messy-officeThis post is sponsored by the Staples brand products that help your small business stock up for less.

Your office is a mess. It’s hard for you to focus and get anything done. Don’t fool yourself; a cluttered desk is never a good sign. Becoming more productive doesn’t have to cost you a fortune as long as you follow a few basic steps. As the weather gets warmer in the spring, it’s the perfect time to increase your productivity. The following tips can help you maximize your organization on a budget.

Here is how to do it:

Purge. Clear everything off your desk except your computer monitor, keyboard and mouse. (To save space, any separate computer unit should be placed on the floor). Only items that are used or referenced on a daily basis need to be actually on your desk. Everything else can be stored somewhere else in your office.

Buy a desk and the chair that adjusts. These are two critical components in your office. The desk needs to be the right height and have enough open working space. The chair should be comfortable so it does not distract from your work. I recommend the green Staples Bonley Mesh Chair which has a large number of adjustment options and is a value for under $170. The pop of green also makes a style statement in your office.

Use a landing space. Create an area on your desk for anything coming into your office that has not been reviewed. It should not leave this space until it is acted upon and then filed, scanned or destroyed.

Create computer work and non-computer work zones. These should be two separate areas in your office. The non-computer work zone should be a place away from the monitor and keyboard so any electronic notifications do not become distracting while working.

Fill the reading folder. You will get longer periodicals that you want to read later. Put them in this file so they can be referenced on your commute, a longer wait or during air travel. Destroy or file specific articles after reading them.

Construct a filing system. This is for the things that just can’t be stored electronically. Use a Staples File Box which can be sealed so things to do not fall out and get lost. All items also need to be labeled effectively so they can be found once they are filed. Use Staples Hype! Pen Style Highlighters to color code each item for easier reference. Every piece of paper should have a discard date when it is no longer needed.

Get a big trash can. Remember to keep a clear desk. Don’t clutter it up again. Part of the end of everyday should be used to purge it again. A big trash can help daily to clean up since the business world is still filled with lots of paper that needs to be thrown away once it is reviewed.

What tips do you have for getting your office in order this spring?