After organizing my actual office, I figured the next step this year was to gussy up my virtual office - my MacBook!
I generally keep things pretty tame on my computer, but every now and then I'll download a document or an image onto my desktop for convenience sake.
Before I know it, I've got a desktop covered with randomly named files. That's when I know it's time to purge.
Organize Your Files - There's plenty of great advice out there for how to organize your files, both for Windows and Mac. I'm finding that one of the simplest tips - keeping file names consistent - is one of the handiest for keeping track of files.
I'm constantly being emailed images and specs from the fabulous laptop bag designers we carry at CareerBags.com. And of course, each designer labels their files differently. Deciding on a consistent naming scheme (and filing the images/specs right after I get them) is really cutting down on my search time when I'm updating our website or looking for laptop bag eye candy to blog!
Google Docs - One way to cut down on clutter (in your inbox and on your hard drive) is by using Google Docs. Google Docs is a free web-based word processor and spreadsheet which allows you share and collaborate online.
I love the Google Docs. Using shared documents and spreadsheets with my various colleagues saved me from hundreds of email exchanges last year. Instead of sending the same spreadsheet back and forth, tracking changes and saving multiple copies on my hard drive, we could all discuss and update - at the same time - and keep track of who was doing what.
Plus, because Google Docs is web-based, I can monitor and update things from any computer that has internet access -handy!
Wallpaper - Once you've cleared the clutter off your desktop, you might want to think about updating your wallpaper. Great wallpaper for your desktop is a little thing that can make a big difference. I'm always looking for images that spark the imagination or give me something soothing or inspiring to look at when I need a little break from the spreadsheets.
I personally love images that take you to another place entirely - and I'm a bit of an architecture nut, so I generally choose images of unusual buildings as my backdrop.
Free wallpaper is pretty easy to come by, but where do you start? My latest search for cool new wallpaper let me to Smash Magazine's article (Really) Stunning Desktop Wallpapers. The post is an excellent wallpaper resource, whether you're looking for unusual art, stunning photographs or Homer Simpson eating an Apple.
The image of a German coal mine below, by luzzzelmann, is from one of the amazing picture pools on Flickr:
Of course, architecture isn't the only inspirational wallpaper choice:
Aaah. Pretty.
