5 Reasons To Hire A Professional Trained Organizer

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I get asked once and again, from not just prospective clients but from a lot of other people as well – “Why hire a professional organizer? I could do that myself.” In fact, many of our client’s well intentioned friends who feel they are organized say this to our clients without truly understanding what we do and how we do it.

The fact of the matter is that trained professional organizers for which this is a full time business are highly skilled professionals, often with a background in either psychology or sociology and communication. Most skilled professional organizers have the training and expertise to not only implement the basic principles of organization, but also to provide creative solutions, maximize space, have a ton of credible resources and have the ability to address some of the underlying issues and challenge some of the distorted thinking that comes with being chronically disorganized.

cluttered filled hall

Here are 5 basic reasons to hire a professional organizer.

Time & money

1) We will actually save you time and save you money. Lots of it. Everybody’s time is worth something. If you are performing the work yourself you are not doing something else whether it is going to work, enjoying extracurricular activities or just plain relaxing. We are trained and have the expertise to develop and implement solutions to chronic disorganization. As such we can successfully complete an organizational task in a much shorter period of time.

Success

2) Being disorganized costs you. I’m not talking just money here (although that still factors in).  I’m talking success. How much time do you waste looking for things? Are you paying interest charges on bills because you paid late due to not being able to find the bill? Is your clutter or disorganization affecting your marriage or straining friendships?  Are you missing out on opportunities?  Are you less productive?  Do you appear disorganized at work leading to missing out on promotions? Is your child’s disorganization affecting success at school?

Some people become embarrassed to have company if they feel their home has become out of control or they feel that visitors may be judging them based on the surroundings rather than as who they are. A professional organizer will de-clutter, organize and create a system to maintain a clutter free and less stressful life.

Projects

3) We can help you tackle those projects you have been putting off.

You know those projects that you have been putting off because you feel it is too much of a task for you or think it is too large for you handle? We are ready willing and eager to get at these projects. They are our Disneyland! Once complete you will feel that a heavy load has been lifted right off your shoulders. You will breathe easier, feel less anxious. You will want to use that space, that valuable real estate that you have worked so hard to pay for. And who knows, maybe even invite guests over that have not visited for some time due to your embarrassment of your home.

Coaching

4) We are your organizing coach. Sometimes you just need a gentle push to get you going or to guide you through the steps to complete the task. We are there with you all the way for as much or as little as you need us. Do you have a small room or closet that needs attention? Great! A larger room that will take more time? That’s good too. We have seen and done it all and no job is too large or too small. We just want to help.

No Judgments

5) We are non-judgmental and unbiased. Is your place a mess – in your eyes? Do you still have your childhood toys? Paper everywhere? A ton of stuff from a family member who has long since passed on? You can’t see the floor because of all the stuff?  Perhaps your basement is unusable space?  No problem. We are there to help and to get you organized with compassion and gentle guidance, and set up with a system to make your life easier. We are not here to judge but to develop and implement solutions for you.

If you have an organizational task for which you just don’t  know where to start, call me now for a free telephone consultation and we can chat.  No judgments.  Just solutions.

Spring Cleaning & Downsizing Your Home

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Every year thousands of older adults face the decision of whether to downsize to smaller living accommodations or to stay in their existing homes. For some the decision to downsize is made for them due to serious illness or perhaps the death of a loved one. Sometimes the comfort and safety of people comes into play. But regardless of the reason, the upheaval and relocation can be traumatic. My experience in this industry has clearly indicated that it is even more so for those over the age of 65.

sunny condo

For example, I received a call from a gentleman whose mother was living alone and had recently injured her leg falling over piles of newspapers that she had collected. He was concerned for her health and safety due to the amount of belongings and clutter that she had accumulated. He wanted to move her into a condominium and was looking for assistance in helping to sort through a lifetime of her possessions. He had no idea where to start.

Safety first

Safety is usually the first thought that comes into mind when considering downsizing. Home location and its construction are very important issues to consider. A few questions you may want to ask yourself are: (i) is the home easy to get around in? (ii) can the maintenance of the home be easily managed by the occupant? (iii) how close is the home to local shopping centres and banks?

Limitations regarding the physical abilities of the people in the home are also relevant and need to be considered. Can basic personal hygiene be handled? What about manoeuvrability in and out of the bathtub or shower? What about memory issues as it relates to safety? Leaving a burner lit on the stove or a pot boiling over can be a potentially dangerous situation.

Let the idea of downsizing marinate.

If you know an older adult who should consider downsizing, it’s best that you introduce them to the idea slowly. Many well-meaning family members may push too hard resulting in more resistance. Sometimes it’s helpful to suggest to your parents that they may wish to make the decision of moving to a smaller home when they still can. Sometimes illness or injury, like that of my client, ends up making the decision for you and you are then forced to move when perhaps you don’t feel ready.

Emotions play a role.

Adult children often don’t play an active role in the downsizing process due to other obligations. And that`s okay. The stress and tension can be very high for all members of the family and it’s often best to call and hire an experienced professional organizer to assist and make the process run smoothly and act as project manager.

Adult children often feel a lot of turmoil when long time family possessions are sorted and pared down. I have personally seen the upheaval of emotions cause conflicts among family when these conflicts could easily have been minimized by initiating a few simple organizing and downsizing strategies to be prepared.

For me, working with older adults is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. We don’t just work for our clients, but with them, side by side, hands on coaching, motivating and encouraging. Working collaboratively we`ve helped clients make decisions on what to keep, what to pass on to family or others and what to be discarded.

The preparation of a move to a smaller home is the first step of a fresh start, a new chapter in your life and perhaps an even greater adventure! Preparation is key to a successful downsize so that precious memories can still be treasured while streamlining for a simpler and more efficient lifestyle.

If you know anyone who could use professional guidance and assistance in the downsizing process we are here to help. Call us now to learn more.

5 Secrets of a Professional Organizer

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You know that old saying that a magician never tells how he performs a trick? Well, I am going to tell you some of the secrets that we as Professional Organizers use to help get you organized.

clear counters in ktichen

1) Use clear containers.

Simple, right? Clear containers, no matter what size, allow you to see what has been stored. I’m not talking about those containers you use once a year for Christmas decorations that are marked “Indoor Xmas decorations” and “Outdoor Lights”. I’m talking about those containers that are brought out frequently to change wardrobes and the like, even the ones that are used for food storage. I see so many people hauling out containers with labels that have fallen off to get something only to find they have the wrong container.

clear storage containers

2) Flat surfaces are the enemy.

The first thing I do when I walk into a room that needs organizing is to assess the horizontal surfaces. The bigger they are the better chance of having items dumped on them to “put away later”. There is no easier way to make a room look de-cluttered than just keeping the flat surfaces free of stuff.

3) Kitchen shelves can be adjusted.

We do a lot of kitchen organizing and most homes have shelves that can be adjusted. You would be surprised at how much more room you can create and how better organized and functional your storage can be by simply adjusting a couple of shelves either up or down.

shelves

4) Hang it one way, put it back in reverse.

I have used this trick on my husband. Hang the hangers in your closet on the closet rod backwards. When something is worn or laundered put it back facing the other way. After a couple of months check to see what is left hanging in the backward direction. These will be items that have not been worn during this time. So the question is……… do you really need it taking up space in your closet if you don’t wear it?

5) Shoe bags.

Every home should have them. Not only are hanging shoe bags great for maximizing the storage capacity for shoes and minimizing their horizontal footprint in your home, they are also great for storing soft hats, scarves and mittens. Playing real money casino games online is very popular among NZ citizens. In this situation people must know some essential factors like security or money management. Professionals at  https://exycasinos.co.nz/ created a list of the top online casinos for real money by inspecting their bonus terms, payment methods, and games.

hanging shoe pouch bag

We have also used them for storing shoe accessories in a front hall closet, for pet accessories and for stuffed animals in a kids’ room. We have even used certain types for the back side of a bathroom door to create more space and storage for bath accessories like hair dryers, straighteners, shampoos, etc.

There you have it, 5 secrets of the trade. Oh, there are many more and I could tell you but then I would have to ………….!

I Felt Cheated Until I Lived With a Professional Organizer

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It’s not very ofter that I have guest blogger on my site, but my husband insisted that he write a post about living with an organizer.  So, below you have it.  A husband’s point of view.

I have always thought I was a fairly neat and tidy person. Although I will admit that I am not the most organized person in the world, I didn’t really think I was disorganized. Let me tell you that living in the Toronto area and being the husband of a Professional Organizer will let you find out just how organized or disorganized you really are!

In the beginning you may be a tad annoyed with the way things seem to be organized and the need to keep it up, but eventually you become appreciative of those things that may have bothered you in the past. Let me give you a couple of examples:

Clothing organized

For a guy, how easy is it to maintain your wardrobe? You buy something new, pick up dry cleaning or put away your laundry by hanging it up or putting it in the drawers, right?

organized man clothes

Not so. I have learned that it helps if you hang your clothes according to colour and have all your shirts hanging the same way. Not only does this give you a neat appearance but it makes selecting your clothes a whole lot easier.

In and out

One in, one out rule for clothes – Originally this rule just seemed just plain silly to me. Why would you want to get rid of something just because something new came in? Well, it turns out this may just be the best advice an organizer can give you. Rather than having closets that are crammed to the point where nothing else will fit, or piled in a dresser drawer that is overflowing, I have learned that if you follow this simple rule you will always have a neat and organized clothing space with easy to find whatever you need.

Organized Kitchen

Just last week I put a frying pan away in the “wrong spot” and was “politely” reminded of where it lives. I use this as an example of why every thing needs a home. I can’t tell you the time I have wasted in the past looking for things that were in the wrong place.

organized cubby kitchen

A lot less time spent looking for things and a lot less frustration is the result of putting things back where they belong. Lesson learned.

Giving to the community

Giving back.  This is by far the most important lesson learned from living with a professional organizer. Rather than tossing out things that I no longer require I take the time to look at it and decide if it is in good enough shape to donate. There are so many organizations that can use and even depend on donations to help the less fortunate. Everything from clothing to toys to small appliances and even items of value that can be sold at charity stores or auctions can be used to help someone else.

So, yes, being married to a professional organizer can have its challenges, but it really does make life more calm, less stressful and more giving. I highly recommend it and I’m not just saying that because my wife is standing over my shoulder. Really.

Doug Ward, happy husband of a professional organizer.

I Smell Spring! Get Your Home Organized!

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In our part of the country it’s been a long and cold winter. In fact, over the Family Day weekend in February the temperatures dropped to the minus mid-twenties and with the wind it felt like -35. It definitely has been one of the coldest winters in recent memory and boy are we ready for the arrival of spring!

Signs of spring

Here is a list of things we’re going to do in our home to prepare for the arrival of one of my favourite seasons:

Goodbye Winter Wear

1) As the weather starts to get milder and I start to smell spring in the air,  I always organize our home for the next season and go through the heavy winter coats to see what still fits, what is worn and for the adults what is still in style. Anything that is longer in style or doesn’t fit can be boxed or bagged and dropped off at your local charity.

Anything that is very worn, stained or damaged can be bagged for trash. In some cases you may be able to take some gently used, nor longer worn items to a consignment shop but keep in mind that they only take winter items in the fall, not in the spring. They also have to be in great shape Don’t take it personally if they won’t accept your things.

2) Pull down those boxes of scarves and mittens, pull out all of the boots and do the same thing. Anything not needed can be dropped off at a donation location for those that may need them next winter. Kids grow out of boots quickly and are always in need at charity organizations for those that cannot afford new footwear for their own kids.

3) Pull out all of your spring and summer coats and shoes and divide them into piles for each person in the home. Then take those piles and further refine them accordingly to type of outerwear. Go through each item to ensure that they too are still fully functional, not damaged, still fit and for adults not out of style (if you care about fashion).

Again, many charities would love to receive your donations of gently used clothing and with spring almost upon us now is the perfect time to be donating spring and summer items.

Clean Up

4) When it’s time to switch the coats and footwear in the hall closet from warmer to light, take the winter items out and give your hall closet a good cleaning. Out with the dirt and salt from the boots and in with the fresh, lighter coats. I’ll leave the rest of the spring cleaning up to you but you will certainly feel that spring has come when you open your closet to see the lighter garments hanging there without all the signs of old man winter.

Lighten Up

5) In our home we have a heavier bedspread for winter warmth and in the spring we switch it up taking the lighter bedspread out of the bag and replacing it with the winter one. Don’t forget to launder or dry clean your winter bedspread before putting it away if need be.

Spring signals the arrival of a new start for the earth and many homes going up for sale. Consider it a new start for sprucing up your home and getting it organized for sale.  And if you’re not in the market to sell your house right now?  That’s okay.  But take care of these tasks and you will find spring arriving a lot sooner!  Who doesn’t want that?!

If you need some help getting started, call me now for a free telephone consultation.

6 Things You Need To Know to Organize Your Shoes

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Women love shoes! No surprise there, but more and more men are beginning to own and appreciate the look and value of shoes with their collection of “kicks” and even dress shoes and boots.

We all may not have the collection that Imelda Marcos once did but if you have a collection of shoes, are looking for ways to organize your shoes and are tight for space and funds, here are a few things you need to know to help you store and maintain the condition of your shoes.

Original shoe boxes

Some people still use the system of keeping the boxes that the shoes originally came in and then take a picture of the shoes and affix it to the outside of the box. From this they can easily see what shoe is inside the box. This is not my number one choice as photos can fall off, and with the demise of instant cameras people are now moving away from this concept.

Clear shoe boxes

Clear shoes boxes are a great way to keep your shoes in good condition and dust free as well as and organized.

 

They can be kept stacked either in the hall closet or in your walk in bedroom closet and they make it so easy to see what is in each box to save precious time from pulling boxes down where perhaps pictures may have come off the outside of the cardboard ones. This is a good option although could become a bit pricey if you have a large volume of shoes to organize.

Racks & shelving

Shoe racks or shelves are an easy and affordable way to store your shoes. They are readily available from such stores as Canadian Tire and Home Depot, are easy to assemble and can be stacked inside your closet.

closet maid shoe racks

They come is various lengths and with each stack they hold at least 9 pairs of shoes. I personally like the Closet Maid Shoe shelf organizers which are fairly budget friendly.

Hanging

Hanging shoe bags are another great option and amazing at storing shoes a large number of shoes vertically with an excellent price point. Shoe bags are even increasingly being used for the storage of a lot of other goods like make up or wash cloths in the bathroom or shoe cleaning items in the hall closet.

Under bed storage

For those that are challenged by space but still require or want a selection of shoes, there are a number of under bed shoe organizers that are easily stored and retrieved from under the bed. The downside to this is that it is way too difficult to see what you have. The upside is that this is a good way to store off season footwear.

My favourite

One of my favourite ways to store shoes is to use a piece of decorative crown moulding trim installed inside the closet and hang the shoes by their heels.

crown moulding shoe storage

It is practical, easy to install without any tools, and allows for shoes to be up off the floor but yet easily accessible and all within view all the while maintaining the shoes in good shape. You can even easily paint this piece of trim to match any décor.

If you have the space and the funds, shoe storage can be whatever you imagine it to be from complete wall units to specially built shoe drawers. There are many options for many price points so there is no reason not to get organized with your shoe collection.

Shoes are indeed a fashion statement and are not cheap, so decide what system is best for you, protect your investment, look your best and stay organized.  If you need help organizing any space in your home, simply contact me at 905-642-5669 for a free telephone consultation.

How to Keep Your Family Organized

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Most families today find that time is a precious commodity. I have a friend with three school aged children and all of them are involved in hockey during the winter, as well as either baseball or soccer in the summer.

family time 2

It seems they are always off to the rink or field with extremely limited down time as a family let alone as a couple. It’s chaotic in the morning, getting everyone off for the day and just as hectic after school and work trying to complete homework, get meals ready and get everyone off to their activities. If you fall into this category of busy families here are a couple of easy tips to keep everyone organized and ready for the day.

Set out a routine

family time

Kids need a routine as much as you do, not only so you know what is happening but it also outlines for them what is happening at what time of the day so they can make their own plans in the time that is left over. Kids will also learn about responsibility and time management and as a family you will have time set aside for meals where conversation is important to keep the family bonds strong..

Publish the schedule

Erasable wall planners, chalkboards and bulletin boards are great options for looking at what is coming up. If you have more than one child try different coloured markers for each child making it easy to identify for the child.

family calendar

Let them pick their own colours. Doctor’s appointments, sports games, parties, etc. can all be recorded on the planner.

Everybody chips in

Set aside some time each week for chores. Everyone needs to buy into this and contribute to learn that they all have some responsibility for keeping the home clean and tidy. The younger ones can contribute with something as easy as picking up their own toys while the older ones may be able to help with laundry, vacuuming or doing dishes. Don’t forget the praise for a job well done to instil a sense of accomplishment.

Save time for family

Regardless of how busy you or the family are, the most important time is family time. Pick at least one time during the week where you can all be together to play a game, eat a leisurely meal or just sit and talk.

multicultural-family

I used to have a regular scheduled time for “family meetings” where everyone was invited to discuss what was on their mind or anything that may be of interest to the others. You may not be able to resolve everything but at least all family members will feel involved and heard.

Keeping your family organized and on schedule will decrease stress and anxiety in all family members. If you need some extra assistance to set up an organized system for increased efficiency and decreased stress, contact us here for a free telephone consultation.

5 Clever Tips to Organize Your Child’s Play Area

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It has been a long winter so far, and depending on where you live perhaps a little colder than normal, so the kids have likely been indoors more than usual. Are they, and perhaps even you, getting a little stir crazy? Do their bedrooms or playroom look a little out of control because of the extra time spent indoors? There is still a bit of winter left so here are a few clever tips to organizing your child’s play area.

1) Get it off the floor

Do you have one of those kid’s rooms where you cannot see the floor for all of the toys thrown all over the place? If so, have you provided your child with the organizational tools to keep an organized room?

Storage bins for organizing toys

Many parents wonder why the child’s room is in such a disorganized mess and the reality is that they may not have provided them with the necessary organizational system and containers to properly tidy up. Drawers, bookcases and shelves are a must for any child to keep their room organized and for you to show them how to designate a space for each type of toy. Electronics are especially important to get off the floor to teach the children about value and to prevent tripping hazards.

2)  Be Creative

I have often talked before about the many uses of hanging shoe bags for storage beyond the storing of shoes. I recently saw a shoe bag used for the storage of Barbie dolls and thought “what a clever idea”. Not only can the dolls themselves be stored in these but also the doll clothes and accessories.

Organizing toys

Don’t forget your little guy with his play figurines (do they still have GI Joe?) or for his cars. These bags are easy to hang on a wall, on a closet rod or on the inside of a door.

3) Milk Crates

Milk crates make for great storage and even though it may be difficult to get the old fashioned milk crates from the grocery store, there are now several different variations available everywhere from IKEA to Canadian Tire to just about any other store that carries storage bins. They are great for stuffed animals, balls or even the larger dolls that will not fit into the shoe bags.

milk crates for organizing

4) Use Clear Containers

I have said this many times in the past – use clear storage containers. It is so easy for both you and your child to find what you are looking for and if you can see what belongs in the container it makes putting it away so much easier for both and your child. These containers can be stored in a corner, in a closet or under a bed but once seen you will easily recognize what is inside.

5)  Edit & Liberate

Kids grow quickly and outgrow toys. At least twice a year spend some time with your child going through their toys to determine what is not being used any longer. Arrange for the donation of these toys and take your child with you so they can participate in the giving process. Or, if you are holding a spring yard sale let your child participate (if old enough) with their own table and all proceeds can either be donated or put away for them for new toys. Want to discover some on casino apps on mobile? Casino specialists at exycasinos.in wrote an article about the subject on their website. You are going to find much helpful info about the best gambling platforms, developers, common games, and remaining atributes of mobile gambling apps.

donate toys

However you choose to store your child’s toys make sure they are involved in the process so they learn the importance of maintaining a safe, trip free and organized environment. If your space is just too overwhelming for you to handle at the moment, call me now at 905-642-5669 for your free telephone consultation.  We are here to ease your chaos.  Your chaos.  Our solution,  Your peace of mind!

Organizing For Safety

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This could be one of the most important blogs that I have written in a long time.

You’ll find a lot of information out there about safety in the workplace and being safe at home with smoke and Co2 detectors. But there is a lot more to safety in the home and being organized can help reduce the chances of you, your family or friends being injured at home.

When I take on a new project or get invited for a new consult and needs assessment I am always on the lookout for potential accidents that could happen as a result of disorganization. Trust me when I say that you don’t need to have a medical diagnosis as a hoarder to put yourself or a loved one at risk.
newspaper cat

Paper Peril

Paper in the house can be a huge problem for many. Holding onto old newspapers can be a fire risk that can prevent someone from either getting out or possibly prevent help from getting in.

Not to mention that with a single spark, piles of paper spread fire incredibly fast drastically reducing the precious seconds you have to flee a roaring fire and get to safety.

I do keep two complete copies of an old newspaper for sentimental reasons but they are stored in a plastic container to both preserve them and keep them out of the way. If you have something you feel you need to refer to in a specific publication, perhaps you could clip the particular article out and keep it in a binder or scrap book rather than hanging on to the complete edition.

Bookcase Blunders

falling bookcase

Many of us keep a collection of books that we are proud to display and lend to people for them to enjoy our favourite authors. Ensure that the book case you store them on is rated for the weight and that the shelves are not beginning to bow.

That is a sure sign of an impending spill and accident. You may want to fasten your bookcase to the wall with approved hardware as well.

Collector Chaos

Many people who are collectors store their precious items with good intentions but rarely display or even access these items for quite long periods of time. Depending on the containers used, weather and moisture, mould, dust and pests can settle in making an unhealthy environment for you and your family as well as cause potential damage to your collections.

Make sure items stored are done so safely and in a healthy manner. Or better yet, if you treasure these items so much, why not display your favourites? After all, isn’t that one of the reasons you have them in the first place?

Hobby Havoc

Does your profession, hobby or craft have you storing paints, chemicals or the like? Many of our clients are very creative souls that set out to complete a number of projects requiring a large volume of materials. Many of those projects remain uncompleted due to disorganization and a lack of time.

hazardous materials

Creating a sense of organization in your hobby room is essential to a safe environment, especially with chemicals and paint occupying a space. Remember to rotate any new products brought into the home and store items that can be harmful to pets and children out of sight, out of reach and if possible in a locked cabinet.

When you do have to dispose of these please remember to take them to your local hazardous waste station to have them disposed of safely and in accordance to your local regulations.

Lastly take a walk around your home. Are there too many pieces of furniture for the room? Are you blocking a door or a safety exit? Can the elderly safely move about without any concern for trips or falls? Safety should be first and foremost in everything we do including in how we organize our homes. If you may need skilled, professional help in creating organization in your hobby space, contact us here for your free telephone intake.

6 Perfect Home Office Spaces That Will Make You Jealous

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Whether you are need a home office for your business or a workstation for your home, there is always a solution to get your home office organized and on track.  With many variations of home offices available, ranging from a simple desk to a more complicated built in system  the most important aspect is to make sure you can put your work away easily when the day is complete, as well as retrieve the information you need with ease and simplicity.

These 6 organized home office spaces offer lots of options for home organization.

Custom is cool

This first space is perfect use of a small niche in your home with custom cabinets and desk space with plenty of storage for books, files and supplies.   Well worth the price point if you work from home and require a functional space.

Built in home office

Basement Beauty

This next office in the basement is a creative use of the often under appreciated under stair space. Precious real estate is uncovered here and becomes useful.

 

Basement Office

Light & Airy

We love this use of space with the desk facing outward as opposed to working directly in front of a wall.  Lots of storage and good functionality and organization in the home office.

Home office desk door

Window side

Situating your home office desk in front of a window with a streamlined look and feel is a great way to work clutter free, enjoy nature and get your creative juices flowing for an organized work day.

Home Office desk

Dual Office Space

If you require a room with two work stations, this contemporary, streamlined design is the way to go.  We love the clutter free bookcase and clean, organized lines of desk space.  Lots of room to work efficiently.

L shaped home office

Tight on space

Just because you live in a smaller sized home doesn’t mean you can’t have a dual workstation or office.  This is a great office space in a small apartment, condo or townshouse.

Shared workspace in small area

Which work space do you love the best?