DECLUTTERING TIPS // THE EVERYDAY SPRUCE

 So in the spirit of decluttering the home and getting some order into my flat, I thought this would be a good one to share with you, while joining in with The Everyday Spruce thought up by the lovely ladies Heather and Sarah-Lou.

As I've mentioned before, our bedroom is fast becoming a dumping ground for those do it later projects or things that haven't quite found a home, and trying to work in chaos is not ideal. Over the last few weeks my desk space has got out of control and covered in clutter, and without any real storage solutions I found the piles kept growing. So after a bit of nagging pursuading from Paul I decided to take charge and declutter my desk to create a better working environment and less of an eye sore in the bedroom.

As you can see, the reality behind the lens is a complete mess, this is often the way when looking at people spaces on Instagram, all those neat and tidy homes when in reality you don't see all the clutter which has been moved to the side to achive the perfect pic. So after a quick trip to Ikea and a few hours of sorting and organising you can really see the difference.

Decluttering Tips:

1. Go through all your piles of papers and organise what you need and what you can bin. I bought these stand up files and used each one to seperate my magazines, paperwork and notebooks, by storing them on the shelf under my desk, it's allowed me to keep the desktop free but still have access when I need it.

2. Use boxes and containers with lids for you desk. I bought these stylish white and cork containers to keep my small loose bits and pieces tidy but still within reach. I've used mine for business cards, headphones, washi tapes, stamps, polaroid cartridges, candles and pens.

3. For larger items I bought an open storage container like this one, again in white to keep the desk looking neat and to tie in overall look. I've kept my holga camera, loose postcards, large parcel tape  in there, which if lying out on the desk would look messy but now is contained and accessible.

4. Rather than have different piles of magazines – as I do tend to hoard them – I have selected the ones I want to keep and made one pile with a photo frame on top. This makes it look more like a display and keeps everything neat and tidy, plus F is always cute to look at.

5. Find a stylish pen holder to display your items like these scissors and this letter opener. I love the shape and design of this desk accessory.

6. Add some green to your space. I love plants in the home so by adding a small green succulent in a pink pot it's added a splash of colour and given the space a personal touch.

Even though it's a small achivement, I feel like I have managed to regain some control and feel more organised now I have a clean and efficient space to work in, proof that decluttering can be quite theraputic. You can join in #theeverydayspruce by using the hashtag to your sprucing stories, tip and ideas over on IG.

I'd love to hear how you keep on top of your work space?

MY WORKING DESK SPACE

One of the great things about working from home is the flexibility that comes with your personal space. Blogging is a great job as any location can be your desk be it a cafe, studio or even a park, so no matter where you are you can hit a deadline. With my ancient MacBook however, I always need to be plugged in as the battery has seen better days, and unsurprisingly cafes aren't so keen to supply you with free electricity while you eke out that skinny latte.

I soon realised I work best in a quiet environment where I wasn't being distracted by 20 something girls chatting about their sun bed sessions in preparation for their Ibiza getaway or young couples navigating their blossoming relationship. So when Paul suggested I buy a desk to work from home I was super excited, what with the free coffee on tap, toys for F and a place to spread out and get stuck in. Thankfully we have an over proportioned bedroom for the size of our flat, allowing the desk to sit in our bay window where there's lots of natural light and the greenery of outside.

I chose a desk with trestle legs with the ability to have the table top flat or tilted, depending on the type of work I'm doing and filled it with things I find inspirational or could use as storage, like these vintage style cases. I always tend to have coffee or fruit beside me when working to keep up my energy levels, as well as a notebook and pencil for jotting down ideas and scheduling projects. Keeping a stack of magazines to hand is also a great way to grab some quick inspiration and of course there is a photo of the the boy himself, who is my whole reason for working from home in the first place.

Having a desk at home is certainly a luxury and sanctuary all in one. I'd love to hear what you have on your desk and what makes your working day fun.

Linking up with the wonderful Love Chic Living  Love Your Home linky.