CASE STUDY : HOME OFFICE REFRESH
Lessons learned in helping my client create a workable workspace
Home Office BEFORE - Dark and crowded… and no room to sit!
Home Office AFTER - Lighter, brighter, functional… and happy!
Home Office AFTER - Clean, cozy and arty!
CHALLENGE
Busy working mom and volunteer made time for everyone and everything except organizing her home office. The space became a dumping ground rather than an efficient workspace.
SOLUTION
Clearing the clutter, installing lighter/brighter furniture and creating effective storage systems calmed the chaos and gave her a functional space.
LESSONS LEARNED
1) Clarify the Function - If you don't use it in the space, don't keep it in the space. We moved seasonal items, toys and other non-office items to other parts of the home.
2) Purge the Paper - Shred or recycle outdated paperwork. Keep only current files and required documents you can't get online.
3) Create Zones - In this case, we allocated separate spaces to work, family, volunteer activities and kids' supplies.
4) Create Logical Systems - Assign A, B, C priorities based on how frequently you use items:
"A = Active" items used daily or requiring action stay on the desk.
"B = Basic" items used for routine activities or frequent reference stay within arm's reach.
"C = Classic" items that need to be archived go in harder to reach cabinets.