Happy 2016 one and all! I hope you had a fabulous holiday season and are ready to great the new year with enthusiasm and joy. I know I am, as by the time you read this we will be settled into our RV resort in Naples, Florida :).
Besides being my birthday month (hint, hint), January is one of the most popular months for the organization bug to hit, so I thought I’d start the year off on the right foot and begin with some ideas for organizing your home office.
These days, many of us have a home office, whether it’s the place where we actually work, or just a space where we take care of bills, correspondence or, like me, blog :).
A home office can quickly get unorganized, so why not take some time this month to whip it into shape?
Here are a few tips I’ve found to help you do just that!
- Make sure you have enough space to get the job done. Your office space doesn’t need to be huge, but it does need to be functional and meet your needs.
- Office supplies, files and other materials don’t necessarily need to be in or even near your desk if they’re not accessed routinely, but you do need to have a designated area for them, whether that’s a closet, dresser or even sets of baskets.
In a small space, it makes sense to utilize the wall space for storage. In this example, cubbies were mounted to the wall and magazine holders were screwed into the bottom of the cubbies for a creative mail sorter. I can’t quite be sure, but it looks like this ‘desktop’ might be a slab door. In my home office, I purchased two inexpensive hollow core doors and placed them on three Ikea cabinets.
Source
- If you use something on a regular basis, give it prime real estate in your office. It will make your day-to-day life so much easier and more efficient.
- Set aside one day a week for filing so your paperwork doesn’t get out of hand.
Turn an existing dresser or other unit with deep drawers into a file cabinet with one simple addition: Install adjustable hanging file frames (available at office supply stores) in the drawers and develop a filing system with tabbed hanging folders.
Make a brightly colored convenient bulletin board from carpet squares. Find the tutorial here.
If you canβt spread your office out, then go up! Take advantage of vertical space with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
There are so many beautifully patterned wallpaper and paper readily available. Why not brighten up some clipboards with your leftovers? Covered Clipboard Tutorial
Cupcake tins make perfect organizers for all those pesky small items in a desk drawer.
Elevate a boring cork board into a work of art. Cover a bulletin board with pretty fabric, frame it and hang from a wide ribbon. Framed Bulletin Board Tutorial
Source
This definitely qualifies as an ‘why didn’t I think of that’ idea!? Turn a dish drainer into a mini file cabinet!
- A good office chair is a must! Try to find one with lumbar support, but in the meantime, use a pillow.
- Straighten out your desk after you are finished working. It will make you feel so much better the next time you sit down to work.
If you’re like me, you like unification with color. To create a pulled-together look, use binders, files and accessories in the same color.
Unused cans make practical and stylish organizers for small items or mail. Paint Can Cubbie Tutorial
Source
Am I the only one who dislikes exposed cords and wires? My dream home would have outlets in the floors so lamps can be plugged in without showing, but until that day, I’ll organize power cords with inexpensive pipe insulation.
Here’s another use for soup or paint cans. Decorate with fabric, paint or paper and use to store pencils, pens or even paint brushes.
- Remember…have a place for everything, and put everything back where it belongs when you’re finished using it.
Another way to ‘think vertically’ is to hang clipboards and magnetic boards over your desk.
- Have trays labeled with action steps, such as to-do, to-file, to-read, and make sure it’s placed in the proper tray so you’ll be sure to deal with it.
A toothbrush holder and soap dish can be repurposed to hold writing utensils or other small items.
Want to see how I organized my sewing/craft space? It’s an old post and things have changed a bit, but I think you’ll still find some ideas useful. Click here to check it out.
I’m a pretty organized person by nature. Some might even say I’m a little OCD, and I wouldn’t argue with them, but one thing that isn’t organized are my photos. So I’m putting this out there and asking you all to hold me accountable, ok? 2016 is the year I take care of that!
In other news…
I’m writing this on New Year’s Eve day. We’ve been on the road for ten days, and I’m happy to say BAM has held up, but for the first five days we had no hot water, so fisherman tied me to the top of our car nekkid and drove through a car wash. It was exhilarating.
Fortunately the hot water wasn’t an issue with BAM, but was related to the winterization process that took place and a valve being closed that we were unaware of. We finally figured it out, much to the chagrin of car wash employees everywhere…or not ;).
We spent a quiet Christmas on Tybee Island near Savannah, and a not so quiet New Year’s with 300 of our nearest and dearest just outside of Tampa. I’m excited to be in Naples for a full month so we can really hunker down and get a true feel for what it’s like to be living in an RV on a long term basis.
While we were at the resort on Tybee Island, one of the workers was a retired woman who was probably in her mid to late 60’s and has been traveling solo for twelve years in a 32′ motorhome. She volunteers at most places in exchange for free sites.
I love that adventurist spirit, but I am not sure I could pull that off. Could you?
I’ll be back with a couple more organizing posts in the coming weeks, as well as some changes to Househoneys! Stay tuned!
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
I did the dish drainer file system, in a different type of dish drainer, years ago. One of my most popular posts, though now of course it’s gone due to losing all those posts. If you want to put a clipboard on the wall, whatever you do, don’t put it up there with those Command Strips that say they’re perfectly safe for walls. I ended up with six big holes in my walls I had to take care of before I painted last week.
Brenda
Kim says
Of course, the red and white room is my favorite. I do like that muffin tin idea. I have a junk drawer that needs an overhaul…and less junk! π And no, solo travel is not my gig. She is a adventurer for sure!
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, these are great office spaces. I really like the one with the library of books. Thank you for trying to comment – I know how hard that must be when you’re traveling. It sounds like you’re having a wonderful time. Love that old singer sewing machine. I smiled when I saw that, as it reminded me of my mom. She used to make all my clothes growing up, and I can just see her sewing away like she used to.
Happy New Year, my friend. I hope it’s a good one for me and you. Now, you have me curious and wondering what the changes will be on your blog this year. : )
~Sheri
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen,
Love all the office photos, loved the floor to ceiling shelving with the ladder! The dish drainer is a super clever idea!
Tybee Island has been on my bucket list for a long time now, it looks beautiful there!
Enjoy your time in Florida, the weather was amazing when we were there for Christmas! I think you are smart to ‘test’ out the RV to see if you could do it for longer! I think I could do it for 5 or 6 months…but not so sure I could do it like the lady you met – solo for 12 years! She is one gutsy lady!
ps…I hope you are healing from the car wash bristle mauling’s! π
Happy Early or Late Birthday!! π
Hugs, Kimberley
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Glad to read that you arrived safely in Naples! You had me howling with that image of you strapped to the top of the car! I really, REALLY need to get my office organized this winter. I’m going to get started tomorrow, um, soon, well, before spring, for sure. Love the office with the floor-to-ceiling shelves. Happy New Year, Doreen!
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Hi Doreen,
Love the organizing tips. I am purging and packing with selling the house it feels great!!!! I think your wonderful time spent in your RV in Florida will be fabulous. Enjoy the nice weather.
Kris
Donna says
Nice offices for inspiration! Since my husband retired and closed his home inspection business, I would like to revamp the room. Still have his certificates and diplomas on the wall…time to move on. I’m going to look at your sewing setup next. Did you get a wax while going through the car wash? ha! Enjoy your stay in Naples.
Doreen says
Lol Donna! I got a Brazilian ;).
Cindy says
So happy you arrived safely. I plan on working on my office this winter or early spring with John. I want him to make wood working changes to furniture pieces. Some great organization tips
What a brave woman to travel alone with her RV. I admire her gumption
Cindy
AnnMarie says
Great ideas! I will have to wait for my next house to have an office….I would love to try every one of these ideas! I do have a whole room now but the Wi-Fi doesn’t work well and it is at the opposite end of the house from everyone else. A spot on the couch with my lap top is my current office!
Doreen says
I know what you mean about the wifi Annmarie. I’ve been experiencing lots of issues since landing in Florida, but finally seem to have a decent connection. I’ll try to be by soon!
xxx
Rose L. says
I am now trying to get my craft/photography/office room organized and i the beginning phase. Some of this will be handy!
tammy j says
you always leave us wanting more!
i’m glad you’re having such a great trip so far. and that bam is behaving rather well.
her latest kink at least was an easy fix! now mama won’t have to get suds in her hair going through the wash cycle!
and that lady… oh my! that’s total courage to me. I couldn’t find my way out of a paper bag… much less across the country in an rv alone. my friend linda did that too… the one I call rv braveheart! they’re just amazing ladies.
stay safe house honey! XOXOβ₯
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
My office is a huge mess… I read your tips carefully, but I’m afraid having an organised office is one of those resolutions I’ll never keep!
Emily says
Hi Doreen, What a treasure trove of ideas to help organize. Next week I will be packing away and I plan to organize as I go. The main Christmas tree is my study where I have my desktop. I need all the help with organizing the space. Love the cupcake tin idea for my shallow drawer space. Also, yes, cords drive me a little crazy too.
Wow, lucky you, an entire month enjoying FL. Hope you enjoy every minute. Let me know if you come my wayβ¦β¦β¦β¦β¦
rue says
Pictures or it didn’t happen π
Great organizing ideas! I’m always organizing at the beginning of the year, so I can’t wait to hear more.
I hope you have a fantastic time on your trip, my friend, and Happy New Year!
hugs and love to you,
rue
Benita says
LOVE this post…thanks so much for the great tips! I am so looking forward to get some cleaning and organizing in place for the New Year! I love new beginnings and fresh starts!! So glad you had a wonderful holiday! Hugs!
Cindi says
OMG! Strapped nekkid to the top of your car! Bahahahaha!
You do crack me up!
I love this post! so many great ideas that I have not seen before!
I’m still trying to organize and arrange my art room that used to be the living room!
I love the dish drainer idea too! I NEVER would have thought to do that.
Have fun on your travels!
Happy Birthday some time in January! XOXOXO
(Does that lady travel completely alone??? I hope she at least has a dog with her!)
Sue says
Wish you a Happy New Year. Thanks for the great office organizational ideas and links. I was happy to read you stayed on Tybee Island and got a great giggle from the car wash bath!
Jemma says
Oh how I love these tips and such beautiful office spaces. I suppose for me it is remembering to put everything back in it’s place-I tend to create piles in different corner of offices, kitchens, etc…
I love following you on IG and catching up with your days on the road-
Be safe and have an absolutely terrific time!!
xo
Jemma
Rowhomesandcobblestones says
Hi Doreen,
Loved all your home office tips, mine is concealed in our dining room credenza. But I’ve gotta admit I write my poetry throughout the house and create and paint in easy to clean up spots, like kitchen and basement.
So lucky you… John and I love, love, love Tybee Island! Happy, fun adventures to you in 2016.
Sending hugs and thinking of you relaxing and enjoying!
xoxo,
Vera
Rowhomesandcobblestones says
Doreen,
Again I left a comment and I’m never sure it’s gone through, lol.
xoxo,
Vera
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Happy New Year Doreen, and should I say Happy Birthday yet.. ?? Are you ok have you recovered from the car wash! I just read that out loud to my husband and had him on the floor laughing. Enjoy your time in Florida. It sure must be a big change from Vermont.
My office corner (yes a corner of the bedroom is all I get) is organized, it just needs a little dusting off. And we are ready for the new year! Looking forward to lots of fun and inspiration from you this year.
Doreen says
Not yet Mary lol, the 13th. π
I’m glad your hubby got a chuckle out of that visual ;).
I actually don’t live in Vermont. I think you might have gotten that impression from the pictures I took a couple of months ago of the foliage. I live in Massachusetts, which is just one state below it.
xxx
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Yes you’re right.. It was the beautiful foliage that I remember. But you know since I’m from NY everything above me is one big mass…;) But your’re a transplanted New Yorker also!! So you get me. Have a great time down in the sunny state.
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Some great organizing tips Chickie!! I need to adopt more of them in my life!
So fun to follow your adventurous life too. I can only imagine how exhilirating that car wash would feel…don’t be giving me any ideas! π
I’ve been a bit under the weather with some health issues. HOping to be feeling better soon and going to MD’s office this week. I may not be posting as much though.
May you have a blessed rest of the week and lots of hot water!! xoxo
Doreen says
I saw that you’ve been under the weather Carrie. I hope whatever it is isn’t serious, and you’re back to your old self soon!
xxx
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Great ideas, love the carpet squares, the wall papered clipboards, and the cupcake tins for the little stuff. Thanks for the tips, as getting an organized office is on my list for this year.
There’s supposed to be a fabulous breakfast place on Tybee Island that I happened to catch on one of those travel shows. I think it may have had the word Tybee in the restaurant name. You probably didn’t stop off there, but, oh, how the food looked gooood!!! Have a relaxing month in Naples, and enjoy that RV livin’ Doreen!! Happy New Year!
Red Rose Alley says
Your comment made me laugh, Doreen. It DOES look like he was proposing in that pic, doesn’t it? I am so glad you will be traveling to so many places this year. You’ve been to Italy and Greece? That’s the two places I’d love to visit. Not sure if you know this, but I’m part Greek myself, so it’s definitely on the list. I’ll be planning a wedding this year, so all the money is going to have to go to that. Hopefully in the next few years…….
Have a safe and fun traveling adventure, lucky you.
~Sheri
Doreen says
I’ve been to Italy twice. The first time was the summer after graduating high school, so suffice it to say it was a loooong time ago, and the second time was in ’07, but I’ve never been to the parts that interest me the most, which is cinque terre, positano, etc. I’ve never been to Greece. I think you misunderstood. It’s one of the places I WANT to visit. I didn’t know you were part Greek. Will your daughter’s wedding be reminiscent of ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’? If so, I can certainly understand foregoing travel this year! lol
Vicky Hunt says
I love to organize…always have! You shared some great ideas. I really like the first photo and the way they mounted the cubes on the wall. I’m happy to hear you made it to Naples and that you got the hot water situation figured out..lol! Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures in BAM! Hope 2016 is treating you well so far!
Dewena says
You made me wake up my dachshunds asleep beside me on the sofa as I burst out laughing at that mental picture, Doreen!
Go back to sleep, Otis & Milo, that’s just Auntie Doreen entertaining me.
Well you sure did show me how to make my office beautifully organized, Doreen. Now tell me how to make myself sit down at my business desk each day so that I won’t get behind and stress out. Grrrr, I hate desk work!
Have fun in Naples, Doreen,
Dewena
Julie says
Hello and happy new year Doreen. Now is a great time to organize everything. I love all of those pretty desks and offices. Thanks for the ideas. So glad you are having fun in sunny Florida. Take care and enjoy.
Julie
Kelly says
Those are some great organizing ideas! We don’t have a home office, but we do have a computer cabinet that we keep things organized in. It’s in our kitchen. We hope to one day have a REAL home office though. We need an extra bedroom for that though. The woman you met while camping was very brave to travel on her own like that. I don’t see myself doing that ever. I guess I’m too dependent on my husband and no nothing about driving and operating a motor home! Ha!
Poppy says
What a girl (or her husby) will do for a bit of hot water! For some reason, your car wash scene reminded me of Michelle Pfeiffer’s sultry performance on that grand piano in the ‘Fabulous Baker Boys’, which probably made every man who saw it suddenly crave a cold shower!
Of course I love the red and white office, and of course I will pick pretty over practical almost every time, even though I end up paying for it in some way. Case in point: the frilly chair would prove uncomfortable after a few minutes, but a girl’s gotta suffer to study in such a sweet space, right?
Thanks for all the organizational tips; the older I get, the more mess I make, which is quite extraordinary, really, since I have less stuff!
Glad you’re having a ball with BAM, House Honey!
XOXO
Poppy
Nana Diana says
Those are all great ideas, Doreen. I plan on doing a lot of organization while John is going through treatment and we will be home most of the time. Love that you figured the hot water out- would hate to see you on the cover of CarWash USA! lol xo Diana