Monday, February 3, 2014

Creating a work space that works for you

Back in December I moved in with my Father to help with expenses of the house and putting my Mom in a ALZ facility. It was a win-win situation for both of us as I was able to get away from the mold infested house and also help Dad.

With that in mind, I went from a 3 bedroom/2 bath home to a single bedroom and a converted room/closet in the garage for my crafts.  I also went from a Queen size bed to a single size.  So some major adjustments.

The first thing I had to accomplish besides putting my personal things, clothes, makeup, etc away was to set up my desk area. 

I needed it to be functional, easy access to what I need and also a happy place since it would be in the corner of my bedroom.  Here is the result and I will explain as I post the pictures:

 The above picture is my actual work area - I have an "L" shaped desk and above my desk I have pictures of my grandchildren and a old-timey one of my daughter and I.  I was going to put a cork board for notes, etc but this is a happier thing to look at.  I am still looking for a nice picture of my son and I to add to the collection.  I have an adjustable lamp in the corner if I need additional lighting.  I also have my Cardinal Scent thingy that currently has Pina Colada scent in it.  It is a relaxing smell to me.

 I use a planner daily - sometime hourly as this goes with me whereever I go.  It looks really blue in this picture but it is actually a Teal Malibu from Day-Timers.  I belong to several Planner groups on Facebook and have learned so much from these ladies on how to be efficient with my planner. 

My neighbor made me this stand so that I can glance over at my planner and see it, jot a note on a particular day or just to keep it visible.  I love it and plan on asking him to make me another for my office outside the house.  As my schedule gets busiers - I will need it. 

I also color code in my Planner.   I don't have to keep track of multiple bosses, kids or grand-kids schedules any more but old habits die hard.  I love looking at my planner and knowing that a certain color is for a certain activity/chore.

Finally this is my storage area.  On top is the electronics (kind of messing in this picture), the box is a wine box I got from Sam's Club many years ago.  I have many of these and love that they work for so many different things.  I have my DVD's, VHS Movies in some as well as my Bible and study books.  In these planners/binders I have my information for RAKS/Swaps that I am in, extra day on 2 pages for my planner (I only keep 2-3 months in my planner) and a binder with misc papers in it.

The second shelf holds my washi tape for decorating my planner and decorative shaped clips.  The next shelf is my in basket - need to do some filing (LOL) and the bottom shelf is my clipboard with my to-do for the day/week and another box of extra planner inserts.

This set-up works for me and I seem to get more done now that I have it finally set for me.  I love it when something works for me and not me working for it.