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Len Babauta of Zen Habits has an excellent on Unclutterer on how to create a minimalist workspace. In essence, the best minimalist workspace actually involves using no tools at all, with only yourself and mind as your work “space.” However, since that is not possible for most folks, Len has a few tips on how to maximize space with minimum clutter.

1. Have one inbox.
2. Clear your desktop.
3. Get rid of knick knacks.
4. Clear the walls.
5. Clear your computer desktop.
6. Re-examine your paper needs.
7. Eliminate unnecessary tools.
8. Simplify your filing.
9. Go through each drawer.
10. Use a minimalist desk.
11. Clear the floor.

While most of these tips are most appropriate to folks who actually use desks for work, it can also apply to those of us who don’t. For instance, writers, bloggers or online entrepreneurs might be accustomed to bringing their laptops anywhere they go. So the trick here is to keep a clean, streamlined computer desktop with no clutter. I know I usually fall victim to a cluttered desktop, cluttered task bar and browser windows cluttered with tabs. And these are a few things I’d like to be able to fix so I can be more productive.

[via Unclutterer]

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As far as being able to be productive, it is apparent that you have to make sure that most of your working space peripherals are where they should be. There are things we see atop and alongside our tables and if we really give them much thought, they were placed there for a reason, namely:

1. Desk Calendars
2. In/Out Tray
3. Pen/ Pencil Holders
4. Drawers
5. Filing Cabinets
6. Magazine Boxes

Now these things were not placed there just to give you that usual office ambiance. They are there so you may know where to place objects such as papers, reports and other office stuff like pens, paper clips and folders. Having a clean desk allows you to be more productive since it will not look like a war zone wherein your cubicle seems to be always in shamble.

The key towards being inspired to work is knowing where the things you need like documents and office supplies. It takes away the need to look for them, something that may eventually lead you to forget what you are doing or even eat up the time you have in being able to accomplish a certain task.

There are exceptions. Some people prefer to leave their working place as it is even if it is a mess. But while that may depend on the person using a specific working place, it is not always consistent. Hence, in the end, it would depend on how he or she is willing to adjust accordingly to the proper work routine that can optimize his work output and production.

Do not take for granted the value of a clean and organized workplace. It can make a bid difference. Employing a basic and systematic way of carrying out your office tasks and work-related endeavors can help you a lot. In fact, it can hold the key to working smarter and becoming a reliable career-oriented individual as well.

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