Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a concern and many of us continue to spend a lot of time at home. For some, working from home has become a permanent reality.

Since our homes are no longer just a place to relax and recharge, many of us are struggling to stay organized. Read on for tips on keeping clutter under control as your finite space has taken on more roles.

Set up a complete dedicated space for working from home.

You may have scrambled to set up a temporary home office. Since then, many companies have recommended that employees work from home through the remainder of 2020 or, in some cases, permanently. Now might be a good time to look for a more permanent home office solution.

The best way to keep your professional life organized at home is to create a dedicated space where your work supplies won’t be disturbed. Ideally you can set aside a small portion of your home for this purpose.

Once you’ve found a spot, the most painless and economical solution is to invest in a desk and chair. There are many attractive and functional desks available that won’t distract from your decor. If your job requires only a laptop and limited supplies, a small desk with minimal storage might work well in the corner of a living room, dining room or bedroom.

Another good option is a drop-front or secretary desk where work can be hidden away at the end of the day. These desks come in a variety of sizes and are available in attractive styles that won’t look out of place in a living room or dining room.

Make a room exclusively for working out that can clear the mind.

Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers—and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.

Gyms and exercise studios remain closed in many areas, but some are streaming classes online. Some of these classes require equipment such as mats, hand weights, resistance bands or medicine balls — which need to be stored somewhere so they don’t create clutter.

I recommend grabbing exercise equipment in a storage container that you keep in the room where you exercise, ideally tucked away in a cabinet or closet. If built-in storage isn’t available, a large basket in the corner of the room can be an unobtrusive way to store your workout equipment.

You may also want to stash a spray bottle of household cleaner and a few small towels to wipe down your equipment after you use it. Be sure to clean and store equipment immediately after exercising to keep clutter from building up.

Find a place in your home that is made to relax you.

Our homes may be more crowded now, as some college students and young adults have been forced to move home due to the pandemic. Teenagers and children are also spending more time at home as we all socially distance.

Downtime and personal space are more important than ever as we all try to maintain our sanity. We recommend making it a priority to find a place to unwind within your home. Perhaps there’s an empty corner of your bedroom where you can put a comfortable reading chair and a small side table. Add a small plant to create a more calming environment. Make an effort to keep this area free of clutter. That way you can take a 15-minute break without thinking about all the things you need to put away. These spaces give you a place to escape to when stress is simply getting the best of you.

Sometimes having a safe area to unwind is all it takes for an individual to recharge and get the extra boost of energy needed to increase workplace productivity, and performance.

Spruce up your outdoor space for when you go outside.

Studies indicate that time spent outdoors is beneficial to your health and well-being, and I certainly find that to be true. If you have a deck or patio, even a small one, it’s worth improving it so that you glean even more enjoyment from the time you spend there.

Start by clearing any clutter that has accumulated. Sweep the area and remove any spider webs and dust on outdoor furniture.

Planting a beautiful garden can also be a great way to relieve stress. Whether you have a small patio to decorate or a vast amount of space to tend, the act of making your particular stretch of nature into a haven can be a stress reliever in itself, and the garden that you create can bring you even more peace.

Bonus: Have muted, bland, walls? Paint them to be more lively!

Looking to do a full home renovation?

Trilogy Contracting is a home renovation company in the Fraser Valley servicing client’s in the Tri-Cities, Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge and everywhere in between. If you have a question, feel free to send us an email.

Trilogy Contracting — Langley Home Renovations