Productivity Hacks for Working From Home That Don't Involve Your Screen

9. Apply the Two-Minute Rule Immediately

Procrastination can pile up when we try to juggle endless small tasks. Here’s a quick reset: If a task takes less than two minutes, handle it immediately before it grows into a bigger chore. Grab the form that needs signing, file a single paper, or clear your coffee mug right away. The two-minute rule is all about minimizing mental clutter and freeing up bandwidth for deeper work—without letting things snowball into tomorrow’s headaches.

10. Organize with Analog Filing and Bins

Too often, work-from-home papers spill into every corner of our living spaces. Instead of a digital tracking system, create a simple analog filing solution. Use bins, folders, or trays—each with a clear label—to separate notes, reference materials, or correspondence. Make it a daily ritual to place papers where they belong at the end of each session. This system requires minimal upkeep but provides real visual order, reducing the stress of hunting for lost notes in a pile of digital files or scattered documents.