A Secret Confession

I have been hiding something… a big disorganized mess, and it is not pretty.

My desk mess is so easy to hide, just close the doors. But even with the pretty doors shut, it still doesn’t take away what I know lurks inside.

Truthfully, with all that mess, there wasn’t much work happening at my desk at all. When it came to computer time you could find me in my less than ergonomic, comfy blue chair, sitting next to my husband (also on the computer of course).

The white cabinet desk was practically abandoned about a year and half ago when we got rid of our desktop computer. With my fancy-free go anywhere laptop, the desk quickly became a catch all for any “desk” type items. Who needs a desk anyway when that armchair is calling?

Well, as I do more and more computer work, it turns out that I do! The aches and pains from slouching and overusing a touch pad computer mouse, told me it was time to ditch my comfy chair in exchange for a practical workspace with the benefits of proper posture and a wireless mouse.

First step is to tackle the junk currently occupying my desk space.

Sort

First thing to go, any trash and items that can go straight into a donate pile. The paperwork is sorted into 3 categories: Toss, Keep, or Act (Read how I deal with my everyday papers here).

Any remaining items such as office supplies, goes temporarily into a plastic tub.

Ah, a blank canvas-

I am slowly putting my desk back together (over a week) by first adding in the items I really use from the plastic tub and from a basket I kept next to my previous blue chair workstation. I also added new items such as my DIY desk organizer.

As I was weeding through the plastic tub, I realized most of the items were not things I wanted to return to my new desk space. After finally spending some time working in the newly organized space, I feel all the pared down items have earned a space in my desk. I’m surrounded by items I need or use frequently.

Purge

Now the problem is what to do with that overflowing tub of stuff I can’t seem to get rid of. I didn’t seem to have the need or use for any of it, but I found myself saying, “I might need it one day,” or “It would be a shame to get rid of this good binder.”

As soon as I heard those words I realized I was in trouble! A common problem for many (including myself), is to purge items that are perfectly good but you have no use for. A couple ways to combat this organizing hiccup is to give yourself a set number of items to keep or a set space (ex. once this box is full you have to purge the rest). Or find a friend who can use your items. Once you know the items will be used and appreciated, it won’t be so hard to give them away.

I kept three nice binders for future use and tossed the rest. I split half of the hundreds of plastic CD sleeves and plastic binder sleeves with a friend.

After a quick trip to Ikea to buy inexpensive storage boxes and magazine holders to house my extra supplies, my desk was coming together!

Now the space is functional with everything I need close at hand.  Oh, but we are not done yet! The next task is to add some color and a few organizing tricks to make the desk work for me.

What do you have trouble getting rid of?