Imagine this. You wake up on Monday morning, go through your morning routine and get ready to start your working day. You're working from home so head to your work space and boom you forgot it's a whole new vibe. Why? Because you spent the time over the weekend and organised your space like a pro and now it looks and feels like the bossiest space ever. It's giving Clean. Tidy. Zones, Productivity. Let's get stuff done. Stylish and screams - "Yes babe a Queen works here".
So how did you do it?
1. It starts with Decluttering
Before diving into organising, remove unnecessary items:
Purge through your Paperwork: Digitise important documents and shred or recycle outdated ones. Use cloud storage or a reliable external hard drive to store digital files.
Minimise Supplies: Keep only essential office supplies. Donate or discard items you no longer use, like old stationery, broken pens, or outdated tech. (You don't need 10 power bars!)
Review your Equipment: If your office is cluttered with electronics you rarely use, consider selling or donating them. Streamline tech to only what you need for daily tasks.
2. Zone Your Space
Designate specific zones for different tasks, just like a professional office setup:
Work Zone: This is where your desk, computer, and office chair should be. Make it the main character in the room.
Storage Zone: Dedicate a space for storage, whether it’s a bookshelf, filing cabinet, or closet. Keep your storage close to your work zone for easy access.
Reference Zone: If you frequently use books, files, or manuals, create a reference area where you can quickly access these resources without cluttering your desk.
Creative Zone (Optional): If your work involves creative tasks (like sketching or brainstorming), have a designated space for this activity with a whiteboard, corkboard, or idea board.
3. Choose Functional Furniture
Pick pieces that blend both form and function:
Ergonomic Chair and Desk: Invest in a good-quality chair that supports your back and a desk with enough surface area to spread out your work. Adjustable desks that allow you to switch between sitting and standing are a plus.
Storage-Friendly Desk: Look for a desk with drawers or built-in storage to keep clutter at bay. Use the drawers for smaller office supplies like pens, sticky notes, and chargers. Tip: If you have a small space - get a foldable/expandable desk and chair set.
Shelving Units: Use the vertical space- Floor-to-ceiling shelves or wall-mounted shelving can maximise storage and free up desk space.
4. Use Smart Storage Solutions
Storage is key to a well-organised office:
Drawer Organisers: Use trays or dividers inside desk drawers to separate pens, paperclips, sticky notes, and other office supplies.
Vertical Storage: Use your wall space effectively by installing shelves, pegboards, or magnetic boards for storing books, documents, and small items.
Labeled Bins and Baskets: Store items like extra cables, printer paper, or office supplies in bins or baskets. Label them clearly so you can find things easily.
Filing System: Organise papers with a clear filing system. Use labeled folders or filing cabinets to store important documents. If space is tight, opt for portable filing systems.
5. Organise Cables and Tech
Manage cords and electronics to keep your office sleek:
Cable Management Solutions: Use cable clips, ties, or a cable box to keep cords out of sight and untangled. Label the cables for easy identification.
Docking Stations: Use a multi-device docking station to charge electronics like phones, tablets, and laptops in one place, reducing clutter.
Wireless Devices: Consider switching to wireless keyboards, mice, and printers to reduce cable clutter.
6. Set Up a Digital Organisation System
Keep your digital workspace as tidy as your physical one:
Cloud Storage: Use cloud-based services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store and organise your files. This reduces the need for physical storage.
File Naming System: Develop a consistent naming system for your digital files and folders to make them easy to find.
Task Management Tools: Use digital task managers like Trello, Asana, or Todoist to organise your to-do lists, projects, and deadlines.
7. Prioritise Desk Organisation
Keep your desk functional and clutter-free:
Daily Essentials Only: Keep only what you use daily on your desk—your computer, a notepad, a pen holder, and perhaps a small plant or photo.
Paper Trays: Use stackable trays or inboxes to organise incoming and outgoing papers. Clear out these trays daily or weekly to prevent pileups.
Monitor Riser or Laptop Stand: Use a riser to elevate your monitor or laptop to eye level. This frees up space underneath for storing keyboards or notebooks.
8. Incorporate Aesthetic Elements
Designing a beautiful space can motivate you to keep it organised:
Add Personal Touches: Decorate with a few personal items like framed photos, inspirational quotes, or a favourite piece of art. Just avoid overcrowding your desk.
Plants for Freshness: Add a small plant or two for a touch of greenery. Plants can improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere.
Colour Scheme: Stick to a cohesive colour scheme for furniture, storage, and accessories to maintain a clean, professional look.
9. Create a Routine for Maintenance
Maintaining an organised home office requires consistency:
Daily Reset: Spend 5-10 minutes at the end of each day clearing your desk, filing papers, and returning supplies to their designated spots.
Weekly Clean: Once a week, do a quick declutter of your office, dust surfaces, and clean your tech (like keyboards and monitors).
Seasonal Review: Every few months, review your office setup. Get rid of outdated paperwork or unused items and assess whether your organisation system is still working for you.
10. Maximise Lighting
Lighting is key for productivity and comfort:
Natural Light: Position your desk near a window to make the most of natural light. It helps reduce eye strain and boosts mood.
Task Lighting: Add a desk lamp with adjustable brightness for focused tasks. Choose a lamp that complements your office style for a cohesive look.
11. Keep Personal and Work Zones Separate
If you’re working from home, it’s essential to establish boundaries:
Dedicated Workspace: Avoid working from the couch or kitchen table. Even if your office is small, designate a specific space solely for work to maintain focus.
Personal Items Out of Work Area: Keep personal items like laundry, non-work-related books, and household clutter out of your office space. A clear boundary helps maintain a professional mindset.
12. Create a Command Centre
If you have a lot of tasks or projects to manage:
Wall Organiser or Whiteboard: Use a whiteboard or corkboard as a “command centre” to track important tasks, appointments, and deadlines. A calendar or planner on the wall helps you stay on top of your schedule.
By following these steps, you can have the professional yet personal, organised yet stylish work space - serving just the right vibes and inspo in your home. A functional, tidy environment not only boosts productivity but also makes working from home more enjoyable and stress-free.
See you next time
Jacqui x
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