A few weeks ago, I got annoyed one too many times by the cords under my desk.

I live in an old house (I think of it as having lots of charm!) and the study/ guest bedroom has only one plugpoint.

So we had a cord stretched across the carpet to reach the desk.

Well, when I got irritated with the cords, I decided there and then to switch everything around.

By the way, I recommend you measure first – I’m a move now and check measurements later kind of person which doesn’t always work out that well…

Fortunately the desk fitted the area well and I now look out the window as I work.

That is a real, work-in-progress pic of my desk - notice it's not styled to look pretty

I love it.

Not only is it functioning better with all those cords hidden but it feels more airy to me.

I dare say I’ve been more productive working at the desk in this position than against the wall.

Over to you -

1. Think of a space where you spend a lot of time – kitchen, bedroom, kids’ play area, etc.
2. Do you feel happy when you look at the space?
3. Are you energised when you’re there?
4. Does the space function well?
5. Is it organised enough for your and your family’s needs?

Your coaching challenge

- If you couldn’t answer yes to at least 3 of the 4 questions, what are 3 small things you can do to brighten up that space and make it work for you again?

- Organise your home is a manageable, step-by-step system to help you organise all your spaces in just 20 minutes a day, for 4 days a week.

- Don’t get caught up in perfectionism – it doesn’t have to be pretty to be organised.

This week I’m very proud to feature the organised space of one of my clients, Ricci Jackson, an interior designer.

Ricci and I had a telephone session and she also bought the Organise your Business system.

Since part of having an organised business is having a space to work in that supports and doesn’t sabotage your business goals, one of the components of the system is 7 easy steps to organise your office.

Ricci sent me an email and said this:

Marcia, I just wanted you to know that I am making strides.

I organized my office the first week, bought files, a label maker and even created zones.

I am inspired to work in my office again.

While it was never a mess,  I found myself spending way too much time trying to find where I put this or that.

Now having everything in its prospective zone is deliciously satisfying.

Don’t you love how she described it? Deliciously satisfying!

I LOVE IT!

I always say that organising is not just something you do for organising’s sake; it’s to enable you to live your life to the full.

Without having to search for things, Ricci is now able to use that time to work on her business.

Because her space inspires her, she can better inspire her clients.

That’s what it’s all about!

after

she’s used at least 3 different ideas and tips that are clearly visible to me

and here is the lovely lady herself. Doesn’t that colour look great on her?!

Thanks, Ricci, for letting me feature your inspiring space!

It’s our last day of decluttering and organising our kitchens.

The theme is baking pans and cooking stuff (pots, pans, etc.) but remember, as always, if you’re working on another section of your kitchen, go right ahead.

The main thing is you’re making progress.

(Next month, we’re going to declutter and organise our home offices – I can’t wait – of course, Anne, our office makeover blogger, will be way ahead of the rest of us )

As promised, here are some pictures of my desk at work. Looking at the pictures it actually looks a lot more cluttered than it feels…

Anyway, some things I want to point out to you:

1. the wall of inspiration on the right under my name (pictures of my hubby, inspirational quotes, scriptures from the Bible, pictures of friends and some SARK cards – my favourite is “you are a delicious, succulent human bean”, which fits into my Big, Juicy goals theme)
2. my glass of water
3. my office control journal (in that vertical organiser)
4. minimal paper – only have 3 files and I’m actually cheating because one of them contains my performance appraisals, certificates, etc.

Now let’s look at my desk head-on:

• computer with picture of Wicklow, Ireland as a screensaver
• in the top left corner, I have my “only four things to do with paper and email” from Help! I need more time
• radio and mirror (essentials!)
• to the left of the computer, my “things to do today” papers
• right in front of the keyboard, my master to-do list of all my projects and where they’re all at, on top of the notebook where I write my 6 (or less) Eat the Frog items every day, and other assorted notes

For the most part, the desk works for me (although that vertical organiser is taking up too much space – I think I’ll “release” it) because it’s empty of stuff while still being inspiring to me. I can’t work in a cold work space so I like to be surrounded by things that are “me”.

If you have any questions about some things in the pics or how I do certain things, put them in the comments so everyone else can also benefit when I answer them. Thanks.

Now for the fun part, show me your desk (please link to a post with a pic of your desk, not to your entire blog)