I realized as I was straightening up my office area (which amounts to about 1/3 of my bedroom) that I’ve accumulated a lot of plants lately. I keep four smaller ones on my main desk, and have four larger ones spread out behind my working area (on my cubbies and spare desk where I sometimes sit to deal with hand-written projects).
It was hard to find plants I could put on the desk itself, because it’s already relatively cluttered. Yet I had to have them – something about live plants around just perks me up and keeps me going throughout the day. I was at the little produce market a few weeks ago and picked up two lucky bamboo plants and a money tree. They’re small and grow up rather than out, so they work well. Last weekend I added a bonsai to the mix. Here’s what my main work space looks like now (bookcase, storage, etc. is behind me when I’m working).
It’s a bit “busy,” but the setup really works well for me. I have the main desktop monitor on the right, and the widescreen is great for pulling up research material while I’m writing (it’s really increased productivity not having to bounce around from program to program when I’m trying to write). The laptop isn’t always in the office, but when I’m working on bigger projects, I like to do the writing on that, and use both of the desktop monitors for research. Really though, if you ever decide to upgrade your workspace, a second monitor is a wonderful option (even if you normally work just on a laptop).
To the right of the area in the photo is my printer stand with printer / fax, and above that I keep my two big white boards (one for daily lists and one for my blogging schedule). The great thing about the corner desk is that I can see everything spread out on either side of me fairly easy – lots of working space. Overall it’s pretty simple – I have the computer there for writing, the phone there for client calls, the camera there for video conferencing, etc. Basic office “fun.”
Beyond those basics though, I’m really big on making sure I’m comfortable when working. That’s why I keep the plants around. It’s why I have a fountain on my desk (which I don’t use enough). It’s why I have the mirrors above me so I don’t feel boxed in. It’s why I keep a picture of my grandfather there (who passed in ’05). It’s why I keep candles on my desk (different scents really do affect my mood and productivity – usually I go with pine during the day and either pumpkin or apple cinnamon if I’m working later in the evening for some reason).
I don’t know about you, but I spend an awful lot of time at my desk. I work there for at least 7 hours a day on client issues (not counting a lunch break), and often work on my own business projects for several hours beyond that). I eat most of my meals there while I’m working. So comfort is important.
How do you make your own workspace more comfortable for you? What are your must-haves in the office? What things help you focus and work more productively. Feel free to link to your own office pics, or share your thoughts on things to consider in a freelance work space.
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My first reaction is: where’s the clutter. I was raised on filing systems that amount to well-balanced mountains of paper. I remember an editor’s desk groaning from the load of month-old newspapers, yellowed clippings and empty Styrafoam coffee cups. Congratulations on such an orderly workspace.
lol I used to work in similar conditions, but it was hazardous to my health (meaning, to my sanity). I feel a little cluttered at the moment with the candles and plants, but usually more to do with index cards thrown about (I just stacked them neatly before taking the photo – they’re usually laid out over my main keyboard and anywhere else there’s room – my bonsai is actually a nice little card holder for my daily checklist).
Most of my paper clutter is in my cubbies. To clean some of that up I also bought some plastic drawers a few months back. I just toss papers in there if the “to file” pile becomes too large. This way it’s out of sight and not zapping my energy (nothing makes me want to do less work than having to see all of the filing I need to do around me all the time). And then I can get to it easily on the weekends as I find time.
Having plants around everywhere has probably helped a lot with the paper mess too. There just isn’t room for me to flop a pile of papers down on the desk anymore! :)
LOL That’s hilarious.
I’ve had to bring a few plants back from the dead. I had to finally give up on one just this morning – I couldn’t coax it back from its hibernation after a few months. They tend to become quite bare before I realize I’m forgetting to do something (not opening the shades enough or not watering them enough). I don’t have much of a green thumb, which is one of the reasons I went with the bamboo – they’re quite forgiving. As for the fish – he’s just very very patient with me.
I agree with Ed. It does look awfully neat. I envy you.
I had a plant once. It died. I had a fish once too. He died eventually. Now, I just have papers. Some of them die as well.
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The essentials for my office include my music (need it to relax and focus), my handy notebook for jotting down my weekly to-do lists, and the bookmarks & passwords on my computer. I’d be lost without them.
You are so right about the double screen thing… my production went way up when I had more electronic desk space.
I also have to have my trusty steno pad next to me, it isn’t just functional in that I can immediately jot down a note or thought, but it also keeps me in touch with the “old fashioned” pen and paper mind set.