As I mentioned in Tuesdays post, I recently changed up my little office space. I took some time over the summer to really think about what was working before and more importantly what wasn't. I'm so glad I took the time to think it over because I am so pleased with what I came up with. Not only does my space look nicer (very high up on my priorities list...), but I have noticed that I am doing more work from my desk and able to stay there much longer. So I thought I would share with you all the changes I made and the ways I improved my office to best work for me.
1. Recognize how you use your space: This is such a crucial first step when changing or creating your work space. You need to recognize how you use your space, what you use it for most and the essentials you need. Since my office space is so small I knew I needed as much storage as possible. Originally I had a large bookcase and my desk. I figured the bookcase would provide ample storage and be just what I needed. Boy was I wrong. The bookcase was awkward and wouldn't allow me to store as much as I wanted. That combined with my desk at the time proved to be a very uncomfortable setting to get work done. I wasn't able to utilize all my desk space and that is a big necessity for me. I like to have a lot of desk space so I can spread papers out, do some crafts or DIYs, or even eat my lunch! So now my new desk provides a ton of storage and allows me to utilize the whole desk top for all my fun projects.
2. Know what you need easy access to: This is definitely the most important step on this list. Realizing what things you need easy access to will not only make your life easier, it will help keep your space organized and clean. A while ago I decided to get serious about our bill situation (so fun I know), I was tired of having papers everywhere and having so much trouble finding important documents. So I went to a file folder system and it was wonderful! However, in my old desk the only place to put my file holder was tucked away behind other things. I know this sounds very lazy of me, but since it wasn't in my direct access I started to slack with filing away papers and ended up with piles of bills again. So, this time around I knew I needed easy access to my file holder and was able to do that with my new desk. Also having the essentials like pens, pencils, a ruler and scissors right on my desk have helped make things easier too!
3. Keep it clean and inspiring: Since I now have easy access to all the important things, I find it so much easier to keep my space clean and tidy. Having a clean workspace is so important for increasing your productivity and just really makes your life easier. Another thing that was high on my "redo list" was a place to put or store things that inspire me. I always loved the idea of an inspiration board but never had the space for one before. Since I got rid of the big bookcase, I was able to add a fun inspiration board (see how I made it here). Keeping and displaying things that are inspiring you at the moment really makes working from your space easier!
4. Have good natural light or a great desk lamp: I don't think anyone likes working in a dark little space. The thing I love most about my space is the big window to the left of my desk. Yes I do get distracted watching the clouds go by..., but I love the amount of light that pours in from it. I realize that having a big window isn't always readily available, so the next best thing is to have a great desk lamp. I recently found a great one from ikea. It provides just enough light, yet still looks nice sitting on my desk.
5. Use a comfortable chair and desk: This step is also very high on the importance list. If you are not comfortable at your desk, you will not want to work there. It's that simple. My previous desk was much too tall for the chair I use, and therefore made for many uncomfortable days. Towards the end, I ended up working from other places, but always longed to be back at my desk. So, fast forward to now, luckily my new desk is the perfect height for my chair. I have found it so much easier to sit at my desk for long periods of time and rarely feel uncomfortable or restless.
Where to find:
- Ikea Liatorp Desk
- Black and White Striped Throw
- White and Gold Desk Lamp
- White Shelf
- Gold Initial
- Je t'aime print
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