How on earth can I organise my home office?
I am sure you have asked yourself this a hundred times, especially over the last few years when working from home has become the ‘norm’. For many, it has been a necessity – but how do you get it right?
Your home office must be calm and inviting, giving you the space and the ambiance to be productive without distractions. The environment you create has a direct impact on your mindset and your ability to focus.
My journey to organising my home office
I have a home office, but it’s not a separate room – it’s a zone in my apartment that clearly shouts out what it is: a home office.
It didn’t start out well. I was working on my lap, sometimes in front of the TV, sometimes whilst stirring a stir-fry, and even at the dining table. Unsurprisingly, it did nothing for my mental state and certainly not for productivity. Quite the opposite – I couldn’t focus.
That’s when I knew something had to change. I had to organise my home office properly.
How I organised my office space
First, I made sure my ‘zone’ clearly looked and felt like an office. That way, I set my intentions for the day the moment I sat down.
Next, I completely cleared my desk, leaving it bare apart from my laptop and a copper-coloured stackable filing tray. Immediately, the space looked calmer and more inviting. Then came the tricky part: what to do with all the extra bits we tend to leave scattered on desks. My answer was simple – less is more. I now keep just a pen and paper on my desk; everything else has been relocated to my utility room.
The filing tray keeps my current work neat and organised, while the desk itself stays uncluttered.
The power of a filing cabinet
One thing I couldn’t part with is my good old-fashioned filing cabinet. Over the years, I’ve tried box folders, ring binders, and every filing system under the sun – but the cabinet wins every time. Everything can be labelled, placed in alphabetical order, and neatly stored away. Plus, modern cabinets come in a range of colours, so they can actually enhance the style of your office.
Key principles to organise your home office
If you search online (Pinterest is full of inspiration), you’ll find endless ideas, but here are the principles I stick to:
- Keep it simple – less is more. A clear desk equals a clear mind.
- Add plants and colour – a little greenery or a colourful coffee cup can lift your mood.
- Choose inspiring visuals – if you don’t have the best view, hang artwork or a calming print in front of you.
- Invest in a filing cabinet – pick one in a funky colour to make it both practical and stylish.
- Use calming paint colours – shades that relax and inspire you will boost focus.
- Get a stackable filing tray – ideally a 3-layer one, so you can separate projects easily (e.g. Action, Pending, Completed).
With a little organisation and some thoughtful touches, your home office can become the productive, inspiring space you deserve.
With love,
Beth
X
Elizabeth McPherson
beth@thelifestyleconcept.co.uk
07932 945738
www.thelifestyleconcept.co.uk