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October 25, 2024 - Kristina Pinkerton
When you’re tight on space, it’s hard to keep an organized home office or study area. Papers are everywhere, you can never find something when you need it, and the piles on your desk are driving you crazy! That’s why I’ve outlined the following seven steps to maximizing space in your home office or study area.
Before you start rearranging furniture or buying new items, take a step back and assess the space you currently have. The most common mistake people make when they try to get organized is running to the store and buying all the cute containers and systems before sorting through things. (That’s understandable because we see it everywhere these days!)
First, identify what’s essential and what’s not. You’ll need to sort through everything that’s in the space already. This might involve going through your books, papers, and office supplies to determine what you actually use and need.
Decluttering is a crucial step in maximizing space. As you sort through each pile, stack of paper, or box of clutter, use boxes or bags to create categories like trash, recycle, keep, and donate.
I recommend eliminating as much paper as you can. With more and more online information, we no longer need as much paper as we used to. Be sure to shred anything with sensitive information.
The bottom line? Remove items that no longer serve a purpose or can be stored elsewhere.
~ Expert Tip - Stay Focused!
It’s easy to get off track when you come across things that belong elsewhere in your home. Instead of walking around and getting distracted in other rooms, keep a box nearby labeled, “Elsewhere” or “Other Rooms” and place things that don’t belong inside. This helps you remember to take care of it later but keeps you focused on the space at hand.
Do you like everything tucked away and streamlined? Or do you need to see certain things for fear of “out of sight, out of mind” problems?
It’s important to consider the way YOU operate before you set up any space. There’s no ONE way to organize! (Darn, right?!)
What works for one person might be the wrong approach for another, so you’ll need to consider what works best for you and your habits.
Whether you have an entire room or a small corner to work with, it’s important to create zones in your space.
Room Zones
If your home office or study area serves multiple purposes, such as working, studying, and relaxing, it’s important to create distinct zones for each activity. This helps your brain transition between tasks and makes the space more functional. You can use rugs, furniture, or dividers to create different spaces in the room itself.
Category Zones
Within your workspace, you’ll need detailed categories depending on your needs. Think in categories like:
Office Supplies
Craft or Art Supplies
Active/To Do Papers or Activities
Archive Information (Documents to file or reference. Remember, only keep what you’ll use!)
Reference Information
Once you’ve established your zones, you can use containers the keep them within their categories.
A quick note about paper!
Paper organization is an entire blog post itself, but after you’ve recycled or shredded what you can, set up a simple filing system. Label categories based on how you would look for items when you need them.
Sometimes it’s difficult to see what is missing in your own home, but I often see underutilized space when I’m working with clients.
Hanging shelves on walls, installing furniture that stores things efficiently, and hanging lights from above are just a few ways you can save space if you’re working with a small area.
It’s also important to consider environmental factors that impact your productivity.
How is the lighting? Does your space have any natural light? Could you move your desk closer to a window?
How is the airflow and air quality in your space? Do you need a fan or space heater? Maybe an air purifier?
Does the space represent you? Consider adding plants, candles, or decor that will help you feel at ease in the space.
Once you’ve maximized your space, maintaining the work you’ve done is just as important. A clutter-free workspace feels great and improves productivity!
Tips for Staying Organized:
Daily Tidy-Up: Spend a few minutes at the end of each day tidying up your space. This prevents clutter from accumulating and keeps your space ready for the next day.
Use Containers: Drawer dividers, file organizers, and cable management solutions can help keep everything in its place. Labeling items also makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
Regularly Reassess: Every few months, take some time to reassess your space. As your needs change, so might your setup. Don’t be afraid to rearrange or reconfigure your space!
Maximizing space in your home office or study area is all about making intentional choices that work for YOU.
By decluttering, creating zones, and using your space efficiently, you can create a space that not only supports your work or studies but also inspires and motivates you. Good luck!
Short on time and need help getting organized? Contact me to learn how it works. I also have a monthly newsletter with exclusive tips and offers.
Until next time,
Kristina