When organizing my home, I use a Zone Plan where I focus on only one area of my home in a month.
January is the month that I work in my home office.
Not only is this my focus zone for the month but I also want my office area to have distinct zones.
· Zone 1
Zone 1 is where I have everything that I use daily and most items that I use at least weekly. This includes my desk area, my filing cabinet beside the desk and the bookcase behind the desk.
My desk has drawers that hold my daily supplies such as pens, stapler, scissors, paperclips, stationary, checkbooks, notebooks, and a personal file drawer. This allows my desktop to remain fairly clear with just a phone, my computer, a timer and a place for my coffee cup and a fresh flower.
My filing cabinet to the right of my desk holds client files and financial files for my businesses.
The bookcase holds an attractive box for chargers, a labeler, and reference books. On top of the bookcase, I have my printer, a live plant or flowers, and some of my products.
I can reach all of these items without getting out of my chair.
· Zone 2
My Zone 2 contains items that I use regularly but not necessarily daily. These items are stored in my credenza that is in my office but that requires that I get up to go to it.
The credenza holds my project bins, ink supplies, heavy duty stapler and hole punch, instructions and warranties, and my NOKBOX.
I also have a meeting zone in my office that has a couch and a loveseat plus some small stackable tables that can be used when needed.
· Zone 3
Zone 3 is not actually in my office but contains “office” items. This area is in the closet of my spare bedroom.
I use this area to store rarely used items for presentations, samples of our products, and back up supplies of paper, folders, etc.
· Zone 4
Zone 4 is archival papers and is housed in my attic. This is where I keep old tax records and any paperwork that I really don’t ever hope to need but is there “just in case”.
· In conclusion:
Zoning out my office keeps me from using valuable real estate around my desk for items rarely used. It helps keep my immediate work area clear of extraneous items.
When I sit down at my desk in my Zone 1 area, I know that I am there to work. I have what I need at hand so that I don’t interrupt my flow by having to get up to find something like a highlighter or scissors.
If you have an organizational project that is going nowhere and you feel stuck, stop thinking about what is wrong and concentrate on what you can do to make some changes. Could reorganizing your space make a difference?
If you want some assistance on your project join Diane Quintina and me for one of our support groups. We can help you with next steps to complete your project.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.
While I'm not quite as committed to the zone approach as you are — you've taken it to the highest level — my tactics (particularly in my office space) are similar, which means we're in good company. ;-) I've seen the NOKBOX on line, but I didn't know anyone who was using it to ask questions. I hope you'll consider writing a blog post about it. I create something like this for a lot of my comments, but I do find the full system appealing! And I love that you have fresh flowers or plants in your office. I tend to forget about anything that's not on a screen and would likely forget to water a plant, but greenery and fresh…
I love your zone plan! Matt Baier has a similar approach in his book, and it makes so much sense. Perfect time to read this as I'll be working in an office on Thursday. We'll be working our way "out" from what he can reach sitting down to the perimeters of the room. His is in an office building, so no attic storage, but we can get more remote with the stuff he's keeping for archival purposes. Perfect!
The way you describe your zones is terrific. It's easy for everyone to understand how this creates a good work flow situation for you.
I love your Zone plan. As you described how you use the areas, especially Zone 1 in your office, I understood how setting it up as you have helps you focus. You have everything you need readily available and no distractions.
A while back, I redid my office space. My husband helped me to design it to function exactly how I needed it to. I love working at my desk, surrounded by the tools and visuals I need to help me work and delight my senses.