A few of my customers recently have been hit by the decluttering bug and have been inspired by my blog Declutter your office and your business. There are a few times in the year when it seems to hit people – September, end of the year going into the new year and Spring time.
It always gets me towards the end of the year, looking back and wanting to clear excess before the start of the new year. I do it in my home in general but it’s especially nice in the office where I inevitably spend much of my day.
If you’re keen to declutter but you’re struggling to know where to start or you just want a quick clear out of excess items, I’ve put together a list of 50 things you can throw out of your office right now.
It’s a mix of actual physical things plus digital clutter as every thing seems to pile up in rooms, on computers and on phones.
But as before, please don’t just throw away. Where possible, try to recycle, upcycle, take to charity, gift to others.
- Old computers
- Old printers
- Pens that don’t work
- Business cards – file them or add to your database
- Old magazines and catalogues
- Old batteries
- Broken phone chargers
- Used ink cartridges
- Delete emails from years and years ago
- Unsubscribe from emails from stores you never shop at
- Delete spam emails
- CDs you don’t use
- Markers that have dried out
- Old mobile phones
- Old phone covers
- Free promotional items you’ll never use
- Free promotional bags you’ll never use
- Junk mail
- Business books you’ve never read or won’t read again
- Manuals – most can be viewed online
- Office furniture you no longer use
- Packaging from electronics
- Old paper work
- Excess paper work – file, scan or shred
- Old receipts
- Old calendars
- Old diaries or planners
- Old debit/credit/loyalty cards
- Out of date vouchers and gift cards
- Cancel digital services you no longer use
- Dead or dying plants
- Unused cables and wires
- Outdated electronics – ipods
- Delete apps you no longer use
- Duplicates of anything – staplers, rulers, hole punch
- Old hand cream
- Knick knacks that just take up space
- Delete old texts and contacts
- Delete bad or blurred pictures
- Delete screenshots and duplicates
- Product samples
- Greetings cards unless sentimental
- Anything broken – lamps, ornaments
- Unused storage boxes or files
- Anything that doesn’t belong in your office
- Gadgets you never use
- Old batteries
- Excess picture frames
- Anything you don’t need or use regularly
- Anything you’re keeping ‘Just in case’
And finally
Now that you have a sparkling, tidy office, have a peek at my blog 8 easy ways to create a happier, healthier workspace. Now that all the excess clutter is gone, you can concentrate on creating yourself a workspace you absolutely love and you actually want to spend time in.
Can you think of anything else to add to the list above?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Liz x
