While there’s no doubt that I would love a beauty makeover (wouldn’t we all?) this summer I’m focusing on my office! Last summer we turned one of our spare bedrooms into an office for me. It was supposed to mean that mom would move off the couch and into her own space, along with all my products waiting for review, notes, phones, printers and more. Unfortunately for all of us, we didn’t quite do it right.
Here’s what we did wrong:
1) The desk I bought was much too small. While it fits perfectly into a corner and doesn’t take up much space, it doesn’t give me much space either. Once my laptop is on my desk, I can fit a cup of coffee and notepad beside it…or behind it…and that’s it!
2) The office equipment – I had no spot to put my printer on my desk so I put it on top of a box. It works, but it doesn’t look very nice. I also have a shredder that is plugged in on the other side of the room because that’s where there was an open outlet and space for it.
3) I have no storage. All my business documents are kept in the desk drawer in folders that are now so overflowing that the drawer is getting difficult to close! Printer cartridges, tape, stapler…that all ends up in the basket that I placed on top of my printer. Yes, storage is definitely an issue!
4) I thought putting the desk in a corner would give me a good view out the door when the kids are playing downstairs as well. Except that my back is facing entirely away from the door. And I’m facing a corner.
It’s pretty and all, but not very functional! Time to renovate my office and make it more user-friendly so that I actually spend some time in there and not make excuses on why it’s not working for me! So here’s my plan:
By switching the bed and desk, I have the window lighting behind me. I can then see out the bedroom door from my desk without having to turn around. By finding a larger desk that’s more like a 90 degree angle and less like pushing me in the corner, this will give me way more work space! I have a brand new chair already courtesy of Staples and their Big Chair Event a few weeks ago! Now, just to find the products I need to make my office functional!
I definitely need some storage – a filling cabinet would work great, and there’s room for it beside the desk. I’d love to find a bulletin board to post press releases I need to refer to, photos and more. A white-board would help me remember important phone numbers and dates.
And of course, pens, paper, printer paper, paper clips…all those fun office products that make me flushed with excitement! I’m a total stationary-nerd and love stationary products!
Stay tuned for an update on my office makeover as it happens this month! I’m off this week to shop at Staples for everything I need for my makeover courtesy of Staples Canada, I’M SO EXCITED!
i need someone to come organized mine… so jealous, perhaps staples can come to my home too? can’t wait to see your progress
It will look organized for the first little bit I’m sure, then I will need to be ontop of it to ensure it stays that way!
The desk you have IS very pretty. It would work well for the kids who doesn’t have much “work” to do and can not clutter it (yet :)) Let’s see if Staples can beat that.
I feel your pain! I run 4 business’ out of an office that is 8×8 I am in desperate need of more space, but its just not possible until my 14 yr old step son moves out in 4/5 years! I hate my office! It seems like it is always cluttered with paper work and stock. I am needing to go to Staples and find some solutions soon for my office dilemma! I cannot wait to see your reveal!
Kudos to you! I don’t know how you have managed to work with such a small workspace! I need the whole dining room table to myself!