My Desk

For a while now, people have asked me what my desk area looks like in my apartment. To this I smile.

As a Professional Organizer, I have always kept a simple and streamlined desk area. Whatever company I worked for my workspace has always been color-coded and free of clutter. It makes my brain happier, and more productive. As a solo-entrepreneur, working from my studio apartment the same rule applies: color-coded files and paper off the desk.

I really enjoy my Elfa Desk from The Container Store. http://www.containerstore.com/shop/elfa/bestSellingSolutions/officeSpaces

I decided that since I lived in a studio apartment I would create my desk for the space I needed. I had a small area of wall I wanted to cover and I love the clean lines of the Elfa product. I decided to get the white desk (and white hardware) as it would blend into the wall better. My company color is purple so I went over to Poppin.com (http://www.poppin.com/Shop-By-Color/Purple/) and ordered their purple desk accessories to keep a fluid vibe. My printer sits on it’s own shelf and my favorite Staples shredder (https://amyneiman.com/my-favorite-shredder) is on the floor beneath. I try to keep papers off the desk and often use notebooks to keep printed material gathered together and labeled so I can find what I need easily. I do have post-it notes on my desk, as you never know when you need to jot down a quick note. If the information is important I can stick the note into the folder I need so the data isn’t lost.

I also use a Blossom Stockholm Desktop File
(http://www.containerstore.com/shop/?productId=10029368), which lives on my other Elfa shelves just to the left of my desk. I use color-coded hanging folders and file folders to create a label system so I can find what I need, when I need it. I have client folders, bank info (nothing too personal as I have a safe for those papers), receipts, invoices, etc. It’s important to create a filing system that will work for YOU! Not everyone organizes the same way; its best to come up with a method that works for your space, time, and needs.

For those of you that need to see your files, try  the Acrylic Desktop File (http://www.containerstore.com/shop/?productId=10027112). I love that you can see the folders (and the labels – very important!) and the color of the folders. You can personalize it by hanging-folder color; however, if you want to decorate the outside, use a wallpaper or the like and make it your own.

For papers that I might need to look through before I file, I have started using a basket to collect the paperwork (or mail) before I have to file it. For this, you can use any type of basket that works well with 8.5×11 papers. My basket sits on-top of my scanner/printer and I go through it weekly. For me, as long as everything is labeled and I can find what I need, when I need it, my day goes by a bit easier.

What does your desk look like? What needs to change in order for it to be your ideal working space?

I would love to hear from you and see photos.