Achieve New Year productivity with smart office storage solutions: use vertical systems, digitize files, and implement a clear desk policy to reduce clutter.
A new year is a good time to start over and get things in order. This means that for a lot of businesses, clutter is becoming a bigger problem. Messy offices, full filing cabinets, and supplies that are all over the place don't just look bad; they also make it harder to get work done, raise stress levels, and waste time looking for lost documents. The best way to get started on your New Year's decluttering mission is to set up good office storage.
When you buy smart, ergonomic, and attractive storage, you don't just make more room; you also free up mental space so your team can focus on reaching their goals for the coming year. A productive office starts with a clean one.
Making the most of space with vertical storage systems
Space is a valuable asset in any office. Too often, storage is put in the wrong places, like horizontal units that don't work well or corners that people forget about. If you want to make the most of your space, especially in smaller offices, look up.
- Tall Cabinets and Shelves: Get rid of low, wide units and replace them with floor-to-ceiling shelves or narrow, tall storage cabinets. These vertical storage systems catch the eye and make use of cubic space that would otherwise be wasted.
- Modular Units: Pick systems that can be easily changed or stacked. Because modular units let you change the layout of your storage as your business needs change, the solution is inherently future-proof.
- Wall-Mounted Solutions: Use wall space for magnetic boards, organizational pockets, and overhead cabinets for things you don't use very often. This keeps the floor clear, which makes traffic flow better and makes the room look cleaner.
Vertical solutions don't just save space; they also help keep things in order, which makes the workplace look more professional overall.
Call RJ Furniture at (847) 473-2563 for consultation!
Going Digital with Managing Documents
You can never get rid of all of your physical files, but most of the paperwork that makes your office messy can and should be digitized. To keep your home clutter-free all year long, you need a strategic plan for managing your documents.
- Scan and Shred: Make a strict "scan and shred" policy for all old and unnecessary documents. Put in place cloud-based organization systems and high-speed scanners.
- Centralized Filing: Set up a centralized, streamlined filing system for documents that need to stay physical, like legal and HR documents. Use files that are color-coded and labels that are clear and consistent. Lateral file cabinets are often better for your body and take up less space than deep vertical drawers when you have a lot of physical records.
- Accessibility vs. Storage: Make a distinction between active files (files you use every day) and archival files (files you keep for compliance). You should keep active files in drawers next to your desk, and archival files should be kept in a secure, less-accessible centralized storage area or off-site.
Combining Function and Form with Attractive Storage
Office storage solutions today don't have to be boring or look like they belong in a factory. Adding storage to the office decor boosts morale and makes people more likely to follow the rules, since people are more likely to use storage that looks nice.
- Low-profile credenzas are great for behind desks or in common areas. These give you space on the counter for printers or decorations and keep cables, toner, and equipment you don't use very often out of sight.
- Lockers and storage cubbies are important in workplaces that are collaborative or agile. Employees can keep their personal and work items safe and organized in individual lockers or storage cubbies, which keeps desks clear.
- Integrated Shelving: Use materials like wood veneer or matte finishes that match the office furniture to create shelving units that blend in with the wall or other architectural features.
Did you know?
The average office worker spends about 4.3 hours a week looking for paper documents. This is a big waste of time and money, and it also makes operations more expensive. Good storage cuts down on this wasted time by a lot.
No matter how good your office storage solutions are, they won't work unless you change your behavior. The last step in getting rid of clutter for the new year is to put in place a "clear desk policy."
By putting away all of their papers, supplies, and personal items at the end of each workday, employees are more likely to use the new storage solutions. It not only keeps the office clean, but it also makes it safer and makes it easier to clean up after hours. When the new year starts with clean desks, people expect things to stay organized.
Don't just buy random boxes; get professionally designed office storage solutions that work with your space and your workflow.
Call RJ furniture at (847) 473-2563 for a consultation and transform your office today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first three steps I should take to start decluttering my entire office?
Start by following the "Three D's": Discard (throw away true trash), Delegate (send items back to the person/department responsible for them), and Digitize (scan and shred non-essential paper files). Once this initial purge is complete, you can accurately assess your actual remaining storage needs before purchasing new furniture.
Is open shelving or closed cabinetry better for an office environment?
It depends on the purpose. Closed cabinetry (like lateral file cabinets and tall cabinets) is superior for maintaining a clean aesthetic and maximizing security, as it hides clutter and confidential files. Open shelving works best for quick access to shared resources (like binders or common supplies) or for displaying decorative elements that enhance the office's brand and culture. A balanced design uses both, with closed storage dominating high-clutter areas.
