Expert: Jamie Novak - 11/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I need help in organizing our living/computer area. I am a very organized person but my husband is not. When I open the door, the first thing I see is containers and a table full of papers and stuff. It just doesn't look right. I can enclose some pictures to give you a better idea. I just need someone to guide me on how I can organize them in just one place. I feel like they are taking up so much space and they are everywhere. We live in a very small apartment and I just want it to look neat and homey esp when a visitor first enters our place. I hope you will be willing to look at the pictures. THanks!

ANSWER: Francesca thank you for your question. I hear your frustration. Pictures may be helpful, before you send them along lets see what solutions we can come up.

My guess is this is simply a habit, and once we have a super simple system for the paper then the piles will disappear and you can enjoy walking back in your home.

So what kind of papers are they?

Bills, magazines, catalogs, newspapers, clippings from magazines, items printed off from the computer...it depends what they are so we know what to do with them.

I want you to have a home you are proud of and that you can invite company to drop by. I look forward to your reply. I'm sure we'll come up with a great solution you'll love. -Jamie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jaime,

Thanks for responding to my inquiry. The area I'm talking about is the computer/work area located in the living room. We have a small computer table that can store the CPU and the monitor. Then on another table is our printer, blank cds/dvds, pens and paper. Then on the other side--I have a white container that contains random stuff: manuals, cords, bulbs, packing supplies and cables. Then between the computer area and our bookshelf--there's another table that contains a tray for white paper, magazines, notebooks. Then I have another file box that contains bills and important documents. I'm sure you are getting the picture that I have so many containers in one place that doesn't seem to look right. I think what I am aiming for is to have them in one place...to save space and make it look more together. Let me know if you want to see the pictures. THanks!

ANSWER: I do get the idea but I would love to see a few pictures.

It sounds like you have a lot of horizontal surfaces, which as we all know they collect clutter.

I'm wondering if you can use some of the wall space.

For example, instead of a table which has little function how about a few shelves, maybe a basket fits on them, then you can put one of a kind thing in each.

The other thing I wonder is what can be moved away from the area. For example, the cords, are they the ones you use to connect things to the computer, or do you have more than you need that can be stored elsewhere.

It also seems that you'd just feel better about the whole thing if it could be covered.

So maybe the table stays, but the box of stuff goes underneath and you cover the whole thing with a floor length table cloth and put something decorative on top.

Another thought- and this one takes a little more work- is to make the pieces all look like they belong by painting them or doing something crafty to make them all look the same. White plastic against wood really sticks out.

Just a few thoughts to get us started, what do you think?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jaime,

Thanks for your ideas. About putting up some shelves--the area where all the clutter is is right next to the window. There's already a bookcase against the wall and opposite is is where the computer table is. We might be able to put some shelves behind it though.
As for the cords...no, they are not cords for the computer. They are just outlet, cables and stuff.
You are right about covering them up--that would make me feel so much better. Attached are some pictures to give you an idea.
Thanks!  

Answer
The pictures are REALLY helpful thanks.

So here's my question- what's on the bookshelf? Looks like some office stuff but also personal stuff like photo frames?

What about swapping? Take some bookshelves for office stuff? A decorative box with a fancy label can say "cord" or "ink" etc..

You can even put the tray with papers and the box on the shelves. Then you can either leave it like that or add a spring tension curtain rod and slip a thin curtain on it which can be slid to the side during working hours.

Then maybe a small wall shelf can hold photos etc.

What do you think?