Bulletin boards are present in most homes and offices, but rarely do I see them used well. Instead of providing utility for their users, often they become wastelands of clutter filled with outdated papers and wrinkled pictures. Or, users will post sensitive passwords or company information on their bulletin boards for whomever passes by to see.

Organizing your bulletin board can allow you to get the most use out of the space and keep visual distractions to a minimum. These tips can help you get moving in a more organized direction:

1. Decide why you have a bulletin board.
   Do you have a bulletin board so that you can quickly reference materials you need to see on a regular basis? Do you have a bulletin board to provide you inspiration? Do you have a bulletin board to be a collection of information for one specific project so that you can track your progress? Do different areas of your bulletin board serve different purposes? Do you actually have a need for a bulletin board?
2. Clear the clutter.
   Once you decide the purpose of your bulletin board (or purposes, if you plan to have different sections of your bulletin board serve different purposes), remove all papers and items that don't advance that purpose. Additionally, remove any outdated papers or items that may meet your purpose(s) but are no longer relevant. Also, be sure to remove any materials that contain private information that you wouldn't want a stranger to see. Recycle, shred, or properly store all materials you remove from the bulletin board.
3. Completely clear your bulletin board.
   Now you need to pull everything else off the bulletin board so that you can see the board's full surface. Does the board need to be repaired or replaced? Would covering the surface with a solid color fabric improve the look of your bulletin board? Do you have enough (too many?) thumbtacks or magnets for your needs? Inspect your bulletin board and make sure that it is in its best possible condition for your continued use.
4. Hang your items on your bulletin board.
   This is the part of the process when knowing your purpose(s) is most important. If you have a phone extension list that you like to have easy access to when making calls, then hang that paper where you can immediately see it when dialing. If you use your bulletin board for inspiration, then hang your materials where you can quickly see them, but out of your direct work sight (you don't want to distract yourself when you're already inspired). At work, it is best to not hang anything in your immediate line of vision of your usual work focus. If you need to keep track of your son's soccer practices at home, then hang the schedule so that it's not obstructed and at an eye level that your son also can see it. Whether at home or at work, keep only materials on the bulletin board that fulfill the purpose(s) of the board.
5. Label areas of your bulletin board for better identification.
   If your children will use the bulletin board to hang papers that you need to sign, then print a label for that section titled "To Sign" or "For Mom." Also at home, if multiple people use the board, then be sure to create zones with labels ("Bobby" "Suzy") for each user. If you put an item on your work bulletin board because you don't want to forget about it, then create a sign to hang above it that signals you to not forget about it ("Don't Forget"). Avoid putting sticky notes on your bulletin board because they can fall down.
6. Hang most items parallel to the floor.
   When looking at your bulletin board, you should be able to immediately obtain information from the items on your board. Having to turn your head at an awkward angle or lift multiple sheets of paper to see what you need or remove an item to read it is a waste of your time. If you're sticking a paper to the board simply so you won't lose it, then you can hang it at an angle. All the other items, however, should have an unobstructed, straight-on view.

As a final note, avoid hanging too many personal items in your work environment because they can cause you to daydream about things other than work. A few personal items are fine, but too many also can send the signal to your boss that you would rather be someplace else. At home, it is usually better to frame and prominently display photographs and your child's artwork/superior homework instead of sticking a thumbtack in it and hanging it along side lunch menus and phone lists. If you're truly proud of your child's achievement, then treat the honored item with the respect it deserves. Swap out the treasured items in the frame on a weekly or monthly basis.

Good luck, and I hope that your bulletin board starts working for you.