Home Office Organization 101: Creating a room of one's own

It's not easy getting organized when you have four children running around, including a toddler who loves nothing more than reorganizing your drawers and demanding to be held! But finally, after almost 3 months in our new home, I managed to dig through the boxes and get myself organized. There is still a bit more to be done before I'm truly complete, but I already feel re-energized by what I have finished---and that feels so good!

I must confess over the past 3 years I've wondered how it ever was that I once worked as a professional organizer! I was truly overwhelmed by various things going on in our life and it began to show itself in my surroundings. Has that ever happened to you? Through the many life changes we've had over the past few years, I realized I had forgotten the one rule I always tried to teach my clients.

As your life changes, your organizing systems and routines need to change accordingly.

If you've ever felt like you were once more organized and together than you are now, it is most likely because while your circumstances changed, your routine and systems didn't. The systems you use today may not be useful to you tomorrow, or next year if your situation changes. You have to be willing to adjust as necessary to stay on top of the situation.

Since I know a lot of you are also trying to organize your home (the start of a new year often spurs people to tackle organizational projects) I wanted to share some pictures that I hope will serve as inspiration for you. I sincerely hope that something I share will give you the motivation or inspiration to create an effective and efficient space for yourself. My organizing company name was Organized Style and so while you are organizing I hope you also find inspiration to do it with style! It is possible to have a beautiful and functional room.

Before we start our virtual tour you should know that I am a strong believer in developing multi-purposed spaces. My home office serves as a school room, craft room, library and of course, personal office. I first acquired this skill in Manhattan and since then, no matter how much (or little) space I have to work with, I am known for using every last square inch of it. I'd encourage you to do the same.

One final word. Remember, this is a work in progress and not a completed project. I left the imperfections in. We're being real here!

Desk area

This space is where I use my computer, organize my schedule, return phone calls, write lesson plans, blog, and shop online! By adding a corkboard to the back I can post my calendars & schedules (out of sight, out of mind) as well as my children's artwork, because it makes me smile.

Sometimes it is tempting to start pinning receipts and other odds and ends you don't want to lose or cannot figure out where to put. I strongly discourage this.

Keep all of your areas neat and organized, including your bulletin boards.

Library Area

I have an insane amount of books. Just insane. The library in my office is where I am currently storing my favorite homeschool resources, interior design, organization, parenting, and reference books. I am not done unpacking my books which is frightening considering how many boxes of books I have unpacked throughout the house. At least I can stay that I believe we built enough bookcases in this house----so far! So, don't worry about the empty shelves. They will be filled with books soon enough.

Scrapbook Area

I have not scrapbooked in 4 years and I've missed it. So it was exciting to for me to get the scrapbook area set up. My supplies are now 80% organized so as soon as I finish putting everything away (and buying 2 chairs for the peninsula island desk) I'm going to reward myself with an afternoon of scrapbooking with a friend. Whenever you tackle a major time consuming project, try to reward yourself with something that involves using the space. It will help you keep it that way!

"School Room"

I do not confine our learning to any one room, so I have made accommodations for school throughout our home. I find my home office to be the least distracting of them, so we tend to do the work that requires more concentration in my office. Right now that includes copywork, math, computer lessons, and interactive whiteboard lessons. I absolutely love this space and it is working out wonderfully. I still need to purchase 3 chairs for the partners desk. This set up allows three children to sit and store their supplies on one side.

On the other side I have another three drawers but two are intended for me and one for our younger child. I don't think I need two extra drawers though, so I may have to point out to Big Daddy that we can comfortably fit another child into this schooling scenario!
It would be a shame to waste space, don't you agree?

Office Supply Storage

Take me to an office supply store and I'm a kid in a candy store! Add homeschooling and crafting to the mix and you need a little room to organize and store it all. That is what I've developed here and I'm so pleased with it. Again, I'm using every square inch by incorporating retail slatwall and magnetic bulletin boards. I still have some filing to do and I have to make a few binders...but we're close.

Filing

I am the Filing Queen. It is truly a sickness and when I don't have adequate space for my files I feel as if the paper begins to take over my desk, office, and life. It is impossible for me to go paperless. I'm okay with that. I now have a filing system that works and it makes me feel serene and calm to open my drawers and see this...

I will be speaking at A woman inspired: Nurturing creativity & efficient living
"Home Organizational Systems"
Thursday, January 28th at Noon EST
Register for this amazing online conference today!