How to Set Up and Love Your Workspace

True Story: When I first started working from home, I HATED working at my desk.

Being my own boss meant freedom and my desk felt like jail. So I worked from my bed, the couch, the kitchen table, and even ventured out to Starbucks a couple of times a week.

But I began to feel unproductive. I lacked structure and couldn’t seem to really focus or get things accomplished.

Because as GREAT as working from my bed was, it encouraged way too many naps. And as FUN as working from Starbucks was, I discovered that I was more prone to people watching than checking things off of my to-do list. 🙈

I knew I’d have to suck it up and start working at my desk if I wanted to get things done in my business. So I began to brainstorm ways I could set up and LOVE my workspace.

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HOW TO SET UP AND LOVE YOUR WORKSPACE

It took me a few years, but I finally succeeded.

Because I LOVE coming into my office and sitting down at my desk every day.

In fact, I look forward to it. Because I made it a pretty and productive space that I not only LOVE to hang out in but actually get stuff DONE in!!

And I’d like to help you do the same.

So today, I’m sharing all the simple, pretty, but very effective things I did to set up and personalize my workspace to make it an enjoyable place to be. Including the things that I believe are key to boosting your creativity, energy, and productivity!!

[bctt tweet=”What do you get when you combine pretty and productivity? A workspace you LOVE to hang out in!!” username=”productivityzne”]

CHOOSING, ARRANGING, AND OUTFITTING YOUR WORKSPACE

The first thing you must do (and this is KEY) is to find a place to set up shop—permanently. Working from the couch or kitchen table is great when you need a change of scenery, but I don’t recommend making either of them your permanent workspace. These are common living areas and thus high-traffic areas of your home, which means you’ll constantly be fighting for space (and quiet).

You want a space to call your own. A space you can spread out in. A space that you don’t have to set up, break down, and move every day. A space that is separate from the main living space of your home (this is key to finding work/life balance and keeping work and life separate when you work from home). A space that is as functional as it is beautiful. A space that energizes and inspires you. A space that you’ll LOVE doing work in.

If you don’t currently have a workspace or don’t LOVE your current workspace, take a quick tour of your house and jot down some ideas of spaces you could potentially transform into your workspace. Consider the size and placement of furniture. Consider where outlets are located. Consider lighting (natural light is best) and ambiance. I would even suggest looking at your current workspace to see if you could rearrange or reconfigure the space to better suit your needs.

All of these things will help you make your workspace a more comfortable space.

Pro Tip: Splurge on the comfy chair. You’re going to be spending a lot of time sitting at your desk and there’s no reason you should be uncomfortable. I have this one and highly recommend it!!

DECORATING YOUR WORKSPACE

This is the fun part!! Feel free to go all out when it comes to decorating your workspace.

I really like surrounding myself with bright, colorful things that make me happy AND productive. But I also keep things super simple, minimal, and very organized.

My desk isn’t covered in stuff because I believe you should only keep the essentials within reach (and because my cats would just knock it off 😹). My iMac, MacBook Pro, lamp, framed , letter sorter with pretty notepads, , external hard drive, affirmation cards, and Simplified Planner are all that I have on my desk each day. My keyboard and mouse are wireless because I can’t stand the clutter of cords. And everything else gets organized and put away in drawers.

Above my desk is an inspiration board where I keep various prints or cards that inspire, motivate, or bring me joy.

Things like this will help you make your workspace your happy place.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd or overload your space with too much stuff. Leave whitespace and room to breathe. Keep only the best, favorite, and necessary as Emily Ley would say.

KEEPING YOUR WORKSPACE CLEAN AND ORGANIZED

There’s just no way you can focus and get work done if your workspace is a mess.

If your desk is covered in loose papers, notes, supplies, cords, and dirty dishes, I suggest taking an afternoon to tackle it. Touch everything once and deal with it then and there. Decide if it needs to be trashed or saved. If it needs to be saved, find it a permanent home. Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Paperclip and file papers away. Deal with bills. Corral your extra USB cords (I use an old Simplified Planner box for mine). And then wipe everything down (including your mouse and keyboard) with a multi-surface cleaner.

It might sound fussy but the benefits of a clean and organized workspace are pretty incredible. Higher productivity, increased creativity, decreased stress, less time wasted, and a better attitude are just a few of them!!

Doing these things will help you make your workspace a more productive space.

Pro Tip: At the end of each workday, make sure you take a few minutes to tidy up your desk. There’s no better way to start the day than with a clean slate. I promise that it will be both inspiring and energizing.

WORKSPACE ESSENTIALS

Everybody’s workspace essentials will be different but I thought you might like to know what I MUST HAVE in mine!!

Apple Products:

On any given workday, you’ll find me at my desk surrounded by my iMac, MacBook Pro, iPhone, and iPad Pro. And yes, I use all of them, sometimes all at the same time. 🦄

Cute Coffee Mug and Tumbler:

Because boring mugs and plain old water glasses just don’t do it for me. And also because hydration (not just caffeination) is key to staying productive and focused all the live long day.

FYI: Almost my entire mug collection comes from Chalkfulloflove and Rachel Allene.

Headphones:

So I can tune out distractions and really focus on the task at hand. I got AirPods for Christmas and I’m OBSESSED with them!!

Pretty Planner:

I firmly believe every female entrepreneur needs an amazing planner to schedule her days and tackle her to-dos. As you know, the Simplified Planner is my planner of choice (and the one I recommend for ALL boss babes).

All the Office Supplies:

Because you can never have too many office supplies. (Am I right?!) Staples, The Container Store, and the office supply aisle at Target are my favorite places to shop.

So, who’s ready to take their workspace to the next level?! I guarantee that when you take the time to set up your workspace and make it the perfect space for you, you’ll love coming to work every day (even on Mondays) 😉

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only share about the products and services I personally use and love most and think you will, too!!