32 UHeart Organizing: The "Lock Box"

We have been spending a lot of time this last couple of months, focusing on some key areas of the home; home office, kitchen and the bathroom.  Today, contributor Leslie Ezelle, winner of HGTV's Design Star, is stopping by with tips for keeping a super tidy and organized workspace.  Of course, what I adore most is how she does it all with style {and my friends, it's beyond obvious that this girl has great taste}!

Organization is KEY to a happy and healthy life. From living in my own home renovation nightmare, I can definitely attest to this, and live my life by the philosophy "tame your domain." When your world is cluttered, messy and chaotic you will feel like this as well!

One of my favorite organization projects is what I like to call, "The LOCK BOX." Sounds scary, but if you have a home office this will be the best thing that's ever happened to you! When I was young, my father always used to clear his desk of EVERYTHING when he had an important meeting and place it in just one box. This is where my idea for the lock box came from. "The Lock Box" is essentially armoire that you can lock up all of your work related materials.

The idea is to allow yourself time to pay bills, make phone calls, answer emails, etc. Once you are done, you can "lock" all of your stress back in the armoire and should no longer worry about what is in the "The Lock Box" {at least until the next time you open it}. If you maximize the time you work, and have everything organized you will be better at your job, and in turn, your life will be less stressful and more organized.

Here's how to create your own:

• Get an armoire.  You can buy a new one, or even find an old one at a vintage shop and refinish it, or paint it yourself.
• Create compartmentalized baskets.  Place a label on the outside of each basket so that you know what the basket contains {ex., bills, receipts, all things kids etc}.

 

• Allow yourself one hour each day to go through each basket. Do this for 21 days {this is how long it will take to become a habit}
• Place cork at the bottom of the drawers of the armoire to help everything stay put and not slide around. Then place picture frames {without the glass} into the drawers to keep all of your pens, pencils, etc., organized!
• Finally, shut the doors! When you are finished with your work, close the doors to the armoire, locking all your worries and stress back inside! 

 

"They say everything is bigger in Texas, and Leslie Ezelle is no exception to this rule. The acclaimed interior designer and TV personality has entertained millions of people around the world with her vivacious and eccentric demeanor. Recently crowned as HGTV’s first ever Design Star All-Star winner, the mother of six brings a magnetic energy to anyone in her path.

A great believer in the correlation between design and health, Leslie's aesthetic revolves around the philosophy of “tame your domain,” the idea that simplicity and functionality rule. The talented designer believes this is truly the only way to create a stress-free, organized home."