Set aside a couple of hours to clean and organize your office space. You'll feel refreshed and rejuvenated! Get started with these 5 simple steps:

Clear Your Office Space

Start by simply clearing away the clutter. Get out your cleaning supplies and go to it. Clear off your desk, and clean your monitor, keyboard, desk, and any other work areas. Throw away any unnecessary papers or other mess from your desk.

Print and Save Documents

If you have contracts, print them. Store them in your file box, or designate a folder for them. Back up your computer files on a continuous basis. You cannot predict when a worm or virus could hit your computer, even if you use preventative measures.

Track Projects and Submissions

Keeping track of your submissions, assignments and rejections can save you time and aggravation. You can use a MS Word document, MS Access, or just a notebook. Make categories for publication, article title, date, accepted, rejected, etc. Mark it off when you receive a reply from the editor.

File Articles

Published articles should be saved whether they are clips right from the magazine, or published online. Clips from a magazine should be scanned and saved. Online clips should be printed right from the website. Save all of your published articles in a binder. Not only is it nice to see them all in one place, but they can be used as a last resort backup if you ever lose them on your computer.

Use a Calendar

Microsoft Templates Gallery has a simple one month calendar that you can print out and use. Write down deadlines and goals for easy use when not on the computer. Writing down daily goals and checking them before you retire for the night can help you direct yourself on daily tasks.

Nicole Allard is the Editor of Writer’s Success (http://writerssuccess.com), a free online magazine for freelance writers. She has written for various online and print publications. Her writing samples are available at http://nicoleallard.bravehost.com