Get Organized to Get Creative

Reprint from Susquehanna Style Magazine: September 16, 2019

Last month I wrote about setting up a customized work station for your kids as they think about going back to school. I mentioned giving them some ownership of the project, adding their personality to the space, and making it functional so they can succeed.

But what about the rest of us? Couldn’t we all use a functional and inspiring workspace as we manage the bills, work, and creative projects at home? A workspace that truly serves us can really set the tone for the entire house and even bring us back to life as far as responsibilities are concerned.

You are the only person in the world who can offer your unique gifts to the rest of us, and taking a look at your personal and/or professional workspace is a great way to jumpstart your impact. Whether you work in or outside of the home, an organized and functional workspace is the foundation for inspiration and creativity, and we all know the world could use more of both! You deserve an office that serves you because the world deserves your creativity and follow-through.

Having some control over what comes into your home is imperative to creating not just a functional workspace, but an inspiring one. I’ll give you some ideas about how to organize it, but first you’ve got to know how you work best. Do you like a lot of light? Do you work better in an open space or one with more privacy? Do you have a minimalistic mindset, or do you need a more eclectic personality for your space? Test a few spots out and notice how you feel and what you get done.

1. Papers. Decision fatigue is a real thing, so creating a hub for paperwork is essential when it comes to feeling in control of your responsibilities. I would suggest putting a small file cabinet near your desk because having a place for each paper that comes into your home will set you up for success. One of those designated areas can be a trash can or shredder, another can be a drawer or basket for things that need to be filed. I’ve found hanging folders labeled alphabetically with tabs to the left works the best for me in my own file cabinet. To set up your filing system, visit the IRS’s website to see what papers you need to keep and for how long.

2. Once everything has a place, you can decide how you work best at your desk. I like to have lots of free space on mine, so you’ll only see the things I use every day on it: a lamp, my to-do file folder, pens, and post-its. I like having at least one drawer in my desk for all the things I use weekly and aren’t as pretty like my budget book, stapler, white out, receipts, paperclips, etc. Keeping my large desktop clutter free helps me spread out when I’m working and looks clean and simple when I finish.

3. Adding light, color, and texture to a workspace is one of my favorite parts because it pulls everything together and makes it come to life. I like working by a well-lit window with open blinds or a sheer curtain, but I also have a nice lamp for when it’s overcast. Adding at least one plant to your office space can bring life to the room because it provides energy and texture. Finally, I suggest picking a piece of art that sparks your creativity and pulls out the feelings that help you work best. Reds and oranges tend to motivate while cool colors like blue and green can calm.

A functional and inspirational workspace is key to creative energy and successful input and output. Remember, the world needs what you have to offer, so visit my website at www.MoreSpaceOrganizing.com if you’re interested in getting help to transform your workspace, or follow me on social media to get regular tips and tricks that you can try out on your own! You can find me on Instagram @morespace_organizing or Facebook @MoreSpaceOrganizing.