So far, we’ve considered time management vs. energy management and the mindset attributes for increasing our energy and productivity in our work environment. This article will offer specific strategies for increasing our productivity.

All you have to do is turn on the radio or TV to hear the advertisement inviting us to get organized in this New Year. Lowe’s, Home Depot, the Container Store, etc. are after us to organize, minimize, and declutter our home, our workspace, and our lives. Each business is fully stocked with items to assist us with our efforts – files, folders, containers large and small, envelopes, labels, etc. While there is benefit in decluttering all aspects of our home, the focus of this article will concentrate on decluttering our office workspace.

Professionals recommend that if decluttering and organizing is on your New Year’s resolutions list, you might start by visualizing your end goal – “What will it look like when you have it like you want it?” Then, at some point, you’ve got to go from dreaming to taking action. Professional organizers recommend that you begin small – with tasks that take only an hour or two to complete. For example, just focusing on a clear inbox can make you feel more efficient and can boost your productivity levels.

Tackling smaller areas of your office can give you a sense of accomplishment that motivates you to continue organizing. There’s nothing less motivating than trying to get work done in an office that’s messy and disorganized. If that sounds a little too familiar, check out these quick and easy decluttering tips for your office that will help make it a productivity center.

As you get ready to start the decluttering process, it helps to have a system in place that you can use as you clean and reorganize. One simple, straightforward option is the “Four-Box Method” — using four boxes or storage bins, you can streamline your decluttering job. Here’s a breakdown of how just four boxes can make tackling a cluttered room a breeze.

• Box 1: Trash

This will be your designated trash dump. Any items you want to get rid of that aren’t worth donating or selling go here.

• Box 2: Give Away/Sell

This box is for items that are still in OK condition, but that your office no longer needs — like old books, manuals, or cords for example. Giving them away, donating them, or selling them are all possibilities for re-cycling.

• Box 3: Storage

This box is for things that you prefer not to get rid of, but that you do not need on a day-to-day basis (e.g., things like annual presentations or additional office supplies, etc.).

• Box 4: Put Away

Lastly, this box is for any items that need to be kept in your office, but relocated to their proper place. If you want to get really organized, you can have a few smaller boxes — one each for places like your filing cabinet, desk drawer, or bookshelf — and sort misplaced items into their “homes” to save yourself time later.

The Four-Box Method will get you going. Then, you can work each box. Common to most of our boxes will be documents and papers. If your desk is barely visible thanks to a jumble of papers, here’s a strategy for sorting through them. Make three piles: one for papers to shred or toss, one for documents to file away, and one for things you need to take action on. If most of your work-related documents are digital, spend some time organizing and cleaning those up, as well. Even though digital clutter isn’t visible, it can be just as detrimental to your productivity.

When it comes to your desk drawers – Organize according to what items you use most frequently. For example, you might fill your topmost drawer with everyday items — like a notepad, pens or phone charger — while the bottom drawer is home to things like your hole punch or envelopes. Within each drawer, have the most used items towards the front for easy access.

What about those unruly cords and cables? Just the thought of a tangled knot of cords can be stressful — and your home office is the last place you want to feel stressed. One of the easiest decluttering tips for a home office is tying cords and cables together with zip ties so they stay together and look more streamlined. Then, you can tape or hook them under or behind your desk so they’re out of sight and out of mind.”

What’s your best strategy for decluttering your office and increasing your productivity?