When I was a teenager I still had balloon wallpaper from when I was 7, so my friends and I gradually turned the balloons into faces, and everyone who visited wrote me messages and life advice on the wall. Eventually I stripped the wallpaper and painted the walls white, but how I missed the messages.
Something about this desk wallpaper took me back there. I spotted it on Pinterest and tracked it back to My Attic, do go and read about the story behind it. Maarj is a fellow nominee in the Amara Interior Blog Awards. Have you voted for A Residence, or My Attic yet? Please do, it only takes a second.
I love the ‘Get off the Internet’ especially, I need that one most of all. But all of the quotes are really inspiring and empowering.
With my ex teacher hat on today, I thought I would share my top tips for creating a homework space today, I also have a fab desk to giveaway from Wayfair.
I love this crate desk, loads of room to spread out, store stuff and pretty achievable on a budget. My grocer said he could get me these style crates for £30 each, they aren’t as cheap as you think, but they are well made. Wayfair also have these great crates, I am using the large rustic ones in open shelving in the kitchen to house kitchen items that don’t fit well in cupboards. Love the map too, perfect for inspiring a geographer.
Pegboard is a really versatile way of organising things, if you have a young person who is great at keeping things neat and tidy, and someone handy enough to help them put it together. Perfect for an upcoming artist or designer maybe? This is the gorgeous desk of Mandy at Fabric Paper Glue. It makes me want to sit down and start something!
I love this industrial look at The Inspired Room, do check out the whole room tour for more great ideas. I think the shelving on a desk is a great idea for keeping a desk clutter free.
When there isn’t room for a desk a wall mounted hideaway desk could be a great solution.
If you have a large table kids can use that is also used for other things, or you want younger kids to work at the kitchen table so you can support them, why not have a ‘homework station’ a tray with all the things they need to hand that can easily be moved on and off the table to a shelf when not in use? I love this mini homework station from The House of Smiths. we have a similar one with jam jars full of pencils in the kitchen.
Creating a homework space they will want to work in
Designing kids’ homework spaces can be lots of fun, but it really doesn’t have to cost a lot of money either – young people are often naturally expressive and creative and find ways to make their mark. The main thing is to have a quiet, comfortable, well lit and tidy space and a place for them to keep things safe, especially if they share the area with other family members, or the space is used for other things.
Make it somewhere that’s stamped with their identity, somewhere they have ownership of and feel proud of. Mostly, somewhere they want to be.
Spend some time together planning it, get them to sketch their ideas, make a Pinterest board or find pictures from magazines or google.
One of the biggest things parents can help with is learning how to organise, helping young people to create a system that works by questioning what they need to store, remember and find easily. Skills we take for granted as adults, but massively important studying success skills.
Create room to keep things organised. Look at what they have to juggle then decide together what would be useful. If they don’t have desk drawers, shelves with cheap storage boxes or shoe boxes they have covered in wrapping paper can make a big difference.
A pinboard, magnetic whiteboard or even a string with pegs on can be a great way to keep important papers and timetables in their eye line.
Make sure stationary items are stocked up and they have somewhere to keep these things together, away from siblings who might borrow them. There’s nothing worse than wasting time trying to find glue, scissors, pencil sharpener or highlighters.
A clock is a great idea, so that time doesn’t run away with them. I love this one for its clear design, but also the date display.
Invest in a good desk lamp. Fairy lights or table lamps can add extra warmth.
Desk chairs are the one thing it is worth spending money on, you want them to be able to sit really comfortably!
Remind them it is important to take breaks away from their desk, a chill out area can be a great thing, or a walk to the kitchen for a snack break.
An egg timer can be a really useful way to train the brain to work in short spurts, after 30 mins we start to loose interest, but we work more effectively under a little pressure, so a timer can help to maximise each section of time.
Need more desk inspiration?
Lots more ideas on my Pinterest board, are you following me over there?
Follow Penny Alexander’s board Homework Desk on Pinterest.
The giveaway
I have one Marconie writing desk and a Leitmotiv desk lamp from WayfairUK to giveaway. They mix and match in loads of great colour combinations and would make a great start to a homework area. Why not check out the Hammock Heaven Swing Seat give away too, its all about injecting some carnival colour into a room and would be perfect for a chill out zone.
Just leave a comment telling me your top desk organisation tip, and follow the rafflecopter to register you entry and take advantage of more entry options.
T&Cs
There is one prize of a Desk and Desk lamp as described in the blog post. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is offered.
Open to UK residents aged 18 and over, excluding employees and relatives of Wayfair and A Residence.
Closing date for entries is 31/8/2015
One entry per person
Entrants must log into rafflecopter and comment on the blog.
Optional entry methods are to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and tweet on Twitter.
The winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries
The winner will be informed within 1 week of the closing date and will need to respond with a postal address within 14 days or a new winner will be chosen
The winner’s name will be available on request
This is a joint promotion between Wayfair and A Residence
Entry to this confirms that participants have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
ThePrizeFinder – See more at: http://www.theprizefinder.com/content/desk-and-dek-lamo#sthash.WVADvEp1.dpuf
I use all the space in my office so the shelves are up really high, whereby my folders touch the ceiling. These are folders I dont use daily and it means all the space is utilised.
I would love my kids to sit a desk & do their homework – instead they like to sit on their bed or the floor – maybe this desk/lamp combo would change that.
I like to use empty golden syrup tins to store my bits & bobs!
Empty jam jars are handy for all sorts of bits & bobs
I recently bought a jar of Douwe Egberts coffee with a limited edition Orla Kiely design on because I knew I’d enjoy the coffee and the jar would make a great storage jar for my colouring pencils !
put everything in a drawer or bin
I always keep my bin right next to my desk otherwise you end up with all sorts of clutter and rubbish on there!
I use small freezer boxes for certain things like pens, paper clips etc..
always deal with paperwork as soon as you get it
tupperware boxes for bits and bobs x
i use coffee jars for my pens it keeps them tidy
Don’t let paperwork build up.
Always go through paperwork atleast every 2 days, shred anything un-needed to avoois it piling up!
Screw lidded jars glued upside down the shelve above my desk – tidies away all the paper clips, rubber bands and little things that clutter the desk
files and pots to keep things tidy.
I make sure that there is the bare minimum of stuff on the desk, as it can be distracting and not leave enough space for the task. Keep everything tidied away and only get out the bits you need
tidy away each day.
deal with paperwork as soon as you can
files to put your documents in.
Have a place for everything and everything in it’s place. Don’t hold on to stuff you don’t need
Don’t ever let your kids anywhere near your desk!
William would love it
My desk is a mess! I really need some storage and organiser solutions
Tidy your desk after you use it otherwise you won’t be able to find what you want next time.
Just keep it tidy stack containers with documents ect so its not all over your desk lol x
keep clutter to a minimum and bin what is no longer required
tidy as you go
What’s your top desk organisation tip? . . . . tidy as you go – a mad splurge doesn’t work
A place for every thing and everything in its place
Deal with paperwork as soon as possible.
Do not put your paint water in a similar mug to your tea.
Get an in tray but keep on top of any paperwork/post.
Keep things tidy
Have loads of trays: inbox, outbox, to do later, urgent, plain paper, lined paper, stationary… the list goes on, and I have three four tier stacks lol!!
I always sort paperwork as it comes in, less stress that way and nothing gets forgotton x
I try and keep it clear of clutter!
Embrace some messiness. Tidy up every week.
stylish desk and lamp, would love to win this
would love this!!
Keep desk as clear as possible!
Keep a good filing system, I have the stuff that is needing done in a folder and the stuff that is done on a tray to be posted etc. I always have a pencil holder and have a wee box full of rubbers/paperclips/sellotape
I have tubs for little fly away things that tend to get left on desks – paper clips, rubber bands, pens etc. I’m a teacher so it’s very important to have a tidy desk!
i have a tin tub to chuck all my pens & bit & bobs in out the way, also try to tidy desk once a week to keep it clean!!
EMPTY SWEET POTS FROM LOCAL SHOPS ARE IDEAL FOR STORING MOST ITEMS IN.
Tidy away each day.
Shelves above the desk
Try to operate a ‘clean desk policy’ as if you were at work to keep your desk organised
Keep a tidy desk – tidy desk means tidy mind – that’s what my mum always used to tell me and it works
Keep your paperwork up to date and file it as soon as dealt with.
Put things away when you have finished with them, keep your work space tidy.
I encourage my sons to do their homework in an uncluttered space
Get rid of waste paper, don’t let it pile up
clear your desk daily
keep a waste paper basket at the side of your desk so you can out any rubbish straight in the bin
I like to have pretty little drawer organisers – I have a fear that spiders might crawl into open boxes or tins!!
Only have an out tray on your desk
Only keep on the desk things used regularly. x
use storage boxes
Trays or desk top sized drawers and a calendar and a clock are must haves for organising your desk as well as having a drawer or desk tidy to put all of your pens, pencils, erasers, etc., in.
Use drawers and storage boxes for clutter rather than leaving it on your desk. Just have the minimum of decorative items and pens on the desk to make it easier to work.
A place for everything and everything in it’s place. Works wonders and you never have to search for a thing.
to use folders and keep on top of the of things
Love anything to do with paper work and stationery,perfect place to keep everything.
i put things in files xx
At the moment ist STORAGE BOXES they are everywhere in my house my daughter has just re-decorated her room and would love this desk with shelves especially with going back to school everything can have its own organised space!
paint up some old wooden seed boxes – they make great stacking trays
I have a six item rule. No more than six permanent things on any surface, it really works too as my cuppa is exempt.
Make a proper place for all items by using storage containers, and keep on top of the paperwork
Keep the drawers tidy and make use of them.
Empty plastic jars to keep pens and pencils handy and ready
Have a place for everything so you can find what you need quickly.
Empty shoe boxes hold a plethora of awkward to store items (clear ones are even better). I use empty biscuit tins for pencils, crayons, scissors and smaller items.
Gosh, Im not very organised at all, I would say that keep a drawer free incase you need to tidy up really quickly and you can hide all your junk away!!!
have pots to stores pens etc
Keep your desk tidy, don’t let things like paper pile up. Give your desk a good dust every week too
Tidy desk, Tidy mind 🙂
making sure everything has a home and a clear label that way you know where everything should be and can easily tidy it away
Keep everything in folders with contents labels on the front. Old plastic camera film holders are ideal for paper clips
Have a bin close by
My desk top is a mess if I tidy up I forget where I’ve put things
buy nice stationery and lots of folders – if all else fails have big drawers to hide the mess !
We use the Nutella glasses after as glasses in the kitchen. I’ve painted on them to give it some colour
Dont let the paper work mount up!!
always put everything away
have pots for everything!
Plastic Crates – not pretty but oh so functional
lots of storage. if everything has a home it stays tidy!
Buy a set small plastic storage boxes in a plastic unit (16″ x 12″approx) & all your little stationery items are out of the way.We bought ours from a well known stationery store – well worth buying
Storage of all shapes and sizes. A place for everything and everything in its place!
always put everything back in its place! always.
OHIO – Only Handle It Once. If you deal with incoming post as it’s received you won’t clutter your desk with nonsense
Have a place for everything don’t just dump stuff.
love storage boxes and files everything organised
It’s important to have a dedicated space for homework helps books and papers be more organised.
Deal with paperwork asap.
Deal with everything right away – never leave it until later
I use clear sleeves in my folders and keep all bills together for easy reference
Tidy it daily and don’t let stuff build up
plastic wallets,storage boxes and jars make good pencil holders
shred the paper you don’t need asap
put papers in order of importance
Always tidy as you go, and file everything
post it notes
Have a weekly tidying session and invest in a good shredder
Every evening declutter and put stuff in the bin you don’t need.
keep an orderly desk top.It saves frustration in the long run
Love my letter rack for papers and a funky tray with pots and boxes on for separating pens,pads, etc.The desk top itself is always clear.
My top tip for desk organisation is the small nutella jars, with their plastic lids. We get the boys to put things in them and organise and tidy using them!
This is such a great prize. Thank you for putting it out there – I am looking at the nook where this would be perfect for us – means we could split the boys up when doing their homework and learning and stop them distracting each other!
Deal with post as and when it arrives!!
Drawer Dividers
Keep your own personal ordered chaos but always have a (hopefully) small essential to do list, which must be tackled first.
Tidy up at the end of everyday.
Put everything in an in-tray at the end of the day. It’s therapeutic to put things away when work is done, and by prioritising the trays you’ll have your to-do list ready to go in the morning.
After you’ve used something, put it away.
Clear space = clear mind
Tupperware to keep thing seperate in desk draws.
Regular shredding and pots for organisation.
Keep pens and staionery items specifically for homework
To be organised, keep on top of paperwork, don’t let it build up
Having littlejars and tubs to store pens books and paper in 🙂
Have a paper storage file!
I have a peg board above my desk so everything gets put on there leaving my desk clutter free
File paperwork as and when it arrives…otherwise you end up with massive piles that take ages to sort through!
Keep on top of your paper work!
work tidy and use post it notes for everything!
Use a rubber band to keep all your pens together in a bundle.
Have a place for everything an keep it there!
Have 2 trays for incoming post; file (for things you want to keep) and action (for stuff you need to do). All other post can go straight into the bin if you don’t need to keep it or action it!
At the end of the day do a quick straighten, so you have a clean start the next day.
Deal and file post/paperwork when it arrives otherwise it very quickly turns into a huge pile which makes it harder to get motivated to put it away!
Clean desk policy – I don’t like anything lying around. All papers kept in desk
I keep my pc on a high shelf to stop it getting full of dog hairs.
File away papers regularly and keep all your stationary bits and bobs in a desk tidy to minimise mess
I keep everything in my drawer, if I left them on the desk my kids would pinch everything
Scan It!!– Clear that paper clutter, by scanning it into soft copy or PDF.
boxes, folders and a lovely little wicker and wood chst of drawers by the desk
lots of little baskets for the bits and bobs x
A paper bin is a must and label your folders on the outside
Make sure you have a drawer and a pen holder. Also a compartment for folders/binders so your desk isn’t cluttered with pens and paperwork!
folders for everything
Have lots of shelving and handy storage above you to avoid the desk getting easily cluttered – a nice clear work surface helps no end!!
having a place for everything . lots of boxes or shelves clearly labeled
I have a concertina folder and shred any rubbish to keep on top of things!
Post it Notes and a filing system that probably wouldn’t make much sense to other people but suits me fine!
keep on top of paperwork
I don’t have one. My desk is always terribly messy, but it is organised mess (or so I keep telling everyone!)
always file all paperwok away
keep it tidy and always put away things when you have finished working in them
Label, label, label – from files to drawers so you an see at a glance what goes where
if its a ‘I might use it’ item get rid you will probably never use it
Empty jars to keep bits and bobs in and shelves on the wall above the desk for large files/folders.
A lamp would hopefully give them some bright ideas.
drawer sections for storing bits and bobs, in and out tray for important papers
Always keep it tidy 😉
Small tubs for little bits!
Clean desk policy
Just treat your desk as though you are in a public library or hot-desking.
Don’t ever leave paperwork to deal with later!
Keep your papers filed away, especially if you are clumsy with your coffee
Plenty of Folders all labelled and file away every day
Everything has a place… make sure you put it in it’s rightful place
old jars for my pens,pencils and brushes
Always tidy up before starting work
I clean my desk every day
Plan ahead for printer ink etc
I have a place for everything, paperwork in files, bills and receipts have a place and things to do are written on a calender. I deal with things straight away so that the desk top stays uncluttered as much as possible. (This is a theory you understand…the reality can be somewhat different, and a bit sticky too because of eating fruit at my desk!)
I have to have an in tray so I know what I still have to do.
I don’t have any… I always have chaos on my desc.
tin cans with all sorts in them
Keep all pens in a drawstring bag, otherwise they end up everywhere!
Use a pretty dish or box to store all the stuff you’ve not found a home for yet.
have a place for all your stationary so its close tohand
If you have an organised desk you’ll have a more organised mind – make sure everything is filed away or put away logically.
Have in trays for different things and don’t just dump stuff on the desk
I have a wicker inbox – looks good and keeps all my stuff in one place
Organisation is the key!
Trays and mugs to organise it all
Some boxes and trays and label everything so can keep tidy in the right place
Have a noticeboard above the desk and use a clear Perspex desk tidy for pens and pencils.
Have clear enclosed containers for all the small bits that get spread out easily such as paper clips, erasers, elastic bands, pens and pencils. That way they don’t get swept up in papers and litter desk and floor.
Have a safe space for your cup of tea so that if the worst happens and you knock it over, nothing important gets ruined!
At the end of every work session, tidy up so you can start immediately next time you sit down without having to declutter first.
Have everything you use regularly close to hand so there’s no wasting time searching for a pen/stapler/hole punch.
I use Post-its as colour coded reminders and I find them less stressful than having a long list on a single piece of paper !
Hire a PA!!
File It Friday – I have a wooden mag file for all paperwork, receipts and other assorted “stuff” that every Friday, after lunch, I file. Nothing builds up, nothing gets lost or accidentally binned. I actually use if for both work and household papers so they both get done at once.
I’d agree with most people about trying not to let things build up…I always consider the shredder as a true office friend 😉 …especially when you can scan ‘non-important’ documents and save them on a usb memory stick.
Keep things in drawers and store them properly
Keep files on shelves. Gives a bit more room on the desk.
Always throw away what you don’t need and keep pens in a pot
Coffee jars and yoghurt pots have their uses
keep on top of tidying – do it as you go along
A place for everything and everything in its place is my motto
use coloured boxes
Always have a bin handy
Shred anything you don’t need and have a bin in reaching distance
Use a desk tidy to keep all your stationery neat
Sent of files on my desk and it look tidy
Be disciplined about what gets left on the desk – it needs to be thrown away or filed!
dont use it as a dumping ground!
a good filing system
My bureau looks a mess so I am probably not a good person to give a tip, but try to clear everything away at the end of the day, a clean desk policy!
I store items that go together in the same place. For instance, I keep my daughter’s uniform in sets (hung on a hanger with a shirt, tie, skirt, etc) so that all you have to do is grab that bundle instead of looking in separate drawers for tie, socks, skirt, etc.
I am the clutter queen – so I have no idea
Less is definitely more
large magnet for paperclips and a box to sweep the paperwork away in
label drawers etc so you can easily find things
File paperwork away in files and keep pots for various bits and pieces
Kelly Ellen Hirst
I have a craft box which is perfect for storing small bits of stationery it also has a lid which means that when the cats jump on the desk they dont knock everything everywhere
I have a filing tray for each kid so I can quickly find the relevant paper(s)
A place for everything and everything in it’s place
File paperwork as it arrives and make sure all your files are correctly labelled!
Only have what you need on there
I keep my desk orderly with colourful wire racks for notebooks,receipt books and glass jars for pens,etc.
Have a space for everything n keep it in its space
Organise and tidy as you go, dont let it build up
Regular clearance of work you’ve completed. I have a bad habit of keeping paperwork but a shredder under the desk comes in handy
try to keep clutter free
Keep on top of things
Keep clutter free
I have box files for paperwork, a notice board above for post it’s and a calender for appointments. Keep everything in it’s place so creating a clutter free space xx
paper trays to keep paperwork tidy & clutter free desk
Be ruthless with anything – keep stationary to an absolute minimum and go digital!
sort out paperwork as soon as it arrives rather than let it build up
I scan all my documents and keep them safe on my hard drive and flash drive. Once the original is scanned it goes into the master folder which is in a big filing box in the loft
File or tidy as you go!
Put everything I need to keep in files and boxes and shred everything I no longer need.
Tidy it before you leave it
a place for everything and everything in its place!!
Buy storage pots and folders, trays etc that you really like so you’ll always use them.
Have a planner on your desk – so you know exactly what needs to be done- keeps you organized and creates less stress!
Jam jars and tubs…….everything has its place
My tip is keep things to a minimum! No clutter
Tidy everyday after you’ve finished!
Labelled folders
Using clear folders to keep things together – they can be stored in magazine holders
Make sure you keep everything organised by having a good filing system and a desk tidy for all stationary.
Keep it completely clear – have set places for things in your drawers but keep the top clear.
A drink holder, stay hydrated ( to maintain higher brain function ) and never an embarrassing accident all over your desk
a good filing system
Organise your work into piles or files!
keep everything to hand
Keep on top of it daily!
label things and keep up to date daily xx
tidy as you go in order to keep clutter to a minimum and use tupperware boxes to store items
Go paperless !
Have seperate trays for paperwork and a mug or jar for pens.
I save my Douwe Egbert jars and use them on desk and shelves for all sorts of bits and bobs
I’ve always loved desk organisers with all the different sections to store everything in 🙂
When you have a folder that stores stapled documents, rotate the ends of the document you staple so that the documents don’t sit unevenly 🙂
Have lots of desk organisers.
keep the children away from your work space
find a home for everything!
Store everything in alphabetical order
A large wire filing basket for letters & documents I am currently working on, or referring to, in order to avoid them getting lost or mislaid & bulldog clips to keep them grouped together as appropriate.
Have a notice board to pin all those important letters as things to do notes so you don’t lose things
One of everything – avoid clutter!!
Only have what your using on the desk and store the rest elsewhere. The less clutter you can see the less cluttered you will feel while trying to work. Always been good for me
Make sure everything has a place and keep it there
Go through your “inbox” at least once a week and get rid of anything that’s no longer relevant.
Operate on a paperless basis
To try and put things away when you’ve finished using them
In and Out Trays so there is a space for everything xxx
have files to get organised and shred anything you dont need immediately
Folders are good but don’t be too obsessive with everything being cleared. Sometimes leaving stuff out is a reminder of what’s needing done. Einstein said ‘if a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk the sign?’
Keep it clean.
In/out trays and keeping everything in it’s place! Mind you, looking at my desk I can talk…
Get rid of everything, keep it in drawers or elsewhere. I need the space to spread my papers!
keeping files and filing something as soon as you have tended to it. Also an in and out tray.
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