How to Stay Organised While Working From Home

Working from home offers many perks - no commute, a comfortable environment, and the ability to wear comfy clothes all day! However, it also presents its own set of challenges.

How do you keep your workspace tidy? How do you stay focused without the structure of an office? Most importantly, how do you stay organised without losing your mind—or your coffee mug? Fear not! Here are some tips to help you stay on top while working from home.

Designate Your Workspace (No, the sofa doesn’t count!)

It’s tempting to roll out of bed and plop down on the sofa with your laptop, but that can lead to a messy, chaotic workday. Create a designated workspace separate from relaxation areas. It doesn’t need to be a whole home office; just a tidy corner with a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a desk that fits your laptop and essential tools will suffice. This physical separation helps your brain understand when it’s "work mode" versus "relax mode."

Set Up a Daily Routine

Without a boss hovering over you, it’s easy to slip into a lazy routine. However, routine is your friend! Start each day at the same time, dress for success, and block off time for your work tasks.

Don’t forget to schedule breaks! They’re just as important for your brain as the work itself. Use those breaks to step outside for a bit of fresh air or enjoy a cup of coffee. When breaks feel like a reward, you’ll be more motivated to stay focused during work hours.

Tidy Up As You Go

One of the easiest ways to stay organised is by adopting the "clean as you go" philosophy. After completing a task, take two minutes to tidy your desk—put away papers, file documents, and clear your desktop. Not only does this create a clearer mind, but it also prevents that dreaded end-of-day clutter chaos. Plus, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment by tackling small tasks throughout the day.

Declutter Your Digital Space

Organisation isn’t just about your physical space - it also extends to your digital life. Sometimes, your desktop or inbox may look like the aftermath of a tornado. Make time each week to clear out your digital clutter. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, organise files into folders and clean up your desktop. A tidy digital environment can work wonders for your mental clarity.

Stay Flexible and Have Fun!

The secret to staying organised while working from home is flexibility. Life happens—maybe your Wi-Fi cuts out, or the dog needs an urgent walk. Embrace these disruptions as part of the process. Being organised isn’t about being perfect; it’s about creating a system that works for you and allows you to adjust when things get hectic.

At the end of the day, working from home should be enjoyable. When you stay organised, you give yourself the freedom to appreciate the perks—whether that means a lunchtime nap or simply knowing that everything is running smoothly.

So go ahead, embrace your home office and stay organised in a way that feels good to you.