Organizing your home office can be a daunting task, but the key is to just get started. It’s that simple, set a date and get to work. Getting started is often the hardest part, once you do, the clutter doesn’t stand a chance.

Before you begin:

Divide the room up into sections to declutter, this helps to keep the project from becoming overwhelming.  Pick one spot to begin sorting papers mail and use another to hold miscellaneous out-of-place items until they have a new home.

Here are easy ways to deal with home office clutter:

1. GIVE IT
   When you have something that you never use, give it to someone who will make use of it.
2. SELL IT
   Need a few extra bucks? Consider selling those things you don’t use. Resist the impulse to save everything.
3. TOSS IT
   Obsolete documents that you won’t be needing in the future (you may want to shred some of these for security). Throw away broken objects. If you want to keep it to fix it, put it in a box for a week—if it’s still there a week later, toss it.

Not sure it’s clutter?

Label it.
Label the containers, shelves, and file folders so you can find it in the future.

Once you get rid off the mess it’s time to decorate.

This is the fun part, it’s the reward for doing the first four steps.  I love looking at a freshly organized shelf.  Once you have removed all the clutter it’s amazing the space you’ll find to display family photos and items that truly represent who you are.

Helpful decluttering items to gather before tackling the project-

• Take advantage of organizer systems available.
• Gather clear glass vases, jars, baskets or canisters to be used as storage containers.
• Have a garbage bag- for the items you are throwing away.
• Recycling tote
• A friend- that can help you stay on track and to have fun conversation with.  Even the worst jobs seem better with a friend to help.
• Decorative items that reflect your character and personality- I find when I decorate my space with things I love, it stays “organized” longer.

A short amount of time and energy spent organizing your office can have a long lasting, positive outcome. Who knows, you may even find you item you thought was lost forever.

Happy Organizing

{Photo Credit: My Daughter Shannon’s Office Space}