20 Reader Space: An Organizer's Office

Today's reader is also an organizer.   It is what she does.  It is what she is passionate about.  Say hello to Helena, a Personal Organizer!

So, it's no surprise that her home office is awesomely organized!  Since I am currently trying to set up a super functional home office/work studio myself, I asked her to stop by with some tips!  Sneaky sneaky eh?


What is the main function of the space?

"A shared office space for my work/home management, my hubby's and the kid's homework."

Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?

"Purge before you organize!  Because of Addie's Navy career, we move often and that has taught me to always keep what we need/love.  But still after every move I find "stuff" we don't need anymore.  Purging has an amazing liberating effect and I love to feel free of stuff to do what I love.  Less stuff equals more time, less money spent in "storage" be it a storage unit or a cute new container, and best of all a cleaner home.  Now, to keep it organized?  I am such a stinker wit this rule, 'If you use it, put it away'.  Really, after you organize a space and all has a home, there is no mystery, all you have to do to be organized is to bring it back."

What items did you find were essential when organizing the space, and why?

"A large desk.  I use the computer for everything, but I'm a note-taker and I keep a notebook with me at all times.  So, I needed space for writing, for reference materials, for a "do now" box with bills to pay, school papers to sign, etc... Plus I need what I call 'white space' = zero clutter."

 

What did you do to go the extra mile and make it pretty?

"I saved to purchase the furniture I wanted and because I needed two desks to 'match', I had to wait double the time."

What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?

"Jen, I have zero talent when it comes to DIY and, I'm jealous of DIYer's talent.  I go gaga on your featured projects and your guests.  You gals {and hubbies} always amaze me."  

How has this space impacted your life for the better?

"Having this open and organized space has made me waaaay more productive.  Everything was difficult before, from our sleeping situation to a shared tiny office.  Now, everyone is happy and I enjoy this beautiful room while I work for myself and my adorable clients."

She is so so right!  Smart girl, that Helena is!  The thing she said the resonated with me the most is that being organized is just about "putting things back" once they have a home.  I have always said there is a difference in being organized and being neat and tidy.  I love to organize.  I love to problem solve and give everything a home.  But we get busy, and quite honestly, lazy from time to time.  If we don't put things back where they go when we are done... BOOM!  Instamess!  Funny how simple it really all is when you think about it.  Piles and clutter form just because we don't take the extra time to pick up.

I also love that she is OK with not being able to DIY everything.  Sometimes, we focus so much on what we can DIY to save money, or to make a room feel "our own", but I think Helena's room still looks fresh, organized and has her personality mixed throughout.  She saved until she could afford the furniture that worked best for her and for her family.  And I love all the unique accessories and pops of color that she has around the room.

Most importantly, she has created a place that the entire family can enjoy and use together.  As much as I want my studio to be my work haven, I also want to consider my family and my kids, and give them a space to plop down to work and do homework too!  Time with them is precious, but it is also nice having one room in the home where all of the work is done, and leave the rest for family and play.

Oh, and I adore that memo board and those acrylic organizers too!  The magazine files and pretty colorful boxes also made my heart do Olympic style back-flips.   All the little details are so great!

A huge hug and thanks to Helena for stopping in today with her tips and pretty office pictures.  You can find oh so much more over here on her blog.

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!