Whether your workspace is miles from your home or right there amongst your books and Battlestar Galactica figurines, it probably has something in common with at least a few other Lifehackers' (and mine)—the ability to attract clutter, make important documents and objects hard to find, and, over time, become time an actual impediment to getting things done. Some of us are able to work in a way that doesn't leave things a mess and clean as you go, but for those of us who can't trust our instincts, a system that corrects itself is needed. Today I've rounded up a few of our best tips for getting your workspace in order and keeping it that way without a cerebral transplant. Take one last look at your paper piles and empty coffee cups and read on for inspiration. Photo by frischmilch.

Read More »

University student tobywuk's room triples as his living room, office, and bedroom—so he uses two monitors, one laptop, and one wall-mounted widescreen television to get work and play done. Plus he uses keyboard and mouse-sharing application Synergy between computers to save desk space. Tobywuk writes:

Read More »

Windows only: Free virtual desktop manager VirtuaWin creates multiple workspaces on your PC without bogging down your system. Like other virtual desktop utilities for Windows we've covered (Virtual Dimension, Vista Virtual Desktops, Dexpot) VirtuaWin provides hotkeys for switching desktops, custom features per desktop, and a configurable number of desktops (up to 160 20). VirtuaWin is also open source and describes itself as small and fast "with no unnecessary features." If you want extra features, you can still have them by installing VirtuaWin Modules, which enhance the app much like Firefox extensions. (How we love pluggable open source software!) VirtuaWin is a free download for Windows only.

Read More »

For the next two weeks, readers are submitting their best life hack for a chance to win an autographed copy of our new book, Upgrade Your Life. Reader Trent writes in with his photographic take on the popular pegboard gadget mount project we posted a while back. Trent says the project took:

Read More »

Clear off your computer desk but still have easy access to pens, CDs, and other supplies with the Keyboard Organizer—a fully-working keyboard that flips up for storage. Haven't typed on one of these myself so I'm not sure what the height is like on this bad boy, but the two-in-one organiser/keyboard action is a nifty idea. The Keyboard Organizer will set you back about 50 bucks (£24.99).

Read More »

Reader's Digest rounds up 24 tips for changing your habits to improve (or stop harming) your vision, like this gem for those of us who sit in front of a computer all day:

Move your computer screen to just below eye level. Your eyes will close slightly when you're staring at the computer, minimising fluid evaporation and the risk of dry eye syndrome, says John Sheppard, M.D., who directs the ophthalmology residency program at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia.

Read More »

Design weblog You the Designer is convinced that if you spend any significant amount of time in an office environment, then "[h]aving a clean and inspiring environment is essential to being healthy and working to your fullest potential." The post steps through how you might go about putting together a dream office, from the planning stage to keeping your finished office in the perfect dream-state. But since everyone's dream office is a little different, we'd love to hear about what's in your dream office in the comments. If you're looking for some inspiration, check out last year's Coolest Workspace Contest.

Read More »

Commentator Andy Rooney takes 60 Minutes viewers on a quick tour of his cluttered workspace, inboxes, and storage bins. My favorite part has to be the collection of floppy disks. At this point he could probably lose the 1994 calendar, though, don't you think?

Read More »

If you live in a small space, a home office may seem like a distant dream—unless you've got the right gear. The Unclutterer blog points out a space-saving rolling desk that packs several drawers and a fold-out laptop stand with mouse pad extension. This thing is totally compact and portable, so you could set up shop in any corner of the house with it. (Looks especially good for bedrooms that double as offices.) How do you work at home without an actual extra room to set up an office? Let us know in the comments. More CI Desk photos here:

Lifehacker photo galleries require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Read More »

The Freelance Switch work blog rounds up 10 low-cost improvements that can improve a home office (or most any office, really), including LH editors' favorite, the cordless workspace. One trick in particular could be a boon for those dwelling in fluorescent-lit caves:

If your office doesn't get a lot of daylight, you might want to begin by maximizing that. Make sure your windows are clear of anything that impedes the light. If you are on the ground floor but facing the wrong direction to get much natural light, you can use a strategically placed mirror outside to reflect more light in. Similarly on the inside a mirror can help push light around your room.