10 Must Have Tools for Organizing Yourself and Your Workspace + a GIVEAWAY!
*Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Should you choose to shop via them, you will not be charged anything, but it will help support this blog!
When I first started working from home I didn’t think I needed anything more than a computer and an internet connection. A week into it, I remember sitting at my parsons-style desk, on my super cute lucite chair making a list of what I truly needed to stay organized and be able to work comfortably and effectively. Some of the items were tactile, some were cloud-based but all have helped me immensely. I’m so excited to share with you my 1o must have tools for organizing yourself and your workspace (and a giveaway!).
FOR THE DESK
Drawer organizer: The one thing I despise the most is not being able to find something when I need it. Being able to find my sticky notes, stapler, a highlighter, or even a simple paper clip can be the most daunting task when they aren’t where they should be.
Planner: I reviewed and purchased so many planners before finding the one that fits my needs – for now. I tried a regular weekly calendar with lines and without lines. I tried to solely go paperless – I can’t do it. There’s something about writing down what the task or appointment is that helps me to remember it, and develop on it. I also have a love for everything stationary-related. I have enough notecards and super cute sticky notepads to open up my own shop. I am a true believer in the power of a handwritten note.
I have started using the Passion Planner and it’s been working well for me. I’m able to block out time for calls, brainstorming, basically anything – but see it at a glance, weekly. I use the bottom sections to jot down my tasks for the week, both personal and work-related. Each week, I transfer the tasks that were not completed to the current week (and hopefully there aren’t any!). The bottom right section serves as a notepad for a myriad of things ranging from social media schedules, to important phone numbers for the week, etc.
I found erasable colored pens that I use to write in the planner. These are great for color coordinating tasks and easily erase if you make a mistake. I used to use a pencil but after a while the text would schmear. I have this thing against crossing out mistakes – it looks messy (could also be my OCD kicking in…).
Bulletin Board: Aside from posting motivating and visually adorable items, I also pin up my social media calendar as well as any papers that serve as reminders (such as payment reminders for my children’s school events, etc.). You can find bulletin boards in every size, shape and color, but overall remember to find one that is more functional than pretty. I did that – I purchased a beautiful pin board from an Etsy store, and it looked perfect on the wall BUT I couldn’t pin anything to it. The cushioning was too fluffy so the pins would pop out causing whatever was being held up to fall on the floor. FAIL. I then found a great, usable pin board at Michael’s and now don’t have to worry about things falling off of it.
White Board: Although I write down my tasks in my planner, and this may sound duplicative, I need to also see my projects at a glance. I list my client’s name and the pending projects, updating it regularly as projects are completed and new ones arise. Make it fun and organized by using different color dry erase markers. I found the cutest dry erase monthly calendar at Target’s Dollar Spot – perfect for family organization between all of the sporting practices and games!
Bins: Any mail that is work related goes straight up to my office, where I go through and either keep, file or toss it. So as to not make a million trips up and down the stairs with one or two pieces of paper, they get “filed” in bins. I repurposed two plastic bins that I previously used for the boys’ toys for my recycling bin and shredding bin. Once a week, before the recycling truck comes, I bring down the bins, shred what needs to be shredded and then bring the empty bins back up. Easy Peasy.
CLOUD-BASED NECESSITIES
Evernote: I’ve been using Evernote for about a year and it is so helpful. I created a notebook for each of my clients as well as one for my blog, and one for personal lists and notes. Inside each notebook I have notes for whatever pertains to that specific client. I collect article links that are relevant for social media sharing, credentials for certain websites that require access, and more. Here I jot down blog post ideas that I would’ve possibly forgotten hadn’t I put it in Evernote when it first came to mind. You can attach images to your notes, share the notes and create conversations with other fellow Evernoters (I may have made that word up). And the best thing – it’s free! There are paid options, but I am totally fine using the free version.
Cozi: Cozi is heaven-sent. I started using it just for my family and personal needs but just started integrating work-based tasks into it as well. Cozi is a jack-of-all-trades app. It is a calendar (with color coded entries for each family member – including Sadie!); it’s a kick-butt shopping list maker. I have a list for every store that we frequent, and as we run low on items, I add them to the particular store list that I need to go to replenish. For example, I have a list for Target (obvi), Publix, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Costco, and some others. My husband no longer has to ask me if we need anything from the supermarket because all he has to do is go into the app on his phone (or the computer) to see what we need. Once the items have been purchased, you check it off and it’s crossed off the list in real time. Love that!
I make to-do lists for myself and my husband, a list of scheduled deliveries, packing lists, holiday gift lists and more. Recipe Box and Contacts are two functionalities you can use if you pay for the upgraded “gold” package, which I believe it worth it. You can try the gold version for free for 14 days and see how great it truly is!
Dropbox: Ever have the need to send large files to clients or even photos to your family but can’t do so because your email client won’t allow it? Dropbox is perfect for that. You create an account and seamless send any large files and also file them – and it is all cloud-based. You can retrieve the files from anywhere. It’s FREE too – up to a certain storage capacity.
Picmonkey: I love Picmonkey to easily create social media images or fix up my photos. This program isn’t cloud based, but you can access it easily from your computer. It is relatively easy to learn and use, and if you purchase the premium version you get access to more bells and whistles in terms of fonts, filters and more. It’s worth the splurge of $33 annually!
Asana: My graphic designer and I use Asana for project management. Yet another free program (YAY!), I can easily create a project, list the required tasks to be done and assign a person and deadline to each of them. I get notifications when a task has been worked on or a note has been placed in that particular project. You can upload files pertaining to rach project, making it easily accessible for the other people, as well as archive projects once they are completed.
FOR OVERALL ASTHETICS
Personal Photos: The best thing to turn my frown upside down is to look at photos of my two beautiful boys.
Daily Calendar: I enjoy tearing off the page from the previous day to see what my page-a-day calendar has in store. This year I have the Someecards calendar and it’s definitely made me laugh quite a bit!
Laptop: I love working on my laptop. It goes with me everywhere – downstairs, outside, to baseball practices. Since it is practically attached to me, I wanted to make it “pretty”. Caseapp kindly offered for me to design my own custom laptop skin, so I decided on the marble look. I’ve seen it all over and love the clean look! It was so easy to apply (even for me!) and makes my laptop look a little fancier.
You can choose from their predesign options or upload your own photo to create a custom iPhone case or custom laptop skin.
Caseapp was super kind to offer my readers 20% off their order. Use the code “PELLERINI20” at checkout!
One of my readers can win $40 toward their custom designed skin!
What do you need to keep organized? I’d love to know!
My planner is so insanely important to me, I would be lost without it! I’m already looking at my different options for 2017 because of how much I use it!
Rachel, what planner do you use? I’m always on the lookout for a new one!!
Yes to all of these!
I love your laptop cover, by the way.
xoxo, Jenny
Thanks Jenny! You could win one if you’d like to enter the giveaway 🙂
I have been using PicMonkey a lot lately! I think all bloggers need to use it.
I agree with you Robin. I also play around with Canva, but always go back to PicMonkey. Have you ever tried Relay?
What a lovely post! 🙂 I absolutely adore planners. Thanks for sharing! Xo
Thank you Jessie!
Thanks for all those great tips. You brighten my day.
Thank you Mama!! I love you and you brighten my day too!
I worked from home for a few months and I too thought I would need minimal materials. I learned the hard way…had I this article only a little bit sooner! Great tips 🙂 x Natalie http://www.thegirlwithbangs.com
Thanks Natalie! Do you work from home now or are you in an office?
I recently got a planner. I love it and will get one every year.
My planner really helps keep my in line with what needs to get done throughout the day!
I actually have almost all of those things. I like calling my desk, disorganized chaos.
I love the name of your desk Kathy! 🙂
People always question why I’m so attached to my physical planner (I use an Erin Condren and a Day Designer). However, like you said there’s just something about writing down tasks and important dates that helps me.
I really need to start using Evernote. It’s one of the tools I see that is recommended the most that I don’t use.
Awesome tips! I use the Passion Planner too! I absolutely love it and advice anyone to use it. It really helps bring perspective in the things you do and the tasks you decide to take on.
Thank you Cara! I’m happy to meet a fellow Passion Planner!! 🙂
These are so wonderful ideas! I love using planners, but this Cozi app seems like an amazing tool. I should try this free version! Thanks for suggestions!
Thank you Eugenia! I definitely recommend trying out Cozi – now I can’t get “I didn’t know you were going out” or something along those lines from my hubby because I put everything in Cozi!
I would love to work with Caseapp as I adore their products and it is so different to anything I have seen!
I love that I could create my own skin – and they have a bunch of other products as well!
I would be absolutely lost without my planner. However, I recently starting to use Wunderlist to help me stay organized as well. I also love the case!
Hmmm…I need to find out what Wunderlist is! Thank you for stopping by Sola!!
Having an organized and well functioning workspace is very important. After all of that is in place, it is time to decorate.
I agree – I tried to decorate before organizing and that was a mistake! Thank you for stopping by Michelle!
I love being organized, it makes me think a lot clearer. I always make sure I have a planner in hand. I don’t use a lot of apps but I make sure that I list everything down in paper or in my phone. Schedule is also important to me, especially since time management makes a huge difference when it comes to being productive!
I completely agree with you – time management was a struggle for me at first when I started working from home. There were too many distractions…like my bed calling me for an afternoon nap LOL. I have since really embraced time blocking and have been super organized. Thank you for stopping by Elizabeth!
Love all the tools you mentioned here. Will definitely try to get all of them. Nice giveaway too!
Thanks Ron! I hope you entered! 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d love for my case to be muted earth tones 🙂
My pleasure Edye, good luck! I think your case would look beautiful in earth tones 🙂
This inspires me to organize my desk better! Thanks 🙂
I’m glad I could help Heather! 🙂
i have never been organized, ill try to keep your tips in mind.
No time like the present to start 😉
I totally envy your organization! I didn’t know there were erasable colored pens. You can bet I’ll be picking those up!
Awww, thanks Liz! The erasable pens are game changers!
Thanks for sharing the passion planner! I have wanted one for a bit now.
It’s helped organize me quite a bit!
I love “Fly Away”–so pretty! <3
Well that sounds great! I will check that out. Thank you for sharing.
Love love love this list! So perfect, I use my planners soo much throughout the day! This giveaway is amazing, thank you!!
I’m so glad you love the list Adriana! Good luck on the giveaway!
I’m loving all the detail you gave of how to make the perfect home office. I’d love to work from home, but would definitely need to implement all 10 of your must have tools. I’m also loving this giveaway. If I win, I want a marble one like yours! perfect background for IG pics!
Thank you Roxy for your kind words! The marble is PERFECT for IG pics!!! 🙂
These are awesome tips for staying organized while working from home. I’m a huge fan of my planner. It has changed my blogging game so much! I also love PicMonkey. I think i’ll download Cozi, too!
Thank you Leslie! I think you’ll like Cozi – it has helped me organize my home life and a bit of work life too!
I seriously need to get a new organizer. Sounds like a fun giveaway! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by and good luck on the giveaway!
I love PicMonkey too. It’s so easy to use and much quicker than pulling out photoshop.
I agree Krystle, and much less expensive than Photoshop, especially when you only create social media images!
Awesome post! I’m always looking or ways to be more organized at my desk. Oh, and erasable coloured pens? I’m ALL OVER THAT!
Shaylee, the pens are a game changer!
Those pins would be perfect for my little planner 🙂 I love having a variety of colors to keep it organized better.
They are so much fun to work with and make the planner more organized!
I am completely addicted to office supplies! I love the feeling of a brand new planner! **sigh**
I am the same way Molly!! 🙂 New planners and notebooks! Oh, and pens and sticky notes.
I’m an avid list maker, so I’m constantly trying to find paper and notebooks to write things down! I might have to try the Passion Planner next! Right now I have an Erin Condren Life Journal that I absolutely looooove, but who knows, I like to switch things up!
I’ve heard of the Erin Condren Life Journal – it looks great!!
My planner is my number one go to for everything, so its definitely very important to me!
These are all great ideas for a nice working space! And thanks for hosting the great giveaway! I always love being organized!
I love your list! So practical and yet fun at the same time! If I had my own work space, I would enjoy all the functional and cute accessories to go along with it. My favorite addition to my work routine has been Trello. I use it exclusively for my blog planning but it has also been great for my husband and I to coordinate different tasks. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve used Trello for work projects in the past and it is a great tool!! Thanks for stopping by Lori! 🙂
A Planner is essential for me! I always have one and buy a new one every year
What is your go-to planner Ana?
I love office supplies so much! There’s some things that I “need” that I don’t really need.
Exactly – it’s a “need” want! xo
I’m the same as you; I can’t go paperless when it comes to planning. And I need ALL the sticky notes. They are so so useful. I’m always on the hunt for new stationery and office supplies!
Emma, any new stationary or office supplies that you would recommend? 🙂
I’ve been planning with a bullet journal recently and it has been a real game changer. Love all of your recommendations!
Emma, I have bookmarked your post about the bullet journal and love the concept but don’t know why I’m hesitating…I just just do it, I know…
Thanks for all those great tips. Love the laptop case, mine is clear….will check it out! Thank you for sharing it!
Claudia, mine was clear before too – so funny!
I love your organizational tips! I tend to be more cluttered and this will really help.
Thanks Laurie, I hope they help!
I love having a planner handy!! It’s actually by my side as I write this! I don’t know what I would do without it :))
Great tips, I love that laptop case too.
Thank you Mya!! I love the case too 🙂
Super awesome tips. I need to come into the new age some more and use a planner!
Thank you Lawrence! I’m sure you are in the new age – planners are actually somewhat old school but I love them!
A desk/daily calendar, an organizer and few bins are must haves for any workspace. As for the cloud based ones, Google drive and docs or sheets works best for me!
Google drive is another great cloud-based need…I totally forgot to list that one. Thanks for reminding me 🙂
Amazing tools! Thanks for sharing. Where do you get your inspiration from?