How to Organize
HOME OFFICES
Today’s home office needs to fulfill a number of roles—household command center, creative work space, and personal refuge. Design an area that works for you, whether it’s a dedicated room, a corner of the kitchen, or even a customized bookshelf (see page 37).
START WITH THE SURFACES
A clutter-free desk is much more conducive to getting down to business.
- Clear your desk of all but the must-haves, such as your computer and task lamp.
- Cull each shelf and drawer in your office and remove outdated and unnecessary items.
- Keep supplies within easy reach, whether in drawers or on a surface near your desk.
- Design an inspiration board that provides even more storage opportunities; the graphic grid (pictured on page 34) lends style and substance to the room.
- For a polished look, gather loose items in matching metal canisters (which can also be hung on the grid, as shown on page 34) or trinket bowls.
Keep on top of paperwork
Follow the “touch once” rule for paperwork: Either act on it, file it away, or discard it (by shredding or recycling).
- Place paperwork in designated bins or files labled as “to-do” or “in progress.”
- Stash papers and file folders in magazine holders. Personalize them with numbered or lettered stencils, as shown on page 34, or give them custom labels of your own design.
- Assign colors (as in red for “do today”) or categories (“personal”) to folders or paperwork using Post-it notes, stickers, or washi tape. If you share a work space or a filing cabinet, assign a color to each family member.
Strive for comfort
Create a warm and pleasant space by adhering to the following tips and guidelines.
- Set up your computer ergonomically: When you sit down and straighten your arm, your pointer finger should be at the center of the screen. Elevate a laptop to the proper height and use an external keyboard and mouse to avoid hunching your back.
- Add human touches to keep the space from feeling too sterile. Beloved family photos, framed artwork, pretty pottery, travel keepsakes, or other personal mementos can add some style and substance without cluttering the space.
- Plants are proven stress-reducers, plus foliage brightens any room. If you lack sufficient light for potted plants, consider “bouquets” of freshly cut mint or other herbs.
To make the sleek hanging folders shown on page 34, cut a 14-by-18-inch piece of faux leather and fold it in half, leaving 1 inch extending on one side. Mark spots 5/8 inch from the top and side of front flap, then punch holes through both flaps. Insert grommets into holes, then hang with J hooks.
1 Year
Paid bills
Copies of checks for non-tax-deductible items
Annual investment statements
7 Years
IRS tax records
Bank and credit card statements
Records of deductible expenses
For as long as they are active
Contracts
Mortgage records
Real-estate deeds
Home-improvement receipts
Paid bills for insurable purchases
Stock or bond certificates
Vehicle titles
Indefinitely
Birth certificates
Marriage and divorce papers
Social Security cards
Passports
Education records