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Meet Your Desk: How to Create a Workspace That Works

Ask yourself: What should live on your desk and what can live elsewhere?

Beth Zeigler February 16, 2012

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Working with clients in their home offices all over Los Angeles, I see a lot of good working habits and some not-so-good working habits. And while it's fairly obvious to me when I'm looking at a workspace why an individual may not be performing efficiently, most don't realize how to create a workspace that flows.

I started my professional organizing career teaching a workshop called "Meet Your Desk." It was a play on the fact that a lot of us work day in and day out without noticing the piles of paper that accumulate. The end result: Most of us wouldn't be able to tell you the last time we saw our desk surface clean and clear of clutter.

Take a journey with me where we'll look at desks that are getting it "right," while also looking at creative ways to store the stuff you don't need and that is cluttering up your workspace.

Browse home office photos | Readers' Choice: Top 20 Offices

Eclectic Home Office Eclectic Home Office

When we think workspace, our mind is trained to think "traditional office," but this picture shows us that you can set up shop just about anywhere. The first step to creating a peaceful yet efficient office area is to stretch your arms out and turn right, then left, while you're sitting at your desk. Only items that you use on a daily basis should live in this space.

Abbe Fenimore Studio Ten 25

Next, you'll want to create a spot in your work zone for active paperwork to live. Here, the owner is using a wire paper tray to store projects that need attention. While this keeps a low profile on the desk, you might instead consider a vertical paper file sorter which is easier to flip through and find what you're looking for.

Abbe Fenimore Studio Ten 25

What about all those items that would be nice to have close by but not necessarily on your desktop? Think open shelving and larger storage pieces (like a low-lying credenza) placed behind or to the side of a desk. You can still easily access these items but again, you've made room for an organized workspace where things won't get lost.

Neiman Taber Architects

You'll likely need space for your laptop or desktop computer. One way to create extra space is to DIY a shelf below the desktop surface, or prop the computer on an uplifted surface. That way, a notebook and/or keyboard can be hidden when not in use. This will also create extra workspace when you're drafting, drawing or working on a project with papers spread out.

Love Your Room LLC

Magazine files, which are capable of containing bulkier items, are another great way to corral active projects. In this workspace I might even find a place for the magazine file and printer in the nearby bookcase, thus saving even more valuable desktop real estate. When a printer is relocated to another area, all you have to do is plug in your laptop, and you're ready to print.

The Inman Company

If your desk faces a wall, think about using the space in front of you by going vertical. This workspace uses a wire to clip ideas, magazine tears and possible work inspiration. There's even a corkboard wall to the left so you can tack up anything that you reference daily or weekly.

Atypical Type A

Here is a great example of a DIY shelf going vertical, using apple crates to store items within arms reach.

User

Extra office supplies definitely shouldn't live at your desk — but they don't have to call a traditional supply cabinet home either. Free up space by housing supplies in containers that match your surroundings. Label containers so everyone knows what's stored inside.

Every piece of paper that comes across your desk should have a home, even those that end up in the recycling bin or shredder. This is an important step so that your sensitive docs have a place to land and don't find their way into unsearchable piles. Create bins for both recycling and shredding, and don't forget to properly label.

Leah

We all need a little inspiration sometimes, so don't forget to give your workspace a much-needed personal touch.

But be sure not to go overboard here, as too many tchotchkes will make your desk feel crowded. If you're unsure, take a picture of the space (pics are helpful for seeing things more objectively) and remove extraneous items.

Tell us: What currently lives on your desk that you now realize can live elsewhere? Do you have any of your own creative solutions to share?

More: Turn Your Closet Into an Office
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Create a Home Office on a Shoestring
Create a Customized Office Look without Built-Ins
11 Ways to Create a Multipurpose Office Space

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A & D Glass Inc.

I am OCD when it comes to my desks - both at home and at work. At home, I spend 5 - 10 minutes every day taking care of the mail. Open it, log it, file it, shred it, recycle it, or toss it. At work, I always clean up my desk at the end of the day, and organize my work in order for the next morning. Again, 5 - 10 minutes, and I keep my sanity. Don't get me started about when I come in and a folder is laying open on my desk!

5 Likes January 10, 2013 at 12:32PM