Anatomy of a DESK. By request.

Excuses? No. If I can turn this tiny nook into a full fledged office then you can too. Try transforming a spare closet, an alcove or even a portion of a kitchen counter into a home office. What does it take ?  Some cool storage items from the container store or Target or IKEA and ... wait for it ... discipline.

Because my home office is so small (one desk plus 4 shelves) I'm VERY picky about what comes in.  I have to absolutely maximize the space ~ and limit my touch of whimsy to two red lions and one gold owl. This is a challenge for me!  

~ Wicker bins are excellent for corralling cords and chargers because they are attractive and really sturdy.  

~ Photo books are the best way to condense oodles of memories into a trim and tidy book.  

~ I devote a generous space - half of one shelf - to recycling incoming paperwork and junkmail.

~ I have a wall mounted unit specifically for stationary - this holds thank you cards, birthday cards, blank note cards, return address labels, stamps and even business correspondence (note cards, business cards, etc). 

~ To-Do Box vs Current Files vs Long-term Files - huh? To clarify, my To-Do box contains any items I plan to have my hands on in the next week. To-Do items get addressed and moved over to my Current Files area - these are on-going projects such as the school yearbook, the church VBS, house projects and my book proposal ideas.  Long-term Files include items that are completed and now serve as a reference such as medical documents, kids report cards, home warranties, etc.

~ Inspiration Box/ Gift Ideas is one of my favorite organization devices.  When you are reading Oprah magazine, and find the ideal christmas gift for your sister, what do you do? You rip it out and plop it in your Inspiration Box. This is also a great location to store party planning ideas, dinner party ideas, inspiration for birthday gifts and future projects.  Anything that you come across and can tear out of a magazine or jot down on paper should go into this box.  Holiday gift giving will be so much easier this year.

Enjoy! This office enables me to enjoy my life. :) ShortCutMom