I believe the back-to-school season is the BEST time to reorganize. Throw away the concept that it needs to be a New Year’s resolution. Start now! Think about it for a second… the days are getting a little shorter so you are spending more evenings indoors, you aren’t coming out of an extremely busy holiday season, and best of all, there are incredible savings on office supplies and furniture. So let’s get started.
There’s no “right way” to organize an office. It’s all about preference and what it takes to keep you efficient. But since I am an organized freak, I’d like to share some basic principles and tips on how I organize my workspace that I believe will help you.
Welcome to my office.
TIP #1: Write down your needs/wishes and mentally map out your space.
What my need/wish list looked like…
- Get a desk that surrounds me and creates an easy to navigate work area
- The ability to see my computer screen, but also see out my window
- Good amount of drawer and file drawer space
- Shelves for my design supplies
- Storage under my desk for my trash and recycle bins
- A big work surface to fit all my design tools and my calendar
How I mapped out my workspace…
I went with our Brown Stone Corner Computer Desk because it gave me a desk that surrounded me, drawer space, a file drawer, under desk storage and that big work surface area. I choose to do a base only (no hutch top) so I could still see out my window and what’s going on in the world. I brought in some coordinating bookcases that nicely fill in the area and provide abundant storage for all my supplies.
TIP #2: Organize & Streamline for function and efficiency.
I love how everything in my work area is within reach, while still giving me plenty of breathing space. I used some of our office home decor for additional organization. I love industrial style, so these desk and wall units were just the right touch!
Organize and Streamline your zones
Home decor function
TIP #3: Mix tech with old-school methods.
As a millennial, I love technology. I’m probably married to my iPhone more than I care to admit. I love the power it has – how calendars sync, how I can easily access work social medias, how I can set reminders, take photos that appear right on my desktop and so much more. However, I also use what we would now call “old-school practices” – a whiteboard and a desk calendar (gasp!). I haven’t decided if I think it’s more efficient or if I just like the traditional lifestyle message it conveys. Either way, I would recommend doing the same. Mostly because it still keeps me organized, but it sends a subliminal message of slow down, not EVERY detail and moment needs to be tied into the cloud.
Paper and Tech
TIP #4: Surround yourself with what keeps you grounded.
We all know the way work can go. You’re under stress. You’re busy. You can easily lose track of what’s important and what matters in life. So decorate your office with what keeps you grounded. Pictures of family, friends, vacations and memories you have are an easy way to accomplish this. I’m also a quote fanatic. So I surround my desk area are some of my favorite quotes that I believe in and that I try to live by. Those little office touches will keep you sane when you’re under pressure.
Keep Yourself Grounded
TIP #5: Add some fun!
Your office should be a fun environment and an extension of your personality. My suggestions – bring in some items that make you laugh, listen to internet radio and always enjoy something you can sip on 🙂
Keep It Fun!
See how easy it is? All it takes is a little time, organization and some creativity. But enough with my tricks of the trade, share of some of your favorite tips!
