Three pens – two of them with no ink. A stack of envelopes. A half-eaten granola bar. Four band-aids. A tube of lip balm. Mints. A note pad. A book of stamps. Photo paper for your printer. A bottle of ibuprofen. A coffee mug. Three weeks’ worth of mail. An iPhone charger. Your tax returns. And a spiral-bound planner.
If the contents of your desk sound like they belong in a doctor’s junk drawer, you may need an intervention – or at least some home office organization ideas to help you clean up your act.
Is your desk messy? First: Breathe. Great minds, from Albert Einstein to Mark Twain, have asserted that a messy desk is a sign of creative genius. So it could always be worse.
You’re creative and also busy. However, recent studies show that clutter can cause stress and anxiety, while a well-organized workspace can increase productivity.
Take heart. Learning how to organize a home office is easy if you follow these simple steps.
Tame Paperwork Piles with Color Coding
First, it’s time to tackle that pile of papers. Adopt a color-coding system so you can find important documents when you need them. Better yet, choose fun, fashionable folder designs that you can mix-and-match for a customized filing system.
Things you may need to keep? Medical paperwork, seven years of tax returns, insurance documents, a year’s worth of bill statements, important documents such as your social security card, birth certificate, and marriage license, and warranties for appliances.
Set Up a Printer Station
Printers take up a lot of real estate on your desk, which is space you can use for a larger computer monitor, papers you reference frequently, photos of your children, or a handy storage box with your favorite inspirational quote.
Set up a printer station adjacent to your desk and stock it with paper, ink, envelopes, and labels so you never run short on supplies when you’re on a deadline.
Take Control of Cords and Wires
From iPhone chargers and earbuds to random electric cords you’re afraid to throw away because you may need them someday, storing electronics on your desk is messy and unwieldy. Instead, stow them in a pretty storage box on your desk or, better yet, on a nearby shelf or in a storage unit.
Invest in a wire management system for your computer plug, headphones, and phone charger. And consider a stylish USB charger that you can keep on your desk to charge multiple devices at once.
Wrangle Loose Items
Even with your printing necessities tucked away, you probably have other office supplies, from highlighters to post-its and paperclips, taking up space. Organize these items and store in baskets, bins, boxes, and even coffee mugs, depending on their size.
Consider moving less frequently used items off your desk and into space-saving home office organization solutions.
Now that your home office no longer looks like anyone’s junk drawer, give your inspirational planner a place of honor on your desk to help keep you organized.
Add Items That Bring You Joy
Once you’ve grasped how to organize your home office with these home office organization ideas, it’s time to personalize the space. Choosing a theme will give your home office a coordinated look. Consider adding a reading chair with a cozy throw, and a customized wall clock that enhances the room’s décor.
From superhero art to whimsical poster prints, fill your office with unique items that reflect your interests and personality and – most importantly – make you smile.
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