Anxiety and depression are no joke. Between COVID and the season, numbers are on the rise. We want to provide some very basic exercises and information we hope will help you manage your situation to the best of your ability.
In the last installment of “Catching Our Breath”, we’re switching gears from the internal to the external. This mode of catching your breath continues along the same lines as a mental reset. Specifically, that mental reset extends to your workspace. For this article, we’re outlining some tips and tricks for organizing your work/ home environment.
1. Dividers
Whether it is for your folders, binders, or drawers, dividers can separate spaces to keep you tidy and organized. Adding little dividing bins in drawers keeps like things together, making sure that each little item has its place. You can get creative with this. Using craft boxes with tiny sections can help keep small items in place so you don’t lose them. The Dollar Tree has many plastic storage containers and little bins for a dollar; Target and Five Below are also great options to explore when looking for cheaper clutter solutions. If you’re really strapped for cash, see if you can’t use empty egg cartons to organize large and small things!
2. Vertical Space
Taking some of the little bin options you’ve found at those retailers and nailing them to a piece of wood or even directly onto your wall can create desk space with the oft forgotten vertical space. Metal over-the-shower-head caddies, cork boards, white boards, peg boards, and other stacked hanging organizers can be hung on the wall to utilize vertical space in any room. Again, getting creative with things from the Dollar Tree, Five Below, craft stores, etc. can help get your space organized on the cheap. If you need something more, think about floating shelves. This could be a bit more expensive, but it could be totally worth it (follow the footnote for inspiration).[1] Check out a local thrift shop for some options on cabinets, wall brackets, and even wood shelves to install above your desk. If this option is too expensive, look into wooden shelves and rope as an alternative (follow the footnote). [2] Additionally, hanging clip boards on your wall French art academy salon style could work make good use of that wall space.
3. Under the desk
When it comes to clearing desk space—so you, like, actually have room to work—using the space on your floor can be super helpful. Again, Dollar Tree has bins that may not look very nice, but with some twine, spray paint, and/or hot glue, you can be your own Joanna Gaines. If you have power strips, take a command strip or Velcro, and stick that sucker to the underside of your desk or the wall to help keep your chords organized and off the floor. Stack sturdy plastic or metal bins on their sides (opening toward you) for a customizable, cheap cube organizer alternative. If you buy all the same ones, they may even have locking elements, meaning that they are meant to be stacked.
Did you find these helpful? Do you have any DIY organizational tips and tricks that you love? Share them below!
Sarah Hixson (she/her/hers) is an aspiring curator and educator focusing on DEAI and indigenization work and incorporating activism into museum practices. If you have questions for Sarah, please comment below or send an email to thegallerytalkinfo@gmail.com.
[1] Erin Johnson, "11 Smart Projects DIYers Are Taking on To Stay Organized in 2021". January 29, 2021, Apartment Therapy. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diyer-organizing-projects-2021-36871859 #7 on this list [2] WikiHow Staff, "How To Make A Hanging Rope Shelf" WikiHow, June 16, 2020. https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Hanging-Rope-Shelf