Don't put the TV in your workspace unless you're a stockbroker or journalist who needs to keep tabs on the latest news
Step 5. Determine the ideal place to work if there is no separate room for this purpose
You can still prepare a place to work even if you don't use a separate room. Use a certain corner or area in the house (may also be in the bedroom). Place your desk against a wall so you don't get distracted and feel like you're in a special room for work.
- If in the house there is an empty cubicle that is quite spacious, use it as a workspace. You can close the door if you need to receive guests!
- If needed, hang curtains or place a partition as a room divider.
- When buying a table, choose one that matches the furniture in the house so it doesn't stand out.
Method 3 of 4: Setting Up a Place to Store Items
Step 1. Set up a hanging shelf above the table if the workspace is limited by a wall
If you are short on space to store things, prepare a hanging shelf near the table so you can easily get the things you need. This step is especially useful if you're using a desk with no drawers and no place to put cabinets, but there's ample wall space. In addition, you are more focused on work because the equipment placed on the wall shelf serves as an easily visible reminder.
- Several hanging shelves above the table are very useful for storing lots of reference books if you are working online.
- In addition to hanging shelves, use a pegboard (a container attached with pegs to a perforated board) to store stationery and other supplies.
Step 2. Set up shelves under the table to put HVS papers and documents for easy retrieval
If you need a lot of HVS forms, documents or papers at work, but you have limited storage space, buy shelves at a furniture store. Load HVS paper and documents into the rack, then push them under the table out of sight and save space. That way, paper doesn't pile up on the table and you don't have to leave your seat to retrieve documents from the cupboard when needed.
Wheel shelves are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. So, buy a shelf that can accommodate work equipment and match the room decor
Step 3. Prepare a filing cabinet in case you need to store stacked paper
Although it may seem a bit old-fashioned, filing cabinets can be the best solution if you use a lot of paper at work. Buy hanging folders of various colors to store all the files. For example, put tax documents into a yellow folder, paperwork into a red folder, and customer information into a blue folder. Label each folder so it's easy to find when needed.
- In addition to using folders of various colors, another way to label folders is to include keywords, then arrange them alphabetically.
- If possible, purchase a filing cabinet that is the same height as the tabletop so that it can be used as a desk extension if the cabinet is placed next to the desk.
- The top side of the filing cabinet is the perfect place for a printer. The width of the top side of the filing cabinet is usually the same as the length of the printer.
Method 4 of 4: Organizing Work Equipment
Step 1. Prepare a table that is quite spacious and there is a place to store work equipment
You don't need a lot of drawers if most of your documents are stored on your computer. If you work as a lawyer or accountant, you may need to prepare lots of drawers to store piles of letters and other documents. Measure the area of the room with a tape measure, then determine where to put the table. When buying a desk, choose one that matches the decor of the workspace.
The shape and size of the workbench is very diverse. The director's desk is very large and has lots of drawers so it can be the best option. If you prefer a simple table, buy a minimalist desk without drawers. The writing desk is perfect for those of you who only use a laptop while working
Step 2. Prepare a comfortable, ergonomic, height-adjustable office chair
Poor posture when sitting can take a toll on your comfort even if you work in a very tidy room. Choose a chair that is comfortable and has a lumbar support. Make sure you use an ergonomic chair and the height can be adjusted so that you can sit with both feet flat on the floor. A comfortable chair with armrests can prevent back pain so you can work well all day long!
Do not buy office chairs through websites. Take the time to choose an office chair at a furniture store so you can try it out before you buy. Office chairs are manufactured to very diverse specifications and everyone has different preferences. Don't assume that you'll like a chair purchased through a website just because the buyers gave them great reviews
Step 3. Prepare a table lamp that can be adjusted and according to the size of the table
Look for a lamp whose pole can be bent to adjust the position of the lamp or the light can be dimmed. Before buying a lamp, consider the intensity of the sun or the light of the existing room lights. Don't buy a very large or very bright table lamp if you don't need it.
- You are free to determine whether or not to use a table lamp. You don't need it if the sun or room lights are bright enough.
- Place 1-2 lamps in the corner of the room so you don't need to use a table lamp.
Step 4. Position the computer screen so that it is at eye level and place the keyboard horizontally on the table
Sit in a chair looking straight ahead. By now, you should be looking at the top side of the computer screen. If not, adjust the height of the computer screen or place it on the monitor stand so that it is higher so that the neck does not hurt. Make sure the keyboard is horizontal on the table or slide it slightly forward. Your wrists don't relax if you use the keyboard tilted up.
- Try to keep the distance between the computer screen and your eyes about 50 cm. If it's too far away, you'll need to move your head forward while reading the text on the computer screen. Eyes get tired quickly if the monitor is too close.
- If you are using a laptop, buy a laptop stand to position the monitor. Also, you can use a second keyboard and mouse to keep your wrist relaxed.
- Buy computer screen blue light glasses so your eyes don't get tired if you work on a computer for more than 3 hours a day.
