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It’s About Time Ruth Wong |
Organize a desk at home
to make paperwork easierHave you been watching those organizing shows on cable TV? I recently met with a young couple who have been watching those shows and are inspired to simplify their nice but cluttered home.
They didn't know where to begin. I suggested that we pick an area that is used daily, as clearing that area would have the greatest impact on everyday life.
Need help?
If you need assistance in organizing your home or work desk, consider this workshop conducted by Ruth Wong:"How to Organize Your Workspace" (#PO6581) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 21. The fee is $45. To register, call 956-8400.
Their home desk is currently filled with paper piles and hard to get to, with toys in the way.
Since bills must be paid and since the wife is a teacher who needs to use that desk daily to grade papers and plan lessons, I suggested that as a good place to begin.
When we talk about desk organization, we usually think about desks at work. But home desks need to be organized and functional too, for when we consider the amount of important paperwork and money involved in running a household, it can be akin to running a small business. And those late fees that result from disorganization hurt our pocketbooks directly! And the time lost looking for bills and such steals from the limited and precious time we have for ourselves.
First of all, it's imperative to have a home desk space -- somewhere we can regularly manage paperwork and bills. If you have the space, I recommend shopping around to find a desk that appeals to you visually and functionally. Do you like dark or light wood? Can you work with a limited space such as that provided by a computer cart? Or do you like to spread out your papers? Is floor space limited? If so, consider a tall desk unit to make use of vertical space.
SOME PEOPLE I know use the dining table as their desk, leaving the family to dine elsewhere -- anywhere. If the dining table is the only space available, consider creating a portable desk by putting important bills and supplies on a rolling cart or a tray or box which can be put away easily. Of course, that means you have to have a "home" for that portable desk -- in a cabinet, closet or other convenient place.
I have a friend who does her paperwork on the sofa. She uses a drawer in the adjacent end table to house her supplies. The telephone is handy, and it works for her.
Consider what basic items are needed to set up a desk area. These might include a file drawer or cabinet. A telephone and computer are handy, too.
Also, for bill paying: a container to hold unpaid bills, pens, envelopes, stamps and return address labels. You can keep your checkbook there, too, as long as it's in a safe location and not in plain sight of visitors or those who may pass by your windows.
For general paperwork, other supplies might include pens, pencils, a stapler, scissors, ruler, tape, paper clips, Post-its and paper.
A wastebasket is also essential. Desk trays, vertical organizers or a desktop Decoflex file might work. A calendar, clock and shredder are useful, too.
Try to take note of items you need to get up frequently to fetch. Those are items you need at your desk.
Also, decorate your desk area with a photo, plant or flowers. Your desk is an extension of yourself, and should reflect your taste. It should be an inviting, pleasant place to be.
I invite you to improve your current home desk, or create one if necessary. Then, sit there as often as needed to get bills and paperwork handled in a timely manner. You may wonder how you managed for so long without an organized workspace.
Enjoy your desk. See you in two weeks.
"It's About Time," by Ruth Wong, owner of Organization Plus, runs the fourth Friday of each month. Contact her at "It's About Time," care of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813; or e-mail features@starbulletin.com
