The 2017 Office Organizing Guide

To operate at peak performance levels, you've gotta stay well organized and efficient. Today on the OfficeAnything.com blog we'll teach you how to do just that. The tips, product suggestions, and organizational strategies provided here will have you ready to rock your work day.

The Basics:

First things first, you need to take a couple hours to purge and clean your workspace. Go through your old file cabinet drawers to remove any unused and expired documents. Once purged, remove your existing files one drawer at a time, returning them in the correct order. There's bound to be some misfiles in there!

Consider how you're arranging your files. Your most regularly used and accessed files need to be located in the drawers closest to your workstation. Your most important and confidential documents need to be in a file cabinet that locks for security.

Don't forget about your stationary items when organizing your space. There's likely loose pens, tape, highlighters, and post it notes scattered throughout your office. Arranging them in a central location is a smart idea!

Assessing Your Needs:

Once your current space is properly arranged, it's time to assess your available room for growth. All to often, interiors become maxed out. When this happens, we tend to find ourselves operating in a rogue fashion that's far from effective. You need at least two available drawers to maintain an organized interior. If you don't have room for growth, it's time to integrate a few office add-ons.

Creating Additional Storage Space:

If it's time to add storage and square footage is tight, consider integrating a wall mount hutch unit. They don't waste valuable floor space! With a wall hutch you'll be creating a ton of extra organizing potential.

Traditional metal file cabinets will always have their place. That said, there area alternative filing and organizing solutions on the market that will actually enhance corporate appeal. You can't go wrong with a multi-stor cabinet from a brand like Global Total Office. They feature a variety of organizing drawers that can accommodate everything from jackets to files.

If you purchased your furniture recently, it likely came from a full service collection that features matching products for organizing. Brands like Mayline offer an array of popular lines that include bookcases, desk side pedestals, storage cabinets, and much more.

Popular Storage Products of 2017:

• Stackable File Cabinets: The ability to stack cabinets is really cool and effective. Stackable modular filing solutions from brands like Global are incredibly popular in 2017
• Executive Wall Cabinets: If you're looking to improve storage potential while creating an upscale vibe with your interior, an executive style wall cabinet is the way to go!
• Mobile Desk Pedestals: With mobile file and stationary pedestals you'll be able to utilize the space underneath your desk and credenza. Many of today's pedestals feature cushioned tops that double and seats for guests.
• Hutch Units: As previously mentioned, when floor space is tight wall mount hutches are your best bet. They typically rest atop credenzas, your bolt directly into the wall. 

The Best Brands:

Not all storage products are created equal. You need to be aware of cheap imitations and knock off items that aren't built to last. We recommend selecting organizing products from a reputable manufacturer you can trust. This year, you can't go wrong with industry leaders like Mayline, Global Total Office, OFM, and Cherryman Industries. Their selection, pricing, and quality is truly top notch.

Basic Organizing Tips:

1. Organize your file drawers every Friday afternoon before leaving work to ensure you return to the office on Monday ready to roll!
2. Keep file cabinet keys in a safe place. There's nothing worse than having to break into your own cabinets.
3. Don't forget to clean up and organize your digital files once a month. Saving old unnecessary documents on your computer will eat up a ton of storage space.
4. Ensure your most regularly used files are located in the cabinet closet to your desk.
5. Keep stationary items in a centralized location.
6. Color code and label the files that hold your important documents.

The Pros And Cons of Writing Desks

Considering a writing desk for your home or business interior? You're in the right place! Today on the Office Anything blog we'll discuss the pros and cons of this popular desk style to help you make an educated purchasing decision. Enjoy!

Pro: Great For Home Use

Writing style desks are perfect for home interiors and executive work environments. If you're main operating system is a laptop, you'll love having a cool writing desk in your workspace.

Con: Limited Storage

There's little to no storage on writing desks. If you've got lot's of files and important documents that need to be housed in your workspace, this type of desk probably isn't for you. That being said, storage alternative are available. Writing desks are typically used with back wall office cabinet and storage credenza configurations with over head hutch units to make up for the lack of storage on the main desk.

Pro: Open Feel

Limited on space? Make your interior feel larger with a writing desk! With the large open knee space area, writing desks make for an open feel that your interior is sure to benefit from. Office environments with writing desks typically don't feel over crowded or bulky. They help designers create a luxurious, elegant, and spacious vibe that's sure to earn an abundance of compliments from visitors.

Con: No Modesty Panel

Open writing desks and table workstations typically lack the privacy created by traditional desk styles. Before purchasing a table desk, take into consideration the benefits a modesty panel provides. If privacy is important to you, a traditional executive style office desk layout is likely a better option for your remodeling project.

Pro: Trending Style

The writing desk look is in! If you're looking to keep your interior up to date with the latest trends of 2016, there's no better way to do it. Writing desks are available from popular collections like Sorrento from Mayline to help create traditionally inspired interiors, while writing desks from the Cherryman Verde collection are perfect for more modern applications.

Con: Wires Will Show

If you're planning to use a traditional desktop computer as your primary operating system, a writing desk may not be the best option for your space. Desktop computers have lot's of wires. When exposed, they can greatly hinder the overall appeal of your space. All too often, shoppers purchase writing desks and forget this essential point. If you still opt to use a writing desk for your makeover, consider a rear wall credenza to accommodate your desktop computer. You'll be able to quickly and efficiently hide wires down the back side of the desk or through surface level grommet holes.

Pro: Affordable Price Point

The simplicity of writing desks means they're easy to make and don't require a ton of materials to craft. This translates to a significantly reduced price point when compared to traditional executive desks. If you're looking for ways to maximize your office remodeling budget in 2016, consider a writing desk and credenza layout for your space!