Discover how our team of Professional Organizers transformed this cluttered home office into a functional, tidy, and stress-free workspace.
Alex and Jenny* had built a beautiful life in their Edmonton home, growing their careers and raising three children for over twenty years. Though, as many of us have experienced, with time the house grew cluttered. When Alex began working from home amid the pandemic, that was when their home office really became overrun with paperwork and miscellaneous items. The space started to feel chaotic and stressful - not ideal when working from home!
*Names have been changed.
While the home office was meant to be, well - a home office, it was also the catch-all for sports gear, camping equipment, old electronics, and extra clothing. The space no longer felt like a work environment, but trying to get it reorganized felt overwhelming - plus Jenny wasn’t sure about letting a stranger, even a home organizer, into the space.
The Process
After a low-stakes, no-pressure consultation with our team, Jenny and Alex decided to give professional organizing a try. We kicked things off by getting clear on their goals for the space and made sure to work at a pace that felt comfortable for both of them. We set clear boundaries and a clear purpose for the room: peaceful work environment, office supply storage, and adding a recycling sorting station. By taking getting to know each other we fostered a safe, non-judgmental relationship.
Once we were all confident in the goals for the home office and the process, that's when the fun truly began!
We started by sorting through the items on the floor to create a safe and walkable space. From there, we moved on to the flat surfaces, like the desktop, and finally addressed the closet, cabinets, and bookshelf. By systematically working through these areas, we ensured every part of the room got the attention it needed.
As we sorted, we removed any items that belonged in other rooms. This not only cleared space, but also helped to reestablish the room’s primary purpose as a workspace (not a storage room!). Once the misplaced and unwanted items were gone, it was time to organize the things that belonged. We filed paperwork, grouped like items together, and used boxes that Jenny and Alex already had on hand to contain and categorize small supplies. To keep things practical, we ensured only the office supplies that would reasonably be used in the next few years remained in the room.
The office was completely reset, one section at a time. By clearing the floor, making the closet and bookshelf accessible, and creating room to work on the desk, we transformed the space into a functional and welcoming home office. And reached all of Alex and Jenny's goals for the space!
One of the standout changes was repurposing an old toy storage bin in the closet as a recycling station for batteries, electronics, and other items that don’t belong on the desk. This clever solution not only reduced clutter, but also provided a designated spot for items waiting to be disposed of responsibly.Â
PRO TIP: Not sure how to dispose of office waste? If you're from Edmonton, check out the Waste Wise app for disposal information.
The Transformation
The most exciting transformation wasn’t just in the room—it was in Alex and Jenny. As the clutter disappeared, so did the overwhelm. Working with a home organizer, Jenny even began enjoying the process, growing more confident with every decluttering decision. By the end, their office wasn’t just functional and organized; it became an inspiring space they were excited to use.
"We recommend Sort and Simple as Kaytlyn is professional and well organized. Her friendly demeanour and kindness really helped us get our room organized."
"It is fantastic to have a place for everything."
Takeaways for Organizing Your Home Office
Set Clear Goals:Â Define the purpose of your home office to ensure it meets your needs and avoids becoming a catch-all space.
Declutter Systematically: Start with the floor, then move to flat surfaces, and finally address storage areas like closets and bookshelves.
Group Like Items Together:Â Use containers, boxes, or bins to keep similar items together and reduce visual clutter.
Repurpose What You Have:Â Get creative by reusing items like toy bins for recycling stations or shoe boxes for organizing supplies.
Maintain with Regular Resets:Â Dedicate a few minutes each week to tidying up your office to keep it functional and inspiring.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your space, our team of Professional Organizers is here to help! We can guide you through every step of the decluttering and organizing process, providing support, encouragement, and practical solutions. Schedule a complimentary consultation to get started!
About the Author
Kaytlyn Beakhouse is the Lead Organizer at Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. With a passion for simplicity and efficiency, her team brings flow and function to any space.
Contact Sort & Simple today!
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