Clutter can be a big productivity drain both in the physical and digital world. Just like piles of paper on your desk can waste time when you try to find things, loads of icons on your computer’s desktop can also waste time when you are trying to find things.

To avoid this scenario, you need to declutter your computer as well. This blog article shares seven tips on decluttering your computer desktop.

#1 – Develop File & Folder Naming Conventions

The #1 most important thing you should do is to set up a system using intuitive names for folders and files in an easy to find and backed up location.

You can categorise items using the client’s names, dates or via document types but use a method that suits your work the best best. Remember that the system should be easy to use for many years to come.

#2 – Make the Desktop More Attractive

Besides making your computer desktop fully functional, you can personalise the background. Using a motivational background may help and encourage you and your staff to work harder and remain focused but beware that the background doesn’t have a negative effect of taking you or your staff attention away from business matters.

#3 – Organise Your Most Used Applications

Having quick access to your most used programs is a must. Nothing kills productivity like having to wade through the start menu looking for a program.

To begin, work out what software you use the most and create shortcuts on your desktops so that they are immediately available upon startup.

On Windows computers, pinning apps to the taskbar is an effective productivity method as it allows you access to them without having to minimise windows to get to the desktop.

#4 – Delete or Move Old Files and Applications

After categorising your most used applications, you also need to address unused programs. Our tip is: if you cannot recall when you last used a certain software application and you have no further use for it, then uninstall it.

For files and folders, it may be a bit harder. In these cases, you may want to create a folder for those files (and applications) and archive them away from your main storage. For this approach, you can make use of several folders, such as “old” or “archived” so you don’t accidentally delete them.

Remember though to regularly check these folders to see which files and apps are no longer needed in your business and delete them to avoid further clutter.

#5 – Categorise New Items

Leaving new files and programs on your desktop may be tempting, but this method is ill-advised as it adds to the clutter. Instead, try to allocate some time to organise all new apps and files appropriately, according to your naming conventions.

A quick way to do so is to use automatic file sorting alphabetically or by date. It doesn’t take long but is a simple method to reduce clutter.

Remember – Don’t Let It Get Out Of Hand

Decluttering your computer desktop is one of the best ways to advance your productivity. Once you have organised things appropriately for yourself, you will be able to find all your files and programs effortlessly and leaving you with at least one less thing to worry and stress about during your busy workday. But remember to keep checking things regularly else it can easily get out of hand again.

If you need a hand and are in Australia, contact us and we’ll do all we can to help you increase office productivity in your business.