Office transformation: Taking a neglected “dumping ground” and giving it purpose and function

October 23, 2023

As we age and go through different stages of life, we tend to accumulate a variety of belongings and records that can become overwhelming. Managing all these items and staying organized can be a challenge. However, there are strategies and systems that can help make the process easier. That is plural for a reason. There is not one correct answer on how to organize your things.

By collaborating with our clients, we can understand their specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle in order to create a customized organizing strategy. This strategy should take into account their habits, routines, and personal style to ensure it aligns with their individual requirements. It’s not just about temporarily tidying up a space, but rather providing a long-term solution that empowers our clients to maintain order and functionality.

This was our approach in this particular office space:

We started by categorizing the items in the room. Office supplies, memorabilia, medical records, billing information, important documents, etc.
Then, we had our clients go through these items to see which items needed to stay, what items could be trashed or donated, and some items that belonged in another part of the house.
When it came to implementing systems, the husband & wife had different personal preferences. The husband likes to “dump” and the wife likes to file. So we implemented systems for both of them to be easy to maintain. We gave them each their own area in the office to maintain these conflicting preferences.
When it came to memorabilia and old records that did not need to be accessed on a regular basis, we implemented storage solutions to place these items in other areas of the home.
When it came to office supplies, we first started organizing all like items. Our client was overwhelmed when looking at the volume of the items, so we pivoted. We created a single drawer that had a little bit of each item and their more frequently used items. Then, we created an office supply backstock drawer.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to managing personal belongings and records. Find a system that works for you and allows you to maintain it easily. Regularly reassess and declutter as needed to prevent accumulation from becoming overwhelming again.