We are dealing with ground break stuff here on today’s 10 Minute Tuesday.
Let’s start by looking at this good ol’ Ikea utensil holder I have had since college.

It doesn’t look too horrible in this picture, but if you look closely there are only about 4 usable pens in there; and only 2 that I actually reach for on a regular basis! Why am I allowing this pen filled clutter to continue on my desk? This is madness!

I looked around my house for other containers to simplify my pen storage. I needed something that wouldn’t tempt me to fill it up with writing utensils. I found an old bowl I made when I was in high school ceramics class (not too bad for my first attempt at bowl making, right?).

With my pens in this new container, I started weeding them down to only the ones I really need and use. Sometimes the best way to organize is to simplify.  After I’d removed the extra pens it meant less clutter, but now the opening in the bowl was too large.

Then I remembered a photo of a really beautiful office; the kind of space where I’d love to do my work.

I forgot where I found this gem of inspiration. If you recognize this image please share with me so I can give it proper credit.

I grabbed a goblet type glass I had on hand, filled it with decorative rocks, and voile. I have a perfect spot for a minimalized collection of well-loved pens.

Don’t worry, I didn’t toss all those perfectly good pens. I stored them hidden in a basket on an upper shelf of my desk (I don’t know why I have so many highlighters, I’ll have to tackle those next).

What I love about my new desk storage is its simplicity. I can see the 4 pens I am using, plus the rocks add a little nature vibe to my work space that I love.  The orange scissors may take away some of the charm but I use them almost every day.  It is practical not perfect.

In less then 10 minutes, I have simplified and improved the efficiency at my desk. As I select a pen, I will now grab one in working order and not some funky color;  (Although I do love to write in fun colors sometimes, just not on important documents. A pink tax form anyone?).

For the next 10 minutes, turn your attention to your own pen collection: do they work, are you frustrated when you pull out the red felt-tip pen every single time? Let’s tackle this task together!

Take this fun organizing quiz and start where you are. Here are a few ideas…

for the Clutter Bug-

Throw out all those dried out pens. Grab some scrap paper and make a game out of it with your little ones. They’ll be in scribbling heaven and you will have reclaimed a functional pen cup.

for the Mess Manager-

Set up a pen cup wherever you regularly find pens lying around. Do you use a pen on the couch but then always leave it on the side table rolling free. Place your storage where you’ll use it. I was always finding pens roaming free on my nightstand, until I added a decorative pot to corral pens and hand lotion.

for the Practically Professional-

Expand your audit to cover all office supplies. Do you have too many notepads or post-its that are overflowing out of their home and getting in the way? Store your extra supplies out of sight and simplify your desk and workspace.

Don’t get crazy, just spend 10 minutes to simplify and declutter. Even the smallest difference can change the way you work in your space. It could even be contagious to the rest of the world, or at the very least your family.

Anyone else find inspiration from pictures that you’ve attempted in your own space. Did I mention I’m on pinterest! I love it and keep finding gems to pin and re-pin!

Similar to my Twitter discovery, I have found a bunch of organizing goodness.