Comments on: 5 Questions To Help Organize Your Desk

By: Susan Sedro

Susan Sedro — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:11:28 +0000

Thank you for this extremely useful article. They way you’ve written it, as an analysis of your own desk is inspiring me to tackle my own desk tomorrow when I reach work.

By: Ched

Ched — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 04:37:59 +0000

I find that I’m less productive when my desk is a mess. I just can’t seem to organize my mind when all I see is clutter. I’m always looking for ways to make things neat since I can’t seem to keep my table tidy for too long. Hopefully these tips work.

I try to get back on track as soon as possible when things get out of control, so I’m always looking for quick ways to reorganize.

By: Marie

Marie — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:09:11 +0000

I used to subscribe to tons of magazines. I have found RSS feeds to be pretty amazing. They have replaced most of the things that I use magazines for .

By: Clare

Clare — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:34:24 +0000

Good stuff. You’ve helped me realise that my desk is actually so cluttered, I can hardly work on it. It’s not mess, it’s 1 computer with monitor on top, 1 printer, 1 eight slot A4 paper holder with scanner on top, 1 (overflowing) three tier A4 filing tray, 1 laptop, 1 usb hub, 1 pen holder, 1 telephone answering machine, 1 sellotape dispensor, 1 busness card holder, 1 coaster, 1 framed picture – and that’s just the permanent stuff.

Thank you so much for the nudge to do something about this situation – in the past 5 minutes I’ve already decided to put a 6ft shelf over the radiator to take some of this clutter. I want my desk back!

By: Jamie Ross (Mining Man)

Jamie Ross (Mining Man) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 09:51:51 +0000

Love that sticky note three strike idea Steve!

By: Marko @ CalmGrowth

Marko @ CalmGrowth — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:44:25 +0000

Once I did my job with the desk »”>messy desk. I thought like this “Why do I need a neat desk, is not more important to do the job for which I paid, rather than waste time in organizing the desk”

However, when I began to organize my desk, my productivity was increased, and so I realized the importance of organized desk. It was a long time ago, but I did not forget the lesson…

Yes, organizing desk requires effort and takes time, but this investment pays off!

This is a good clear article, I like it, because these five questions can be used by almost anyone to increase productivity.

By: Jamie Martin - Professional Organizer

Jamie Martin - Professional Organizer — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:16:38 +0000

I usually keep my desk pretty clear. Back in my corporate days, my desk was so clear that my messy/ADD boss always thought I was not doing anything. She couldn’t understand why I only had one folder open on my desk. Hmmm…

I like your sticky note idea! Sometimes just putting a number to it will make you realize the task is not that big after all.

So was writing this post a way to procrastinate the desk clearing you need to do or was it a way to motivate yourself?

By: Steve Moore

Steve Moore — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:54:28 +0000

I have a tickler file system with file folders labeled as 1st week (of the month), 2nd week…next month. I have thought of this possibility. If a piece of paper, article, etc. get’s moved from a file folder to another one, it gets a strike on a sticky note or page. When it gets three strikes it goes in the trash.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:58:42 +0000

This is a way to declutter your desk, which isn’t necessarily the same as organising it.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:54:42 +0000

Lots of good tips here. There is no way anyone can really be productive if their desk is a mess. I try to keep mine as clear a possible but there is usually some of my current work lying around on it.

I like the idea of audio books and books in pdf format – I feel like I am doing my bit to save the world while I am also saving on shelf space.

By: Craig Thomas

Craig Thomas — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:52:56 +0000

I’m quite a follower of minimalism, so my desk is pretty much bare. But, when it does get cluttered up – I have a strong urge to clean it. If not, I’d be a right messy bast**d. lol Nice post btw, some sound advice, especially more space – always a winner.

By: DanGTD

DanGTD — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:40:59 +0000

Great tips.
I guess I have to work more on number 4, I really like a minimalist set-up but somehow it becomes cluttered and distracting after a week. Gadgets and cords, especially

By: Jamie Ross (Mining Man)

Jamie Ross (Mining Man) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:26:25 +0000

I got five yes’s!!

I need to start running my desk like I run my email – keep it clear, and respond to things immediately as they come in. Even if this response is to put it in the “To Do Later” pile, it needs to go somewhere.

I like the idea of the sticky note on items for action saying how long they’ll take to address.

By: Sid Savara

Sid Savara — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:11:32 +0000

Hey Mark,

I love audio books and ebooks – totally help me save space by not having the physical copy.

I do miss the ability to dog ear and markup pages, but it’s not that big a deal. I just carry a small notebook where I write down my thoughts as I’m reading or listening

The problem I have now is that before, when I had too many books, I could *see* that I had too many books and deal with it. With practically infinite storage space, now I don’t have any reason to clear my digital clutter. My “Todo” and “Someday” lists of books, as well as my Amazon Wishlist, is massive and continues to grow

At this rate there is no way I can finish all of them ;)