Erin is a super sweet girl! I call her my “Rubbermaid Girl.” 
I will have some more Rubbermaid reviews coming very soon, but in the meantime enjoy this guest post from Erin! ~Kelli
Here at Rubbermaid my team discusses organizing your homes (and ours)…A LOT! However, when Kelli approached me about guest blogging about office organization, it occurred to me that I really spend the majority of my time here at the Rubbermaid office in my little cube. I thought this would be a unique opportunity to show you some things my team (Jim, Lauren and I) do around the office to keep it organized.
- Files – files are a huge issue for everyone. All the paper that accumulates can be daunting. The trick is getting on top of things and staying on top. Jim and I each have an action folder pile. These are the projects that we are currently working on and need to access information quickly. We keep this on our desk to remain in clear view and remind of us what we need to be doing.
I also add Post-Its to my folders with lists of next steps and ideas. That way I can re-engage with the project if I put it down and come back to it days later.
Once the project is over or the folder has not been used in a few weeks, it gets put in the file drawer if we believe it is information that needs to be kept for legal/reference reasons. Jim has been working at Rubbermaid for 7 years and has all his files in these two drawers! They are not even full! That is what only keeping what is necessary will do.
- Office Supplies – Every office has things it needs to function: pens, pencils, paperclips, tape. It does not have to be expensive to store these in an easy fashion. I store my pens and pencils in two cups. Why two? Well, I have my trusty Sharpie Markers (which is another brand of Newell-Rubbermaid) separated. It is never good to sign a legal document in bright orange pen. Thus, I keep them separate.
My cube mate uses a Rubbermaid turntable that has two levels to store tools she uses frequently like a calculator, tape, etc. This is perfect for an awkward corner because you can turn it to reach the supplies in the back. It’s also great for a smaller work space because you are storing things in levels taking up less room on valuable workspace.
Here at Rubbermaid, we also have a problem of storing sample products. (It’s Lauren’s and my nightmare!). I stack the products as best I can and label them for what they are going to be used for. That way I don’t give too many away and then panic when I need something. It also helps me keep inventory. If I have few items and all of them have sticky notes on them, I need to order some extras.
Lauren uses Roughnecks to store some samples and supplies on a shelf. She labels the outside so she knows what is in the container (are you seeing a trend about labeling here? It’s VERY important!)
- Inspiration – Lauren, Jim and I all have “cork board” like cubes where we can hang items with thumb tacks. I believe every office should have some space where you can quickly hang inspirational items. Jim’s is pictured below and has our web marketing calendar layout, goals for the year, and other cool charts hanging on it. It reminds him of what is important. What he wants to get done and stay focused on.
I hope this inspires you a little to get your home office, corner office or small cube organized and functional. And I hope you enjoyed the tour of the Rubbermaid Offices
Jim and Lauren busy at work!
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