GON Reader Question
I so look forward to your daily tips, many which I have put in place. I continue to have a problem as far as my home desk is concerned. No matter how many times I get it organized, things get dropped on it again and again.
I have tried leaving a basket where everything that comes in gets placed in it. Somehow that gets filled also. I should also mention that although it is my home desk, I also use it for painting art work.
I also share the room with my granddaughter who has one wall of toys, and my grandmothers hope chest (family heirloom) that holds blankets, etc. on another wall. On top of that chest sits more of my granddaughters games as well as a doll house my Mom (now deceased) built .
This room is for many things and it seems my desk collects everything from bills to things my family throws on it (I tried the basket for new things but that did not seem to work). It is not a large room.
I appreciate your thoughts on this annoying situation.
-- Marianne L.
Maria Gracia Responds
Hi Marianne,
Thank you for your question. This room is clearly a multi-functional space that serves various purposes. Here are a few gentle suggestions:
1) Use a Visual Cue: It's very easy to toss
things on a desk, or any surface for that matter, "just for now." As you already know, this causes a bit of chaos. Every item added grows into a messy pile.
On a large sheet of posterboard, write, "STOP. DO
NOT ADD ANYTHING TO THIS SPACE." Lay that posterboard on your desk. Remove it when you're ready to work on it and replace it when you're done with your desk for the day. (You can also add a sheet of paper with the same saying to a photo frame that gets left on this desk if you prefer.)
This will be a constant reminder to keep the desk clear. Really, the only item on your desk at any given time should be the ONE task or project you're working on right now.
2) Create Another Zone:
Does your granddaughter also use your desk? If so, consider getting a wall-mounted, fold-down desk for her when she is there that
is solely her space to use. This will help maintain order and prevent her items from migrating to your desk. If needed, she can always be given a box or tote bag to store art supplies, etc. if applicable. 3) Utilize Storage Tools: You definitely need a place to gather your bills
that is NOT your desk. A bill can easily get lost if it's tossed on the desk with everything else. Perhaps a wall mounted pocket labeled
"Bills" would be of help to you? By the way, I don't like the idea of a basket to be used as a "catch all" for random items/papers. The randomness of this is why your current basket system isn't working. 4) Communication is King: You'll have to communicate to family members to not
toss anything on your desk...and also have a place for them to put whatever IS being tossed on your desk right now. It's important to identify the types of items that are currently causing the clutter...and have a system for those items. Bills should be placed in your bill holder. Papers you have to read? You may need a wall pocket for those too.
5) Nightly Decluttering Sessions: Check yourself at the end of each night. Schedule 15 minutes specifically for this purpose. If any items have made their way to your desk, discard the unnecessary, file the important, and return items to their designated places.
Hope some of these ideas help! Remember, organizing is not a "one and done" thing. It's a continual journey.
