As a seasoned professional, I’ve learned quite a few things about office organization over the years. But the most important lesson? There are certain items you should never store in your office, no matter how convenient it may seem at the time. They will only lead to clutter, distractions, and sometimes even embarrassment. Here are the top 11 things I wish I’d never stored in my office. Let’s dive right in.
1. Personal Items
Though it’s tempting to make your workspace feel like a home away from home, too much personal stuff can be a distraction. We all need a little bit of personal touch in our offices to make us feel comfortable. But too many personal items can make your office look cluttered and unprofessional. For instance, I once had an entire shelf dedicated to my love for Star Wars, complete with action figures and movie posters. It was fun for a while, but it became a distraction. People were always stopping by to look at it, and I found myself spending more time talking about Star Wars than work. Keep your personal items to a minimum and ensure they don’t become a distraction.
2. Old Project Files
Old project files may seem important, but they often just take up valuable space. If you’re not careful, your office can quickly become a graveyard of old files and documents that you’ll never look at again. I learned this the hard way when my office became overwhelmed with old files. I was saving everything, thinking I might need it again someday. But when that day came, I couldn’t find what I needed among the clutter. Now, I scan important documents and save them digitally. It’s a much more efficient use of space.
3. Snacks
Stocking your office with snacks seems like a good idea. After all, who doesn’t get hungry during a long workday? But keeping snacks in your office can lead to mindless eating and weight gain. I used to keep a drawer full of snacks in my office. But I found that I was snacking all day, even when I wasn’t hungry. Now, I keep a water bottle and some healthy snacks like fruits and nuts, which are better options for maintaining energy levels throughout the day.
4. Unnecessary Gadgets
It’s easy to get caught up in the latest gadgets and tech. But unless it’s something that you use daily, it’s probably just taking up space and creating clutter in your office. I’ve been guilty of this, buying the latest tech gadgets thinking they would make my work life easier. But most of them ended up collecting dust on my desk. Now, I stick to the essentials and keep my workspace clean and clutter-free.
5. Expired Coupons and Old Receipts
Keeping expired coupons and old receipts in your office can create clutter and make it hard to find important documents. Plus, it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever need them again. I used to keep all my receipts and coupons in a drawer in my office. But it quickly filled up and became a mess. Now, I only keep receipts for big-ticket items and scan the rest. As for coupons, I use an app on my phone to store them digitally.
6. Broken Office Supplies
Broken office supplies are just clutter. If it’s broken and can’t be fixed, toss it. If it can be fixed, fix it or get someone to fix it for you as soon as possible. I used to save broken pens, hoping I’d find time to fix them. But I never did. They just took up space and created clutter. Now, I toss broken items right away.
7. Dirty Dishes
Leaving dirty dishes in your office is not only unhygienic, but it can also attract pests. Always take your dishes to the kitchen and wash them as soon as you’re done using them. I once left a coffee mug in my office over the weekend. When I came back on Monday, it was full of mold. It was disgusting and a lesson well learned.
8. Old Magazines and Newspapers
Old magazines and newspapers can quickly pile up and create clutter. If you’re done reading them, recycle them or pass them on to a colleague. I used to have stacks of old magazines and newspapers in my office. But they just collected dust and took up space. Now, I read most of my news online and only keep a few select magazines for reference.
9. Uncomfortable Furniture
Uncomfortable furniture can lead to back pain and other health issues. Invest in ergonomic furniture that supports good posture. I once had a chair that was so uncomfortable, I ended up with back pain. Now, I have an ergonomic chair and desk, and it’s made a world of difference.
10. Unused Electronics
Unused electronics take up space and create clutter. If you’re not using it, sell it or donate it. I once had an old printer that I never used. It took up a lot of space and collected dust. Now, I only keep electronics that I use regularly.
11. Too Many Books
While it’s great to have a library of reference material, too many books can make your office feel cluttered and cramped. Keep only the books you refer to regularly and donate the rest. I once had so many books in my office, I could barely move. Now, I keep a select few on my desk and the rest on a bookshelf at home. It’s made my office feel much more open and spacious.
