A clean workspace is a productive workspace. By taking a little time here and there to prevent clutter, you will be surprised to find your project finish up faster. This is simply because you spend less time looking for small pieces and parts, the tools you need are at hand, there generally more room to finagle components, and you will have less accidents (especially with coffee). Here are some tips I try to follow in no specific order of importance.
1. Have a trashcan nearby and dump out your trash BEFORE it’s overflowing. When you’re constantly dealing with bits of stuck-to-its-self-tape, clipped wire tips, busted plastic, etcetera , it’s better to just throw them out then let them build up in all the corners of your desk. Fight the temptation to fit just one more piece in the trash when you already have a mound at the top.
2. Be honest with yourself about how frequently you are using something. If you have to solder just a small part, solder it and put the gun back. Sure, you MAY have to use it once more later but until then you’re going to waste time stumbling over it. Time to drill a hole: is it worth bring over ALL the drill bits if you only need to use one or two bits?
3. Keep your receipts together and not floating around your desk or in bags. Often you didn’t buy enough of something (or broke it) and need to get another but done remember exactly the type you got!
4. Vacuums are your best friend. If you’re doing something that is going to make a mess like drilling through plastic, vacuum the waste. Your lungs are desk will thank you. Be careful not to suck up tiny screws.
5. Bolts, screws, and nuts. Keep them separated, keep them organized. It’s amazing how much faster things get done if you have these things separated out and available. If you don’t have enough of a collection for large storage box with lots of slots you can use ziplock bags and a sharpie.
6. Have plenty of light. I have two lamps and a third snake light. Flashlights are great too. I personally like the small LED lights designed for key chain flashlights as they take up very little room and they can fit into many off odd spots. Typically you want enough lights to prevent lots of shadows.
7. Don’t work on a desk you’re not willing to destroy. Accidents happen and it will be your workspace that pays.
Thank you for sharing those pointers, Michael! I think all employees should bear these tips in mind to keep their workspace clean, organized, and pleasing to the eyes. And yes, I do agree with your point that a clean workspace promotes productivity. A cluttered and messy space limits your movement and field of vision. This can lead to confusion and disorder that might affect your working aptitude. A tidy workspace will certainly help you think clearly.
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