Organize Your Workspace
Your challenge today is to organize your workspace. This will make things easier to find and will cut down on your frustration. You especially need to do this if you look for longer than a half hour for something you need or if people are hesitant to meet with you in your office because of the mess.
Declutter. Go through everything. Get rid of what you don’t need. Organize what you do need and put it away. If you need something once a year or less (like supplies for a Christmas musical or an old VBS), pack it in a well labeled box. Store these boxes in one place, so you don’t go looking for them when you need them.
Establish Work Zones. You will have your main work area (your desk and computer), your data area (filing cabinet), your supply area (extra paper, pens, curriculum, books, etc.), and your storage area (well labeled boxes with supplies you don’t need often).
Revise Your File System. If you keep paper files, think about color coding them according to category. Also include a file drawer in your desk for current projects you are working on. You also might want to include a meeting file and an urgent file. For computer and digital files, create folders in your directory to make looking for things easier. You also might want to create file folders for you emails. MS OneNote and Evernote are two great programs to help you organize things. They are set up like a filing system.
Take advantage of the digital age. Link your computer calendar, to do lists, and email accounts between your computer, I-phone, and other digital devices.
Gather tools. Make sure you have all the tools you need close at hand such as a stapler, scotch tape, printer, rubber bands, etc.
Organize your desktop. Use trays and containers for things you need on top of your desk.
Save your back and neck. Get the right chair at the right height. If you can’t touch the floor, use a box or small stool to place your feet. You monitor should be eye level, and your keyboard should be elbow level. Also sit up straight. These small fixes will keep your back and neck from hurting.
