It’s not something we think about all too often, but periodically any office needs to look holistically at how things run and how much stuff is accumulating and do a bit of spring cleaning! Below are a few tips and tricks.
Get rid of stuff
This is the cardinal rule of spring cleaning. You need to triage and figure out what’s actually needed in a space and what’s not. No room will be both organized and overfilled. Long-term is key here – if you have files that are no longer needed, put them in external storage or remove them. If you have too much furniture, get rid of it. At the end of the day, if you don’t practice this decision-making process well, none of the other organizing you do will make a long-term difference.
Establish limits
To follow up on the first step, set reasonable limits for what gets added in the future. Don’t remove items just to re-buy them in a month.
Sort catch-all spaces
This can be painful, but if you have cabinets or drawers which presently serve as catch-alls, organize those early in the process. Don’t wait until the end. Get those knick-knacks, holiday decor, long-term storage items, etc. organized as much as it can be, and try to move some items from there into spaces where those items more permanently belong.
Set up short-term storage spaces
If you don’t have them in offices already, add baskets where items can be placed for short-term storage. Add hooks for clothing as well, so that your employees can have a place to put overcoats, spare clothing (for industries where that’s a necessity), etc.
Move items out of arms’ reach that don’t belong
If you don’t need to reach for something 10 times every day, it doesn’t belong within arms’ reach on your desk.
Deep clean
Disinfect your office. This, after all, is your opportunity to get things cleaned out. So do it right. Dust everything. Wipe everything with disinfectant. It’s important for your employees’ long-term health. Here’s a good checklist for deep cleaning you may want to refer to.
Don’t forget digital spaces
It’s important to clear up the crux that accumulates in an office, but keep in mind that there are likely digital spaces that also need a spring cleaning. Be sure to take care of that as well! You’ll feel better once it’s done!
It is nice that you recommended wiping everything with a disinfectant in your office and organizing items with a long-term mindset. My husband’s office is needing to do some spring cleaning and is looking for some helpful tips. I’d imagine that hiring an office cleaning service could make sure it’s done well and properly.
I personally believe that commercial spaces must hire a cleaning service that will be able to keep their working environment neat. Well, you’re right about the importance of wiping everything with disinfectant. I also agree with you that offices must get rid of the unnecessary items.