Best Desk Tips

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette has a column called "Ask the Expert", and some months the question calls for a Professional Organizer.  I wrote this for the September 5th, 2015 paper, and maybe it will help your family too!

Here's the question:

Now that the summer has wound down, it's time for my family to get back into the groove of school and turn our attention back to homework and class projects. What tips can you offer to help me provide the most space-saving and efficient workspace for the desk in my fifth-grader's bedroom? Thanks in advance!

_______________________________________________________________________________

My answer:

The desk is one of the most important pieces of furniture in a child’s room and it’s great that you want to maximize the benefits.   Here are some of the goals and solutions that I present when working with clients.

      *  Create Work Zones – Determine what types of work will be done at the desk – reading, writing, computer/tablet use, arts and crafts?  Once a reasonable number of uses is established set up zones for those activities.  Include a place for the required tools if it’s something that will be done on a regular basis.  You can move things around as needs change, but they should be easily available without leaving or even crossing the room to increase efficiency and reduce frustration.

       *  Minimize distractions – remove any unnecessary clutter and electronics from the desk area – particularly addictive games!  Best to shield TVs and other attention-grabbers from view if at all possible.  Multi-tasking has been proven to be neither effective nor efficient for children or adults.

       *  When space is at a premium always go vertical.  Use all the wall space behind the desk and install a few shelves (not too many – surfaces can become clutter magnets), and a peg board or white/magnetic board for tools and important papers.  I advise against cork boards or anything with push pins for a child’s space.  They always end up on the floor!

      *  If more space is needed for office supplies, crafts items, etc., look for a rolling drawer cart to tuck under or place beside the desk.  There are handy ones with lots of drawers available for minimal cost at craft stores, or go for something sturdier with the elfa system from Container Store.  The primary goal is keep the desk surface clear and ready for work.

       *  Keep the work area sacred and toss, move or archive keepsakes like trophies, greeting cards, dolls, trucks, art projects, etc.  Anything purely cute and not functional is probably wasting prime space.  These things can live in other parts of the room.  Color, fun design, and comfort are essential and increase the incentive to spend time and use the desk, but they should all contribute to the functionality of work.

       *  Take a photograph of large projects like dioramas or science fair entries while they are pristine and toss the project.  Yes, it’s hard, but you’ll clear up necessary space and those things do NOT wear well over time in a child’s room.  Trust me!

 

         *  Organizing tips for managing some of the stuff:   use drawer dividers to provide easy access and to avoid duplicate buying.   If you can’t see it, you don’t own it.  Try to stack items like books, binders, and papers, vertically rather than horizontally.   It’s too easy to lose papers and books in a pile.

       *  Two items I highly recommend for a student this age:  a paper school planner (orderoochaos.com/academic planner) and a timer.

*  Include the student in this planning and organizing process.  They may view the activities and the stuff needed very differently than you do.   Your child’s input while setting up the desk is key to their success.

     *  Reward a neat, organized space.  An idea from elementary teachers is the “desk fairy” who secretly places a small surprise treat on the student’s desk when they’ve done a good job handling the clutter.  The school is teaching and probably requiring desk management and organization skills, so don’t buy any “I don’t know how” arguments.  Here’s your chance to reinforce what their teachers are already saying.

 

Written by Becca Clark, Professional Organizer

July 2015

Owner of Creative Convenience and Your Best Move

501-620-0546

Serving Central Arkansas since 2006

Websites  http://convenientlyorganized.com/home

http://www.yourbestmovear.com/

Blog  http://organizedlifebybecca.blogspot.com/