You might think that a wellness website would be asking what’s on your plate instead of what’s on your desk but both are important. Because of COVID-19 and social distancing, more and more of us are working from home. Many times this means we may be working from a new or makeshift workspace. The reality is that creating a beautiful work environment can directly affect your happiness and getting rid of clutter can reduce stress.
Part one of creating a happy workspace is to get organized! If you’re lucky enough to have a real desk that’s great. If you’re using a spare table as a temporary desk that’s okay too. The key is to organize one part of your desk at a time and that means to start at the top. The top of your desk area is the space you will use the most and it will have the most impact on you visually. Secondly, by concentrating on only the top of your desk instead of your entire office area, you’re less likely to become overwhelmed and stressed by the process.
How to Begin
- Clear everything from the top. That means everything!
- Clean the top of your workspace. Wash, dust, whatever you need to do; but clean it!
- Clean the items that you removed from your workspace including your laptop! Brighten, polish, and sanitize everything that will go back.
Once everything is shiny and bright then it’s time to decide what items really belong. Do you need 3 notepads or three packs of sticky notes? How many pens do you need on top of your desk? You get the idea. I’m not saying toss these items in the garbage, but I do recommend getting the “extras” off the top of your desk.
Desktop Set Up
- Worktop Coverings. If you’re working from a temporary space in your home, decide if the top of your workspace could use some type of covering; something that would make it more inviting. For example, if you’re working from a folding table, a full-length linen may appeal to you. The full length will also give you hidden storage under your workspace.
- Add Your Cleaned Essentials.
- Laptop
- Paper Calendar, notepads if you use paper!
- Pen, highlighter, pencil. Corral items you will use often in something pretty or functional. I have my writing utensils in a pretty coffee mug.
- Eyeglasses. I have my regular glasses but I keep cheaters nearby as well. They are stored out of sight in a pretty box on my desk.
- Lamp. Lighting is so important! Add a desk lamp or floor lamp near your workspace.
- Organizing paper and accessories. Maybe you require a letter holder or file holder to keep your paperwork organized.
- Add Your Style. This is the icing on the cake. Because your desk is at home you can make it personal! It should be a space that you can love while delving into your work. If you can, I suggest trying to find desk accessories that you love including the essentials!
- A beautiful coaster to hold your coffee or tea (My coasters were made by a friend and have my logo on them).
- Candles or scented diffuser.
- A small vase with flowers.
- Containers to contain items you need but don’t want to see. I use a covered box for eyeglasses.
- A footstool. If you’re short like me, this will improve your comfort level more than you realize. I use a vintage one found years ago.
- Add anything small and personal that won’t get in your way but will make you happy. I have rose quartz hearts on my desk and of course our mascot Bentley at my feet.♥
If working from home is a new adventure for you I hope these tips help you create a space that is functional and reflects your style.
Stay safe. Stay connected. Stay kind.
Kim
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