With all this talk about improving your productivity and keeping yourself on top of your workload, one is forced to consider their organization methods. While some of your methods may be highly effective, there are probably a few that are not. Read on for 10 quick tips to keep yourself organized at work and home.

  1. Make Lists. Lists are your new best friend. Writing down everything you have to do in a day will help you remember, as well as keep track of your progress with each task. This will not only keep you organized, but will give you a sense of accomplishment every time you scratch something off your list. When you first get to work, open a text file and write down all the things you need to do that day. Just seeing it in front of you will help with your time management.
  2. Prioritize. After you’ve made that text file list, write it down on paper in order of priority. This way, you know what you need to start with, and what you should really put your attention on.
  3. Time Yourself. A good way to know what you’re capable of is to time how long it takes you to complete each task. For people who offer quotes to their customers, this helps you to provide them with an accurate quote, which will keep your customer happy. For those who don’t provide quotes, it will offer you a better sense of how much you can do in a day, so that you don’t end up overloading yourself.
  4. Use a White Board. White boards are a great way to keep random information you need, without wasting pages and pages of paper. Keeping a standard paper-sized dry-erase sheet with a dry erase marker will give you a place to write down the information that you need to refer to for specific projects, but won’t need later on in the day. At the end of the day, write down any of the information on the white board you’ll need later on paper, and fully erase your board. Nothing is nicer than starting the next day with a clean slate.
  5. Avoid Multi-Tasking. For most people over 30, it’s a challenge to stay focused while multi-tasking. While the 20-somethings are more adapted to multi-tasking than the older generation, it still reduces productivity and can mean your work isn’t completed to the best of you ability.
  6. Use File Management. While this is something very important for people like graphic designers, it is just as important for the everyday employee using a computer. Keeping your files organized will reduce the amount of time it takes you to find the file you need, and will make it easier for others to find files on your computer when you’re out of the office. Besides, nothing is more frustrating than opening your “My Documents” folder and having to scroll though the whole list of junk you have saved.
  7. Manage Your E-mail & Phone Calls. One of the hardest parts of keeping yourself on track is the constant interruptions. E-mails and phone calls come whenever they feel like, which leaves you dropping whatever you may be working on to answer them. When completing something of utmost importance, ignore your e-mail, and let your calls go to voicemail. After you’ve completed your task, check both and respond ASAP.
  8. Reduce Clutter. A problem that many people have is difficulty finding things in their workspace. Keeping your desk organized is just as important as file management. Without it, you would be sitting in a pile of papers with no idea where to find anything. For your sanity’s sake, keep your workspace clutter-free to help keep you more organized. Not only will this make you happier, it will reduce your stress level!
  9. Spend 5-10 minutes cleaning. At the end of the day, spend the last 5-10 minutes re-organizing your desk for the next day. If you know there’s something specific you want to focus on the next day, keep that on the top of your pile of folders. This will help your day following to start much smoother.
  10. Use ONE Organizing Tool. As much as people push these electronic organizing tools (calendars, PDAs, etc.), you have to use one that will work for you. The best way to keep yourself organized is to keep all your information in one place, so try to use one tool instead of 3. If you don’t have a PDA and can’t access your electronic organizer from your cell phone or from home, maybe it’s not the best method. I personally prefer to use an everyday paper planner, just because I can keep it in my purse and have it at my fingertips at all times.