My workspace!
One of my August goals for a more “legit” apartment was to create a workspace.
So, I researched workspace inspiration and identified my own workspace goals. And after a few hours of work here and there, I finally have one I love!
What were my workspace goals?
Mementos. I wanted to surround myself with things that make me happy, so I made a collage wall with a washi tape pennant banner. My favorite items included birthday cards, a signed Harry and the Potters postcard (shoutout to anyone who remembers wizard rock), and the playbill for This is Our Youth. It was definitely a great use of space. I love staring at these mementos every time I come into the office.
Surfaces. I wanted to stop myself from accumulating papers on my desk because I felt like I was less productive when it was messy. So I cleaned off one of the desk shelves for anything that might need a temporary home. My boyfriend and I also devoted a bookshelf to our writing books (and non-related DVDs).
Open spaces. I wanted keep our office from feeling cluttered with office items. So, my boyfriend moved our filing cabinet into the closet. And we also adopted this GIANT 4′x6′ bulletin board, which gives us more than enough space to plot our various writing projects.
Projects. I also wanted to make sure I could easily track each of the writing projects I was working on. Obviously, the bulletin board and white board above have helped. I also love color-coding everything -- even if it ends up taking more time without much functional benefit. So, I decided to prominently display my collection of Sharpies to promote doing more work.
What’s my advice on creating a workspace?
Do what makes you happy. Whether it’s surrounding yourself with pictures of friends, or displaying a collection of post-its, or keeping a spartan desk, try to identify what you love and incorporate it into your workspace. When you learn to associate your workspace with happy things, you’re more likely to use it.
Think about function. On the other hand, don’t keep a spartan desk if you regularly need a stapler and find yourself having to open up a storage box to get to one. Ask yourself, “What are the three main tasks I need to be able to accomplish here?” And, “In an ideal world, what would be the easiest way for me to accomplish them?” Then, organize your space accordingly.
Set an end date. The biggest obstacle I’ve found in my “home”-related projects is never feeling like they’re done: You can always add a new framed print or look for a better side table. So, set a date when you’re going to let yourself accept that your workspace is good enough. If you need to, give yourself a two-month trial period to actually work in your workspace, and then assess if you actually need all those other things.
At the end of the day, though, I have a confession: Most of the time (and by that, I mean 99% of the time), I work at my dining table... which is about five feet from my refrigerator.
I love the workspace I created and I know that I’ll work in it eventually, so I’ve stopped making myself feel guilty. I’m the only one at home during the day, so why not work in the biggest room with the most natural light and the easiest access to food? Sounds like a pretty good workspace to me.
What do you love about your workspace?