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Add some BOO to your bookkeeping. Looking for something fun and spooky to add some atmosphere to your cubicle? How about a mouse pad or perhaps a tile to place your coffee mug on or even a mug? Have fun with these eerie fellows now and through out the year!
Copyright 2006 Bookkeeping R Us All Rights Reserved
Even if you live in a part of the country where snow is still on the ground and temperatures are still below freezing, you know for sure that spring is right around the corner. And there is no better time to unclutter and spruce up not just your home, but your office as well. Whether you reside in a plush corner office or a small cubicle you can bring a breath of fresh air to your surroundings very easily.
First of all get rid of the stuff that has been hanging out on your desk or on your shelves. If you haven’t used or looked at it for more than six months, chances are you don’t need it. So start with three piles: trash, file and have to deal with. The trash pile gets shredded if need be or bagged up and off to the dumpster it goes. Organize the file pile into folders labeled with appropriate labels. Remember these are the items you truly need for either research or legal reasons such as contracts, financial records, etc. And then you should have a very small pile of items that need to be addressed. Organize these into priority categories – what has to be done today, by the end of the week, by the end of the month, etc. When your desk is not cluttered up with piles of paper you are more motivated to get to the stuff that really has to be tackled.
Now get out the cleaning supplies and equipment. Dust everything in sight. Vacuum your floor. Use a can of air on your keyboard (you will be surprised at how much icky stuff gets in between the keys). Check with your IT department as to whether they will give you permission to blow out the dust from your computer’s fan and CD/DW drives. And pay attention to their instructions carefully. If you don’t already have them, ask your office manager (or whoever is responsible for ordering supplies) to order the specialized treated cloths made to clean your monitor. Do not use paper towels and glass cleaners or you will end up destroying your monitor. Any surfaces that can be cleaned with a disinfectant should get wiped down to get rid of all those nasty germs that have been floating around the office all winter.
Now open up your window(s) if possible even if it is only for a few minutes to let in some fresh air. Don’t forget to close and lock before you leave however.
Now you have a clean office add some fresh art work, flowers, plants, and a great smelling candle. The candle is not to be lit, but is to be used to add a light pleasant scent to your office. The key words are light and pleasant. Don’t overpower your space with heavy scents, no one enjoys this.
Here is a link were you can find some interesting artwork and other fun stuff to add interest to your office: Raven Studio Click on a category in the left column to find a subject that interests you. Or click on CafePress for other products or for the opportunity to make your own unique items or even open your own store.
Copyright © 2006 Bookkeeping R Us
No matter what size your office space putting your personal stamp on it will turn it into a environment that will add to your productiveness. Now we can’t use all the options available to us in our own homes as you can’t change the color of the walls or the carpeting for example, but you can add little touches that make your office, cubicle or even desk your very own. After all we spend at least a third of our lives in our work places and you deserve to be inspired by your surroundings.
One thing to consider is whether any of your ideas may be offensive to co-workers or conflict with the company’s taste or marketing plans. Do not use your space for making political, religious or moral statements no matter how innocent you may think they are. The office is not the place for personal beliefs to be aired. And even though you might think that a poster showing a sports figure promoting a particular beverage or product is cool, if the beverage or product is in direct competition with your company or it’s clients it is not appropriate and may even get you fired. Better to stay away from advertising items in any form - you can’t make a fatal error if you do.
So what can you do? Posters, Art Prints, Mouse Pads, and Mugs of just about any type (excluding nudes or partial nudes of course) can adorn your walls and desk. And if you don’t have a wall, then a smaller size that can be hung on a cubicle wall, or stood up against a cubicle wall or even put into a frame that can sit on your desk or bookshelf will work. Of course pictures of your love ones and pets are fun and will perk you up whenever you glance their way. Calendar art, whether hung or set upon your desk is also an option. Or maybe a taspery or wall hanging will do the trick. Be creative, there are so many ways to display fun, enlighting and colorful art.
Raven Studio has a great selection of framed prints, posters, mugs, tees and other wall decor and fun stuff for your office, yourself and gift ideas. If you are looking for unique, sometimes edgy art, one of my clients, Gallery Proper of Robert J. Orsillo, has recently taken their brick and mortar store to the web. The art work is more expensive, but you get what you pay for. You can find them at www.orsillogallery.com.
Do you have a window? Plants of all types add softness, color and oxygen to your space. And many of then will thrive under florescent light even without a window. Look for plants with directions stating they need little direct light. But if you add plants, make sure you take care of them – light needs, watering, food. Cactuses are great for those who forget to water – they can go for a long time without water just don’t over water them. And if you should like to try a flowering plant, remember most flowering plants require a great deal of sunshine. And be careful of your choice. One woman I know thought it would be great to force some narcissius bulbs in her cubicle. And when they bloomed in the middle of winter they were a great treat. However, they really did not smell very nice and did not stay on her window sill for long.
Don’t forget items like your daytimer and mouse pad. These items can also add to the ambiance of your space.
And one more item - look down at your floor. Is it attractive or do you just hate that rug? There are so many expensive area rugs to choose from - why not have some fun and comfort at your feet. Not only will an area rug add color but it will add cushioning and perhaps warmth to your space. Most offices are carpeted with very neutral colors so almost any design and/or color will be fine.
What is important is that you make the space where you spend so much time a place that is comfortable, warm and inviting. You will find it makes your work day more enjoyable and as a result more productive.
