You’re thinking, as long as you get your work done – how your office is organised is of no consequence. You can be a total pig and it wouldn’t matter, because at the end of the day, even if it is by the skin of your teeth, you have met your deadlines.

The piles of files, papers, books, outdated manuals and electronics on the floor, your desktop, in fact every available flat surface, add character to your otherwise drab office and highlights your creative spirit, right?

WRONG!

It is important to realise that the way your office is organised plays an important part in how effectively and efficiently you can do your job.

Whether it is a home office or a corporate office, your place of work needs to allow a certain flow, satisfy a certain functionality, so that you can attain maximum productivity and manage your time properly without pulling out all your hair in the process.

You also need to keep in mind the impression you are making on your boss, clients, co-workers etc. You do not want to be referred to as that scatterbrain on the 8th floor! (Always the very last person to be considered for a promotion).

Clutter is most people’s Everest. Frankly, I fear it and with good reason. It is mentally, physically and even spiritually draining to have a cluttered office or home. You might feel a bit overwhelmed when you first decide to de-clutter your work space but do not be discouraged and for the love of God do not give up!

It may be easier to start from scratch, in a new space, but it isn’t impossible to organise your existing office. Daunting? Yes. Impossible? No.

Remember, it isn’t about perfection, it is about ease. It is about not having to waste time rummaging through all the crap before finding what you are looking for.

It is about not getting angry, stressed out or frustrated when you cannot locate something important in your mess of an office.

It is about a change in attitude, about looking forward to being in your space.

It is about enhancing your self-confidence and self-respect. It is about leading a more sane existence.

Here’s some tools to move you towards an efficient office…

• Read Lifehacker’s views on productivity here
• The One Minute Organizer – 500 Tips for getting your life in order