Do you need a push to organize your home office? Being home all the time can sometimes make it hard to keep everything organized. I've spent some time thinking about ways I can help motivate myself and you to help keep things organized!
Home Office Stats
By now most of us have been working from home for the last 6 months and some of us now have kiddos schooling from home. According to www.organizedinteriors.com, a disorganized space can cause a lot of unwanted stress and self shame. And my two favorites: 1. From a LexisNexis study, It’s estimated that only 20% of the things we own are actually used. 2. The DailyMail study said that it’s estimated we’ll each spend 3,680 hours in our lifetime searching for misplaced items.
The Real Benefits Of Organizing Your Home Office
It is easy to get caught in the routine of pilling up papers, not disinfecting the surfaces, keeping old pens and the list goes on. But, productivity can definitely improve if you take just 5 minutes each day to keep yourself and your students organized and clean!
Get Organized In 5 Minutes
My inspiration for improving my home office set up comes from this photo above. I absolutely love the beauty of the simplicity in it as well as the functionality of the space. It is important to have a set up where you feel organized, motivated and of course functional. Having something that motivates you can be as simple as a poster, a bulletin board, a white board or even just a simple pice of art. It helps if this is something you enjoy looking at each time you sit down.
Organizers For Your Home Office
Making sure you have space to write things down, think and see clearly is also important. This means that you should never cover all your available desk space. Instead, think about using one notebook, binder or file at a time. Store the remaining items you use in a drawer or cabinet. Another valuable tip is to organize your electronic cables and wires. These little wire organizers are a favorite of mine. Other items that I find extra useful in an office are power strips, small trash can, paper shredder, recycling bin, proper lighting and some duel tip pens.
A Pro Tip From A Professional Organizer
Oscar Wilde once said, "The only thing to do with good advice is pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself." I had the opportunity to talk with my friend Melynda Weiland, a professional organizer, and founder of www.ordertoeverything.com; who shared 2 simple tips to organize a home office.
1. Distractions. Melynda said that one of the biggest things besides having your space set up correctly is distractions. Figuring out what your distractions are and acknowledging them are so important to your work space. If you can figure out a way to eliminate your distractions, you will be much better off. She suggests scheduling time in your day to take breaks to make snacks or lunches, help your kids with homework and run an errand. That way, you won't be distracted thinking about it or taking time away when you should be working. Schedule those breaks in your daily routine so that you are better prepared.
2. Paper organization. My favorite takeaway from speaking with Melynda was her paper organization system. She suggests having three categories: Action, Reference and Archive. Three piles, that is it. Action to those pieces of paper that need to get done first. Archieve those items that you need to file away and Reference for those pieces of paper that you are currently referring to. Once you are finished with each item, it will have a permanent home. Once you put it away, you theoretically don't need it anymore. She suggests using a clear or mesh filing system on your desk for these piles so that you can see and access them easily. These mesh ones would definitely do the trick.
Workshop Invite From A Professional Organizer
Melynda is hosting a virtual workshop called Declutter to Sell, where she is going to help you get your house decluttered and ready to sell. You can sign up here. If you can't make it on that date, she is also sending out the recording.
In Closing : You Can Do It!
Don't get overwhelmed and make it a priority to start organizing your home office. Making just a few simple changes to your home office environment will definitely help your productivity and improve your day to day life. Let me know if you give it a try! XO, JW
** As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases **