Working from home is a process that varies from person to person. But the challenge of keeping your space clutter-free is something that unifies us all.
By this time of year, the majority of us should be experts at working from home. Our home offices should be functional and comfortable, and our work schedules should be on track. If you’ve had video chats with friends or co-workers, you’ve likely seen that this isn’t the case for most. In fact, a large percentage of people are struggling now that they don’t have an office to go to, finding it hard to complete their work on time and concentrate.
Home offices can be difficult places to work, especially when you live in a small apartment or live with children or roommates. It’s common to end up working on your bed for long stretches of time, something that’s confusing for your brain and that might result in trouble sleeping later on at night. Small spaces often blur the lines between work and normal life, making it hard for you to adjust when your work day is over.
Marie Kondo explains in her new working from home online course that it’s important for people to stay organized in their home office by creating a space that’s both functional and joyful.
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“No matter where you work, it’s important to create an environment that helps you focus. If you don’t have a home office, identify the items that are crucial to getting your work done and designate a clear spot for them ― a box or portable carrier will do,” explains Kondo.
Like other experts who provide recommendations on working from home, Kondo recommends doing an activity in the morning that signals the start of your work day, whether that’s taking a shower, going for a morning walk or striking a tuning fork.
Make it a personal goal to keep track of the items in your home office, preventing clutter and disorganization. Don’t let the coffee mugs pile up; it’s easier to clean a couple of them than to have to fetch them all over your home once you realize that you ran out of clean cups.
Make to-do lists and listen to music, anything that makes your work life feel more productive and goal oriented. Avoid social media, Netflix, video games or entertainment during the mornings, and keep up the work momentum for as long as you can. At the end of your workday, be sure to turn off notifications and do something that signals that you’re work is done, whether that’s going for a walk, closing the door to your office, or putting your laptop someplace that isn’t readily accessible.
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Working from home is a process that’s subject to change. Some days are easier than others, filled with less distractions and interruptions. What matters most is to create a space that’s functional and switch things up if you feel like you’re not being as productive as you can. Get creative with your work space and always try to make it enjoyable. While working from home is challenging, it’s also kind of great to have the ability to dictate the pace and rhythm of your work.
