Home Office Organizer Brandie Kajino Shares Her Best Tips on Keeping Your Office Organized!
"As crazy as it sounds, many people are afraid of success, so by keeping their office in chaos they keep success at bay," says Brandie. "Beliefs are the root of most disorganization challenges. Change your beliefs, and...your office will change."
Brandie Kajino is a home office organizer and the founder of TheHomeOfficeOrganizer.com, a blog dedicated to helping create organized home offices. In this interview, she shares her best ten tips for Moms who dream of having an organized home office.
Commitment:Tell us about TheHomeOfficeOrganizer. What is the purpose of your blog?
Brandie Kajino: The purpose of TheHomeOfficeOrganizer.com is to help home office professionals get the important things done. I help facilitate this with home office organization & design ideas, a podcast and services like teleclasses and workshops.
Commitment: How did you become an expert at home office organization?
Brandie: I started specializing in home offices 2 1/2 years ago after working as a generalist organizer. I noticed that the majority of my clientele were professionals working in a home office. The transition was natural. I am also a home office professional, which puts me in touch with my clients needs on a daily basis. I specialize in this room, which sets me apart from others in my industry.
Commitment: What are your best ten tips for someone who dreams of having a more organized office?
Brandie's Ten Best Tips:
1. Keep like items together. This makes everything easier to find.
2. Create ample storage for everything you need in your office. Use the walls if floor space is limited.
3. Keep it all business in the office. Resist the temptation to use your office as a home storage locker.
4. Clean your desktop everyday. Starting your workday with a clean desk is key to productivity.
5. Store CDs in binders. They take up less space, and easier to find.
6. Backup all important information. On the computer, be sure to use an automatic backup, whether an online service or external hard drive.
7. Keep a running list of projects. Work on a few at a time. Save the rest for later.
8. Check email twice daily whenever possible. This helps keep you focused.
9. Purge your files once a year. Best time to do this is after filing taxes. Consider it a yearly spring clearing.
10. Remember that "organized" only means you can find more anything you need in about 5 minutes. It's your choice what that looks like.
Commitment: What are some of the mistakes people often make when organizing their office?
Brandie: Taking on too much and trying to be like someone else. While it's possible to "get" organized in one intense weekend, it's another to stay that way over the coming weeks.
Think of organizing like working out - you have to take it a small step at a time to make it stick.
Trying to organize yourself like your sister, co-worker or a famous housekeeping expert is the path to discouragement. If the organizing system seems overwhelming, that may tell you something. I've seen people waste a lot of money on products only to abandon them later.
Commitment: What services do you offer for those with disorganized offices who are in need of help?
Brandie: I offer private 1:1 organizing consulting, teleclasses & workshops as well as a very affordable group VIP Membership program. Everyone is at a different place in their journey!
Commitment: What tools and products do you feel should be in a home office that can help a person be more efficient?
Brandie: A system to handle paper is crucial, and it's what most of my clients are struggling with the most. Toning down how much paper comes into the office will help keep it in order. Remember, the bank has copies of all your statements online, so why duplicate their system at home?
Products are really a matter of choice. I encourage people to make their office a place they like to be. If you like antiques, incorporate them into your space. Use the best products you can afford. They will last longer.
Commitment: What advice do you have for mothers who work from home, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by the disorganization in both their house and their office?
Brandie: Take it easy on yourself. As moms, we are really hard on ourselves. Raising small children wreaks havoc on any household. Take it all in stride, and make changes where you can. Make organization a family value, and lead by example one project at a time. Involve the kids and make it a game. It really can be fun!
Commitment: What is at the root cause of a disorganized office?
Brandie: It's different for everyone, but for most people it's not because of the paper.
It has to do with one's beliefs and fears. As crazy as it sounds, many people are afraid of success, so by keeping their office in chaos they keep success at bay. Beliefs are the root of most disorganization challenges. Change your beliefs, and your actions and office will change.
Commitment: What is the foundation for an office that is organized and helps a person work at their best capacity?
Brandie: The foundation is beliefs and action. You deserve an organized office that helps you accomplish anything in life and business. You really do. Believe it and then take action. Stop making excuses and start making progress.
Commitment: What questions do you ask clients when they begin to work with you, as a way to determine what their needs are?
Brandie: I want to know where they are at now, and what is frustrating them most at this moment. I also want to know what they are looking for in working with an Organizer. Knowing expectations up front helps us determine if working together is a good fit. Most people need encouragement and information, which is something I can provide.
Visit Brandie Kajino at TheHomeOfficeOrganizer.com and at
BrandieKajino.com
Skype: brandie.kajino
Twitter: @bkajino
Podcast: TheHomeOfficePodcast.com
