Everyone likes to start off the new year with a clean slate, both mentally and physically. While staying organized and streamlining our work is always a priority here at Cali Bamboo, we welcome the new year as the perfect opportunity to spruce up our space and start fresh. The frenzy of the holidays is over, a blank new calendar is in front of us, and now is the time to cut down on the clutter in order to think more clearly, have more energy, and be more productive. Here are a few personal organization tips for your office because it’s not too late to start 2016 off right!

Purge your workspace. Declutter your desk by getting rid of unneeded papers, useless knick-knacks, and anything you do not use regularly. Your life should not look like an episode of Hoarders– be selective and don’t hang on to items you no longer need or want.

Give everything a “home”. Ever heard the expression “a place for everything, and everything in it’s place”? Cut down on clutter by having a designated spot for everything… we mean every. little. thing. Save your sanity and keep only frequently used items on top of your desk.

Set up a filing system. Do you have a huge pile of papers built up from the past year? Get organized by setting up three filing categories: To Do, To Read, and To File. Be sure to recycle! Set up a similar system with your email to keep your inbox clutter-free.

Organize your desk drawers. Stop using your desk drawers as a catch-all for junk. Place dividers inside your drawers to neatly organize all your supplies. Organize small items such as paper clips and rubber bands with small jars, or even ice cube trays, egg cartons, and Altoids containers. Arrange everything by importance so the items you use most frequently are easily accessible.

Wrangle those cords! Say goodbye to unruly cords with cable ties and cable mounts to keep your electronics under control. Plus, upcycle your old bread tags into labels for all your cords!

Declutter your computer desktop. We don’t know about you, but nothing stresses us out more than a computer desktop littered with icons! Streamline all your files into neat folders to keep the number of items on your desktop to a minimum- this will help keep you focused when you turn on your computer each morning.

Download an online password manager. Keep track of your seemingly endless collection of passwords with a program such as1Password or LastPass, which allow you to safely store all your login info. You’ll only ever have to remember a single password— how awesome is that?!

Deck out your desk with organization products. If you want to stay organized, pen holders, paper trays, and cork boards should become your best friend. Shop your local Staples or check out the super sleek and stylish products offered by Grovemade.

Organize your schedule. Find yourself a 2016 calendar and get your appointments and tasks in shape for the new year. Email us at [email protected] and we’ll send you our 2016 calendar!

Create more storage. A great way to stay organized and maximum your space is to increase your storage. Over the years we have seen several customers use bamboo plywood to create their own organizational systems including cabinets, shelves, desks, and even furniture. If you’re considering a building project, check out these inspired designs from some of our plywood customers.