By Sam Iontton -02/02/2021
Over the past year, our homes have evolved. They’re no longer solely for relaxing, but for working, studying and home-schooling. This change has created a need for dedicated study rooms and spaces to shut ourselves away from everyday distractions. A study room can improve focus and productivity, but it can also help us to separate work and learning from after-work activities and relaxation. It’s essential not just for productivity but for our mental wellbeing.
But in what is typically a small space, how can we get the most out of a study room? We’ve explored how to organise your study room to reduce stress and increase focus.
1. Never organise what you can declutter
Tidying away what you don’t need can be counterproductive. A more minimalist study creates a feeling of spaciousness and promotes calmness. Decluttering will help you understand the storage you need and how to organise it. Studying can produce a mountain of paperwork, textbooks and stationery, so invest the time in sorting through it. Then organise your remaining items by importance and how regularly you use them.
Top tip: If you’re struggling with where to start, move clutter onto the floor and pick it up as you use it. You’ll soon discover what you do and don’t need.
2. Tidy desk, tidy mind
Constant reminders of disorganisation can reduce our ability to focus. It may seem like a small change, but a tidy desk improves focus and helps us to better process information. Removing those stacks of paper and post-its isn’t just neat, it could improve your productivity and increase learning.
Ensure you keep only what you need on your desk. File away study notes and textbooks at the end of each day to increase your early morning motivation. Look for narrow desktop storage, such as small wooden storage drawers, to hide those essential smaller items, like pins and paperclips.
3. Every item has its place
A drawer organiser is a must-have for any organised study room. It’s a cheap solution for housing stationery supplies and keeping everything in place. Especially when drawer space is limited, drawer organisers ensure your drawers stay tidy, and your items are within easy reach. Organise your items by type or colour, so they’re always easy to find.
Top tip: In deeper drawers, stack drawer organisers on top of each other to maximise drawer space.
4. Inspire creativity with an organisation zone
Whether you’re studying for a degree or home-schooling, an organisation wall can keep you focused and inspire creativity. Writing down your goals and displaying them helps to keep your mind on your tasks and reduces distractions. Pinning important information in clear view ensures it’s never forgotten and it’s within easy reach at all times.
Some must-have items for any organisation will include:
- A whiteboard – ideal for keeping keynotes and dates
- A noticeboard – pin everything from revision notes to inspirational quotes
- A magazine rack – stack your everyday notes and papers within arm’s reach
- A chalkboard – for noting down your to-do lists in view
- Wall shelving – for housing storage boxes and textbooks
5. Label like a pro
Clearly labelled storage boxes with lids are ideal when you have multiple projects on the go. Choose cardboard designs that match your décor for a sleek, tidy look. To ensure notes are always easy to find, organise paperwork by subject or term and neatly label every box. You should never underestimate storage labels when looking for something in a hurry.
Reusable chalkboard labels are a versatile option to reduce waste. Particularly for studies that are continually changing.
6. Inject some personality
Finally, while it isn’t technically a study room organisation idea, don’t forget to personalise your space. Working in a bland room can stifle creativity, and it’s crucial to have a room that you love being in. Invest in posters, art prints and soft furnishings to create a calming, cosy space to study.
Interior design doesn’t have to be expensive. Move decorative items from other rooms in your house. Or when buying storage, look for affordable wooden storage boxes you can paint. Painting in your favourite colours adds a unique twist. But a craft project is also a great side project to switch off and destress after a long day of learning.
We hope we’ve given you some inspiration to declutter and organise your study room. Organisation doesn’t have to be a chore, so have some fun with it and create a calming zone to study that’s unique to you. To explore the storage options available, take a look at our dedicated storage and organisation section. We also stock a wide range of noticeboards, whiteboards and chalkboards to assist with your home studies and improve focus.
