How to Set Up a New Space in 5 Simple Steps

Wednesday November 20, 2019 – Setting up your space

Yesterday I promised to share the questions I ask when setting up or revamping a space. I used my office as an example below, so you can see how this process works with one person. However, if a shared space is what you want to organize, it is crucial to get the rest of the family on board. You may want to answer these questions together to ensure you’re all on the same page.

Without further ado, here are the questions I use when setting up a space.

1. What is this space? (spare room)

2. What is the problem I am trying to solve with this space? (I need a space to work, craft and read) How do I want to use it (office, craft space, reading nook) and what will it need to contain? (office supplies, craft supplies, comfortable/functional furniture, storage, lighting)

3. How do I want to feel when I use this space? I know feelings are a tempting place to skip over but DON’T! This is the most important part of it all. Your feelings are your motivator. They are what determine everything you do. If you want this space to be a success you need to consider how you want to feel while using it. Your décor is going to play a large role in the feel of your room. So only once you have decided how you want to feel, do you choose décor. (focused, while working – creative while creating, and relaxed while reading)

4. What do I have to do in order to achieve that feeling? This is your action list. (Focused/relaxed - limit visual clutter, put things away when I am done with them, give everything a home, create a space for ongoing projects that will not distract me from my current project, creative – have pretty things that inspire me, but are not distracting when I’m working)

Now I am ready to start taking action.

Once the room is set up how I want, I take it for a test drive. Inevitably I’ll discover what I like and don’t like about what I created. I’ll uncover what works and what doesn’t.

If you’re setting up a space now, try this out. I’d love to hear how it works for you.

And remember, organizing is never a one size fits all, nor is it ever a one-time deal.

Stay tuned for tomorrow when I tell you about the evaluation process I use to perfect my space.

Debby