How to Organize Your Workspace at Home – 2025
Work From Home in an Organized Workspace, Whether Fully Remote or Occasional
Working from home is a fantastic opportunity to create a workspace tailored to you! If you’re a remote employee or just occasionally working from home, a well-organized desk can make all the difference in productivity.
But don’t be fooled by those picture-perfect home offices you see on social media and TV. You don’t need a designer office to thrive– it’s about making the most of what you have!
The good news? Organizing your workspace doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.
It’s time to say goodbye to that cluttered desk, the kitchen table, or the couch-and-coffee-table setup. Let’s create a work area that not only functions well but also inspires you every day!
Here are my seven tips for the most organized workspace at home.
Seven Steps to an Organized Workspace
Step 1: Declutter Your Workspace
“Today is the day you rid yourself of anything that distracts from your best life.”― Joshua Becker, The Minimalist Home.
Ever heard of the common saying, “A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind”?
It’s time to start fresh! First and foremost, let’s narrow down the mess on your desk and in other areas of the room.
- Clear off your desk: Remove unnecessary items like old papers, unused office supplies, or personal items.
- Sort through your paperwork: File important documents in a filing system or labeled folders. Shred anything you no longer need.
- Organize office supplies: Keep only the essential items in your workspace, like pens, paper clips, and a notepad. Store everything else out of sight.
- Consider your walls and floors: A clean desk isn’t enough—take a moment to tidy up the surrounding area, including the floor and any wall space.
This will give you a clear desk and a clutter-free workspace to focus on what matters most.
Pro Tip: Remember, you are working from home. There is no need for a bunch of personal items on your desk as there may be for someone working in a grey cubical.
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Tools
“The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don’t.”― Marie Kondo.
Now that you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to decide what goes back into your space. But here’s the catch: less is more.
- Only keep what’s essential: Items you use every day should stay within arm’s reach. For example, a desktop computer, a notepad, a pen, and a mouse. Everything else, like staplers or extra pens, should go in storage containers or a desk drawer.
- Use storage containers: Plastic bins, drawer organizers, or file folders are great ways to store items that are not used on a daily basis.
- Think about your work style: If you have specific tasks, like video conferencing or paperwork, set up your desk to accommodate those activities with the right tools.
By keeping your desk organized and only storing what’s necessary, you’ll have more space and less stress.
I am a writer, so I only need a computer, notepad, pen, pencil, and mouse on your desk. Almost anything else can be on a shelf beside or behind my workspace. Configure your space accordingly.
Want to know a little more about me and my journey to becoming a successful writer? You’re in luck! Check out my newly released book, Sprinkle It With Sunshine! Discover how my faith, family, and unwavering determination got me to where I am today.
Step 3: Optimize Your Workspace for Productivity
An organized workspace promotes focus – and I know we all need more of that! Here are some simple steps to optimize your setup:
- Use vertical space: Install open shelves or use wall-mounted organizers to keep items off your desk.
- Cable management: Tidy up cables using clips, cable trays, or a cable box to avoid cable clutter. A clean desk means fewer distractions.
- Invest in a filing system: File folders, paper trays, or a file pedestal can keep your documents sorted and easily accessible.
- Use a monitor riser: Elevate your monitor or laptop to eye level to reduce neck strain and maintain good posture.
- Lighting: A floor lamp with adjustable lighting helps to brighten your workspace, reducing eye strain.
These simple steps create an environment that promotes focus and minimizes distractions.
Pro Tip: Color makes a huge impact!
So, when designing the space, use one or two colors to achieve a calmness to the area. If you are into black and white, make sure everything from your planner cover to the push pins on your board is the same colors. If you need a bit more color, that is great. But limit it to a neutral and a pop of color. And stay in those colors if you can for all you add to the area. It will set the place apart and help you stay focused.
Step 4: Incorporate Personal Touches
While functionality is important, your workspace should feel like your space. Adding personal touches helps keep you motivated and comfortable throughout the day.
For example, In my office, I have my daughter’s artwork, pictures of my grandchildren, and furniture pieces that make me happy!
- Add family photos: Limited personal items like a couple family photos or a small plant can make your workspace feel more inviting without causing clutter.
- Use decorative items sparingly: A small plant or motivational quote can go a long way in personalizing your desk without adding unnecessary clutter.
- Comfort is key: Consider adding a cozy chair cushion or a blanket for those long work-from-home hours.
Personal touches are essential for creating a workspace that feels both comfortable and professional.
Step 5: Maintain Your Organized Home Office
An organized workspace doesn’t stay that way on its own—it requires consistent upkeep. Here are some practical tips for maintaining a clutter-free workspace:
- Tidy up daily: At the end of each day, take five minutes to put away items and tidy up your desk.
- Declutter weekly: Once a week, review your papers, supplies, and other items. Discard or file anything unnecessary.
- Use a filing system: Keep your important documents organized in a filing cabinet or with file folders to avoid piles of paper.
A daily routine of cleaning and organizing ensures your workspace remains functional and inspiring.
Step 6: Declare Your Workspace!
If you share your home with family or roommates, it’s important to establish boundaries. Let others know that your desk is your workspace, and it’s where you focus on work-related tasks.
- Create a designated place for your work items, away from family activities.
- Use cubicle walls or privacy screens to set clear boundaries, especially in shared spaces.
Step 7: Your Workspace = Your Professional Image
Whether you’re a remote employee or working occasionally from home, your workspace plays a crucial role in how you present yourself professionally. A clean and organized desk promotes a productive mindset and helps create a professional image, especially during video conferencing.
- Optimize your backdrop for virtual meetings. Remove unnecessary clutter and use a tidy wall or bookshelf behind you.
- Ensure good lighting for video calls. Natural light works best, but a floor lamp can also do the trick.
Settle into Your Productive Workspace!
The right environment can significantly impact your productivity and stress levels when working from home. By creating an organized, clutter-free workspace with essential items within reach, you’ll be able to focus on your work and feel more energized.
We don’t all have the luxury of an empty room in the house to capture, makeover, and create the most gorgeous leopard print and gold-trimmed office. And if you do, you probably aren’t reading this article for yourself.
Remember, whether you have a large home office or work in a small space, the goal is to create a space that works for you. By following these home office organization ideas, you can reduce clutter, increase your productivity, and make your workspace feel like your personal haven.
Pro Tip: Make sure you’re setting up a space that ultimately promotes efficiency and creativity in your own way.
This could be through clear desk organization, a filing system for your important documents, or simple steps like adding a small plant to keep things fresh. Each change can help you build a better, more productive workspace that suits your work style!
Me? I love to vary my space. Most of the time, I am at my desk. Sometimes, I like to sit by the lake and work. Other times, I will go on the roof deck and sit in the breeze to be inspired and creative with my writing. Other times, the couch, a blanket, and my papillon do the trick!