As a professional organizer working from home, you’d think my office would be a pristine oasis of calm and order. Spoiler alert: even with two older kids—one in college and one in high school—keeping my office space organized is still a challenge. I’m constantly reminded that working from home with a family is… an adventure. At this point, my office doubles as a workspace and occasionally, my high schooler’s “homework station.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone!
If you're a working mom with young kids running around? I salute you. I can barely keep up with mine, and they don’t even need me to cut their food anymore. Here’s how I’ve been trying to stay organized (and how you can too) in five easy steps:
1. Declutter Your Space (AKA Remove Everything That Isn’t Yours)
Decluttering is step one in any office makeover, which sounds easy, right? Guess again! Picture this: you go to sit down to get to work, and half the stuff on your desk isn’t even yours. It feels like my desk is a revolving door of mail, homework, miscellaneous papers, and random pens.
So let’s get this party started by clearing out everything that doesn’t serve a work purpose and reclaiming your space.
2. Create Designated Zones To Home Office Organization (And Defend Them Like Your Sanity Depends on It)
One trick that works for me is creating zones to help organize my home office space: one for my computer, one for paperwork, and (begrudgingly) one corner for my daughter’s homework. Zones allow me to clear off my desk quickly when I’m done, so my daughter can “borrow” it for homework. And when she’s done, she’s expected to leave it exactly how she found it… though sometimes she needs a reminder.
It helps to remind them that your desk isn’t a public library table, even if it sometimes feels that way.
3. Invest in Storage Solutions (Because Throwing Everything in a Drawer Isn’t Cutting It)
Good storage is essential. You need drawers, shelves, and bins to store important work items—and to hide all the stuff your kids “borrowed” and never returned. Get creative with vertical storage to keep surfaces clear and invest in drawer organizers to prevent the inevitable pile-up of office supplies, papers, and random cords. Home office organization needs quality storage solutions.
This setup is a lifesaver, but if you’ve got little ones? You might want an entire cabinet they can’t reach!
4. Label and Categorize (So Your Stuff Stays Yours)
Label everything! I have folders for work projects, bills, and paperwork, and yes, they’re all labeled. This way, if my daughter decides to take over my desk, I can still find what I need. Labels can also be a lifesaver if you have younger kids, helping you (and them) put things back where they belong.
And if you’ve ever scrambled to find an important paper buried under algebra homework, you know why this is crucial.
Keep reading and you are on your way to a organized home office space.
5. Add Personal Touches (That Survive Homework Takeovers)
Your office is a work zone, but it’s also your space—so make it pleasant! Add a favorite photo, plants, or artwork to make it feel like your own. Just be prepared for your kid, big or little, to drop by and “borrow” a few office supplies in a hurry because they can’t find their stuff. (Spoiler: they never return the pens.)
I’ve got photos of both kids on my desk, along with important reminders and scripture—sometimes right next to my teen’s snack wrappers and laptop—but it still feels like *my* office.
Final Thoughts To Help Working Moms Organized
Balancing work and family life in a home office is never easy, especially when your workspace doubles as a study hall. And while my kids are older, it’s still a challenge to maintain organization—so I can only imagine how tough it is for moms of little ones. But with a few simple steps, you can keep your space functional and (mostly) stress-free.
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding balance—just don’t forget where you hid your favorite pen when it’s “borrowed” for algebra.
Are you a busy mom who needs help with your Home Office Organization? Let’s Tackle It Together!
If you’ve read this and feel overwhelmed about getting started, you’re not alone! That’s exactly why I’m here. As a professional organizer, I specialize in turning chaos into calm by creating functional, stress-free spaces. If you’re ready to reclaim your home office (or any area of your home), don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. I am here to help you with Home Office Organization for busy moms and so much more. Check out my Coastal Home Solutions to see all the other services I provide.
Together, we can design a space that truly works for you and your family. Contact me today to get started, and let’s bring order and tranquility back to your home office!
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