How to Turn Your Workspace into a Writer's Haven

I have a confession. My “workspace” since I moved out of my parent house has been the couch. Sure, a lot of people work on the couch, but what makes this more embarrassing is that I have a perfectly fine desk I could work on. Working on the couch has been incredibly distracting for me (due to television, the dog, conversation, etc.), so I wanted to make my own writing/blogging haven that would immediately put me in work mode when I sat at it.

My perfectly fine desk though had become the catch-all spot for all of the clutter in the house. *cue horror music*

In order to create my writing and blogging workspace, I had to do 7 steps to whip it into shape. By following along with my journey, you will be able to easily create your own amazing writing and blogging workspace too!

Step 1: Clear the Trash

For me, my desk was covered in trash and items that shouldn’t have been there in the first place. I had a lot of random sheets of paper (thanks to the ole fiancé) which honestly just needed to be thrown away. There were bubble mailers from Amazon packages, plastic, clothing tags. It’s really embarrassing how much trash I let accumulate. My desk did a complete 180 to a functional writer’s haven the moment I removed all this trash.

If you are in a similar situation as me, take this time to clear the trash and throw away anything that isn’t functional. You will be amazed at the difference. I know I was.

Step 2: Declutter Items

After clearing the trash off my desk, I was left with a lot of papers that needed to go elsewhere. I also had items that needed to go where they belong. I took the time to sit down with these items and put them where they were supposed to go or found them new homes. This finally left me with a clear desk.

If your desk is full of clutter, your mind will be full of clutter which is not what you want when writing. The decluttering step is really important to make a functional workplace. I encourage you to really take your time with this step and ask yourself, “Does this really need to live here?”

Step 3: Consolidate and Organize Similar Items Together

I had tons of envelopes, paper, and office supplies everywhere (I’m a stationary supplies junkie), so I decided to consolidate my items for a clutter-free space. I put all of my envelopes together in the same box. I also rounded up all of my thumbtacks and paper clips and put them together. I also took this time to ask myself, “Does this really need to live here,” and ended up organizing some items together in drawers away from my desk.

To help with the clutter on your desk, make sure you organize similar items together. Not only will it make it easier to find things when you need them, but it will also organize your mind when your items look visually appealing.

Step 4: Deep Clean Your Space

Cleaning was the easiest part of the process to create my writer’s haven. I took a duster and wiped down everything to give me a clean slate. I also swept under my desk since I hadn't seen that area in a while.

To start off fresh in a new space, cleaning is essential. Make sure your space is clean, so in the next step, you can decorate without dodging dust bunnies or cookie crumbs.

Step 5: Set the Mood

I love ambient lighting, so I knew I needed fairy lights around my desk. My favorite time to write is at night, in the dark, with my desk lit in low light. I already had a strand of fairy lights not being used in my home, so I repurposed them here. I also wanted my space to be inspirational and cute, so I moved around some decor pieces I had in my home.

The key here is to renovate your space with pieces you already have. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to “set the mood” for your workspace. Pick a vibe you want to feel when you sit to work, then search your own home to create this mood. I believe lighting is essential, so if you are going to spend money, choose a good lighting piece.

Step 6: Make Important Items Accessible

I like having a mouse and sticky notes close by, so these were the first items I made sure were accessible in my space. I do all of my writing on my laptop now, so I decided to remove my desktop computer in order to make the perfect nook for my laptop. It was a hard decision, but vital to making everything accessible and work friendly.

Take a moment to think of the essential things you need in order to write properly. Immediately add them to your space and make sure you can grab them easily. Having a writer’s haven, means having a safe zone for all of your essential items to be productive.

Step 7: Enjoy Your New Space

I am now taking the time to work in my new space and I can tell you that I’m in love. Even though my fiancé is watching TV in the living room, I can easily focus now, rather than being tempted to watch NCIS. I can’t wait to continue getting hard at work in my new workspace.

Once you do all this work, make sure to take the time to enjoy your workspace. I’m sure the longer you sit there, the more you will enjoy it. 

Happy writing in your new workspace!