How do I organize my tiny office space?

I have been battling clutter and the mound of art supplies that cover my desk, which is in a corner of my livingroom. I can't expand so everything needs to fit in this area. I've used a bookshelf to separate (hide) the area but I would like to make the area visually appealing. Does anyone have tips on how to keep a tiny office area organized? Any good sources for modestly priced storage ideas? I've attached a photo...ANY ideas would be helpful!

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December 21, 2006

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cillastar's blog (7 posts)

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About: Clean. Simple. Modern. Site: bravelittlesoul.com

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kiddynomite

January 03, 2007

Cork board walls. Space them out evenly, about 2.5" apart or so to make it aesthetically appealing, and then put up anything you need. It does two things, it gets papers off of your desk and up somewhere spread apart to where you can actually see what is what, because when papers pile up on a desk they hide each other. Like the electric bill hides the gas bill and then boom, you get a fatty gas bill - AND - it's makes your work art. Well, at least in my case because I use a lot of clippings from magazines, design concepts, colors, fabrics and blah, blah on a day-to-day basis and it gives a big blank wall texture and colors and styles that change weekly :)

cillastar

December 30, 2006

Thanks, 1932Bungalow. I'm actually on my way to IKEA for their sale right now. I'll scoop later and post pictures.

1932Bungalow

December 29, 2006

IKEA sells a good selection of attractive storage bins and boxes. My husband and I have used metal bins on his side of the office and the media boxes (link below) and mag holders on mine.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15561&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=11096&langId=-1&categoryId=16299&chosenPartNumber=80024511

I've also found that shelving provides a good home for such things and gets them up and off your workspace. Try mixing the storage in with things that inspire you for a more artsy and less closet-looking space. The link below is for shelves that mount with no visible hardware. They're super cheap for what they are, look WAY more expensive and are pretty sturdy.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15561&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=11326&langId=-1&categoryId=15648&chosenPartNumber=00103630

cillastar

December 23, 2006

Thanks Ben and Nimue. I will try to edit some of the items but I really do need everything there..just not out in the open. I will use the IKEA certificate I won to buy a small drawer unit in place of those ugly plastic drawers. When I get it, I will pull everything out of the area and start over. I definitely want hidden storage, but I will label each drawer. Thank you!

wooks

December 22, 2006

Sweet, thanks for the tips. I'll try this out this afternoon. I have way too much clutter in/around/on/under/above my desk :)

Nimue

December 21, 2006

I agree with benmoore. My 1st thought was that your space needs to be cleared out and you need to start over. Like benmoore said, empty it all out & toss what you don't really need or use in your space. Then group like items with like (or specific use with use - ie, stamps, paper, pens, checkbook & envelopes together) and take a good look at what you have in each group, take photos if needed. Then go shopping at Dollar Stores & other inexpensive stores (you'll be happy at what interesting items your find to fit your needs) - look for baskets or containers that will be a fit for each group. Pay good attention to whether you like your stuff in sight or hidden away (clear or wire baskets versus solid lidded boxes). You could even paper over cardboard boxes (shoebox, oatmeal, etc.) . Then put something pretty or visually interesting in there!

benmoore

December 21, 2006

The only thing that works for me when needing reorg like this is to emtpy the whole room, and put back only what you need.. it doesn't actually help arrange furniture, but absolutely removes clutter. I think they do this on "clean house", but I first tried something similar when going through the book "getting things done".