Organizing Your Business: It's Simpler (and Smarter) Than You Think
Photo by Ales Nesetril on Unsplash.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Years ago, I walked into a small business to help with some office organizing. There were sticky notes everywhere, on the walls, computer monitors, even a few on a coffee mug. The supply closet was bursting at the seams, and nobody could find the backup printer ink... so they just kept buying more.
Sound familiar?
What I’ve learned, both as a certified professional organizer and a business coach, is this: business organizing isn't just about aesthetics. It’s about clarity. It's about efficiency. And, frankly, it’s about money.
Let me explain.
Why Organizing Your Business Matters More Than You Think
When your business is disorganized, you're not just losing time, you’re losing money. Literally.
You're replacing things you already own. You're throwing out supplies that got damaged because they weren’t stored properly. Your team is spending time searching for tools, files, or that “one thing” they swear was just here.
And beyond the physical clutter, there’s the emotional weight. Disorganization creates friction, in your workflow, your communication, and your headspace. Your clients feel it, too. Whether it’s fair or not, a messy space often gets translated into a messy business.
The good news? Getting organized doesn’t have to be complicated. And it doesn’t need to happen all at once. But it does need a plan.
Getting Started
Start Small: What Business Organizing Actually Looks Like
A lot of people hear the word “organize” and immediately picture color-coded binders and label makers everywhere. And while I do love a well-labeled bin, organizing your business is about functionality first.
Here’s what it might look like:
Create a supply system: Instead of overordering (or underordering), set up a simple weekly inventory checklist. When someone notices you're low on sticky notes, you already have a process for restocking them, intentionally.
Organize your files—physical and digital: Can you find what you need, when you need it? That’s the goal. It may be time to decide what lives in a file cabinet and what belongs in the cloud. (Spoiler alert: Not everything needs to be scanned today. But you can choose a clean starting point and a go-forward system.)
Give every item a home: This is a big one. If your team never knows where to put the backup batteries, they’ll always end up in five different drawers. Use bins, drawer organizers, shelves, whatever works for your space, and label clearly.
Declutter your digital desktop: Yep, business organizing includes your electronics. Clean off your digital desktop. File old emails. Rename those documents titled “final_final_FINAL_v3.”
It’s Not Just the “Stuff”. It’s the System
One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that organizing is a one-time event. Like: “We’ll clean out the storage room this Friday, and then we’ll be good.” But organizing is only sustainable when you build systems that are easy to maintain.
That might mean:
Setting aside 15 minutes on Fridays to reset your workspace.
Assigning a team member to check supply inventory weekly.
Decluttering your desktop every Monday morning before diving into new tasks.
Small shifts. Big impact.
The Hidden Bonus: A More Empowered Team
When everything has a place, your team doesn’t have to ask where things go. They feel more empowered, more confident, and more productive. You spend less time managing the “stuff,” and more time focusing on the work that moves the needle.
I’ve seen it firsthand, teams that start with organizing their office supplies and end up refining their workflows, improving communication, and running smoother operations overall.
So, Where Should You Start?
Wherever you are. Pick one drawer. One shelf. One digital folder.
Organizing your business isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. You don’t need a label on every bin or a color-coded spreadsheet for every task. You just need a clear system that works for you and your team.
Because when your space works with you, not against you, everything gets a little easier.
And if that sounds good to you, maybe today is the day to start.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.