Working form home can be both a blessing and a curse, especially when it comes to organization. Yes it may be nice to roll out of bed and leisurely check emails over coffee with the news on in the background, but it also comes with the blurry boundaries of trying to multitask two different lives in the same space.
Here are some tips to get organized in your Work-From-Home Office:
Have a Dedicated Work Space
- Keeping your home organized when you have work papers and materials getting dragged onto the kitchen table and stashed on the counters can seem impossible
- If you have a room that can be designated as an office, this is obviously best. For many with limited space this is not an option. Consider sectioning a portion of your living or dining room off in a way that you can designate all of your work materials to one place.
- This will help with productivity, since you'll be surrounded by everything you need and distractions will be out of sight.
- Having trouble envisioning how you'll create a dual purpose space? Consider having a professional organizer stop by to provide space saving solutions and suggest functional products that will maximize your space.
Set a Schedule
- It's difficult to focus on work tasks when piles of laundry and dishes are beckoning in the corner of your eye.
- Plan out your day hour by hour, deciding how much time you'll designate to work tasks and when you'll allow breaks for house tasks (if any).
- Use a timer on your phone! You'll be more productive knowing you only have this allotted time to finish the task. It'll keep you on track and moving efficiently.
Declutter Daily
- Get in the habit of filing, shredding or tossing as soon as you've taken action on something.
- Leave your work space each day with a clear desk, so you are able to turn off that night and start fresh the next day.
- With the digital age, it's easier than ever to keep your office organized and sticky note free. Some apps designed to do just that are:
Trello
Smarter Time
Todoist
Habit List