How To Organize A Home, Office, Or Home Office

The TV shows about Hoarders make me want to run through my house throwing away everything in sight. It has happened more than once so I don’t let myself watch them anymore. If something doesn't bring you joy, it is time to consider selling it, donating it, storing it somewhere, or throwing it away. Stop hoarding unless you need it!

Instead, I will impart my anti-hoarding advice on this page. I have a little hoarder in me, and I am pretty sure every person has a little hoarder in them (some have a lot of hoarder in them) whether they admit it or not. The challenge we face is that we are constantly bombarded with things to do, people to see, emails to respond to, and work. When we get home, we just want to put our crap down and sit for a second, and even that is hard to do. So life starts to clutter and things pile up.  

Cut The Clutter

Often times our home and office spaces are the last to get attention. Even people like myself, obsessive cleaning organizers, start to see things pile up. There have been countless studies on the effect that clutter has on our lives. People who have less stuff, tend to be more psychically fit and mentally well. There is definitely a link between health and wellness and clutter. 

It is an important part of living a healthy life; I mean, just think of the people you know who seem to be more put together than the average person. I bet their whole lives are a little more sane and a whole lot less cluttered, right? That is right. We have got to make like Uncle Joey and Cut It Out now in your workplace or house. 

Do And Keep What Feels Good And Functional

Doesn’t just looking at a picture of fried goodness make you feel fatter? They may taste delicious in the five seconds it takes you to eat one of those desserts, but afterward, it does not feel good. The amount of stuff you have and how it’s placed in your home have the same effect on your brain and body. I don’t in any way claim to be a therapist, except when I pretend to know what I am talking about, which is going to happen right now. There are physical items that connotative certain emotions from you. 

It may be a shirt that you wore during your grandfather’s funeral, a pair of shoes that you always wore during a bad time in your life, or just items that you have had for such a long time that drag you down when you think of them. There are also items that make you smile when you look at them or use them, reminding you of fun and sunshiny times - you should keep those. So, keep the good and dispose of or donate the negative. It will make you feel 1,000 times better mentally, and the reduced clutter combined with your new state of mind will help you get and stay

Spring Cleaning? Get Motivated Regardless Of The Season

How great would it be to kick your feet up and relax in the beautiful Spring weather knowing that you have cleared your life of extraneous clutter? It is spring cleaning time, dreaded by most people due to the fact that it generates images of tedious chores that make take months to finish. The idea of starting fresh is enticing though, and motivating since you will be able to relax with total peace of mind afterwards, or at least we can hope for that. 

I know that when it comes to my own Spring cleaning, I need some motivation and some tips so I don’t drive myself crazy or have to hire a commercial cleaning service. Need motivation? Here are a few things to help you get in the right frame of mind: 

3 Steps To Cut The Clutter And Minimize The Mess

1. You’ll feel lighter both physically and mentally when you get rid of stuff. Your clutter affects your state of mind whether you realize it or not. I read about a woman who lost 50 pounds after she cleaned out her garage. 

2. You do NOT need to go out and buy expensive organizational bins and such container store products. That will only put a dent in your bank account and add stuff to the stuff you already have. 

3. You will be helping others in need by donating your unnecessary things. They ARE needed by somebody, just not you. Keep that in mind when you are on the line about donating that shirt you haven’t worn in a year or donating it. 

A great place to donate is Big Brother Big Sister Foundation. They will even come to your house to pick up all your donations. All you have to do it schedule a time and leave it at the door. 

Get More Motivated To Minimize The Mess

For some visual motivation, if you haven’t watched any TED talks, you are missing out on some incredibly creative and interesting ideas. Watch this guy, Graham Hill on his TED Talk about minimalism to improve your lifestyle and efficiency.

Why Business Relocation Is At Its Most Popular

This past year has been eventful for Texas with over two hundred corporate businesses relocating from other states including well-known Oracle, Hewlett Packard, and Tesla to name a few. Other corporations or statups are moving to Florida for similar reasons. For many companies, the benefits of moving now outweigh any advantages of remaining in high tax states as regulations and labor shortages continue to squeeze their profitability and growth potential. 

According to the Hoover Institution, one hundred fourteen of those businesses hail from California. California imposes higher taxes on businesses than any other state and its strict Covid regulations were too much for small businesses to overcome. New York is a close second for driving its businesses over the state lines with residents. Both states put additional stresses on their residents by requiring proof of vaccination, causing some businesses to lose employees and others to have difficulty finding them. 

Business movers have had several very busy seasons, following a low that occurred at the beginning of the pandemic when most things were shut down. Despite the closures, the moving industry was deemed a necessary business because it is related to housing, so recovery did not take long. In 2021, according to Ibis World, the moving industry increased 5.4%, compensating for earlier losses. 

Although mandates were recently dismissed, New York continues to be plagued with a rise in crime since police have stepped back from intervening when protestors became violent. The culture and activities that once made the city vibrant are no longer alluring enough to retain residents willing to pay high prices. Many are relocating to their summer homes in the Hamptons and upstate Westchester neighborhoods. A former New Yorker recently said, “I prefer to remember New York the way it was before the pandemic. It’s no longer recognizable.” 

It is sad to see these internationally renowned cities deteriorate due to poor policies, neglect, and irresponsible politicians. The people who remain either believe they have no choice but to live with their circumstances or haven’t been pushed to the point of standing up for their rights. But realistically, why pay more to live somewhere when the quality of life you were paying for no longer exists? The lure of the country and having more space has enticed people to leave cities and close quarters. 

Ultimately, the strength of the business comes from the community and the dedication of its employees. If a business can offer its employees a better way of life in a new location and makes it easy for them to move, good employees are likely to follow. Finding employees willing to work when many had the option to stay home and accept the additional unemployment compensation has been another unfortunate side effect of the health crisis that businesses were forced to endure. 

Many moving companies offer employee relocation services, assisting in moving, finding new housing, and even setting up household services like electric, cable, and phone. If you can offer your staff compensation for moving, the decision is easier for them and the hiring situation will be easier for you in the long run. Sometimes in business it is best to move on and move forward!

Why Your Company Should Hire Commercial Cleaning Services

If you have a house or a business, you more than likely want to make sure that it stays as clean as it possibly can at all times. This is because if you do not keep it clean, it can lead to unsafe conditions that have the potential to cause some very serious harm to the people who are frequenting the property. This is going to be exactly why you are going to want to hire a commercial cleaning service. 

A professional cleaning service is going to know how to clean your carpets, the best ways possible to get any kind of stains out of just about anything, and even the best disinfectants to use when it comes to disinfecting and eliminating hazardous bacteria. On top of that, when you utilize the services of a commercial cleaning service, you will be freeing up tons of your time that you can then use to get more important tasks done. Here is why you need to hire a commercial cleaning service to handle all of your cleaning needs. 

They Will Help Improve Hygiene 

When you have an area that is unhygienic, it can lead to some very serious health issues and conditions that you will then be responsible for paying for. These can include both short term, as well as long term conditions, that have been related to an unclean environment with a poor quality of air. When you hire a commercial cleaning service, you are essentially going to be ensuring that you prevent this potentially dangerous situation from ever occurring. 

Cleanliness Helps Boost Productivity 

When you are in an area that is clean, it is not only going to mean that you are going to be healthier. In fact, it also means that you will be much happier as well. Studies have been done that have revealed you will be much happier when you are in an environment that is clean, well-organized, and attractive to you. On top of that, you will also be much happier to be in that environment, meaning that you will get much more done than if the area was dirty. Finally, it has been researched and revealed that when you are in a clean work environment, you are going to be much more productive and even make less mistakes than you would if you were in a dirtier environment. 

Professional Cleaners Will Save You Money And Time 

When you decide to hire a commercial cleaning service, you will be able to tackle the cleaning of the area in a much more cost-effective way. Since professional cleaners are going to be very efficient at cleaning, they will be able to get the job done much faster and more efficiently than anybody else. This means that they are not going to require as much time to get the same amount of work done, meaning that it will not cost as much for you to have the space cleaned. On top of that, whoever was in charge of cleaning will now have much more free time to get other, more important things completed.

What The World’s Best Workplaces Have In Common

From creative tech giants to innovative architect companies, there are brands all over the world which are striving to create a positive workplace environment via their offices’ decors and furnishings. But why is this the case? 

Reasons can range from boosting staff morale to gaining a higher level of productivity. Find out why workplace décor can benefit your business and how you can incorporate key interior design trends to enhance your brand. 

Office Life Is Changing

Why is a ‘fun office’ important for a business? Do you really need to be playing games, taking part in activities and being surrounded by quirky interior design features in the office? Well, research shows that, to get ahead, you do. The Centre of Economic and Business Research found that absenteeism costs the UK economy £18 billion in lost productivity, with this figure expected to increase to £21 billion by late 2025. 

It is essential that making the workplace a positive, communicative place if you want to keep your staff’s spirits high. Reports suggest that it can even help combat feelings of anxiety or depression. Mental health charity, Mind, conducted a poll of more than 12,000 workers in 2024, which found that 48% of public sector employees and 32% of private sector workers have taken time off their jobs due to mental health issues. Could creating an environment that promotes happiness, staff welfare and communication help staff members discuss worries and issues before they get to the stage where time off is necessary? 

Workplace Wellness Is A Top Consideration

It's beneficial to push for workplace positivity, both from an employee perspective and for the business as a whole. According to statistics from the Centre for Mental Health, it costs £21.2 billion in lost productivity, £10.6 billion in sickness and £3.1 billion in staff turnover to cover the costs of mental health problems at work. Clearly, there are both personal and financial reasons to support investing in your workplace’s ethos and environment — but where can you get your inspiration? 

Innovative Office Design Trends 

In 2020 there are some great examples of top-quality office spaces. But you don’t have to be global conglomerate or billion-pound company to get in on the trend. Here is a selection of some of the best offices in the world and how they work to boost staff morale and productivity. 

5 Top Workplaces In The World

1. Money 

The £3 million offices for money.co.uk in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, deliver a truly unique and quirky décor. With a gym, games room, cinema, and offer of free food; the emphasis is on fun at this workplace. When it comes to inspiring productivity and communication, the informal seated areas and open-plan design create a sense of inclusivity and participation — perfect for getting the most out of team meetings and encouraging all staff members to voice concerns and suggestions. 

2. Corus Entertainment 

In Toronto, Canada, Corus Entertainment decided to invest £119 million into its headquarters, Corus Quay. Stepping into here in the morning, staff are greeted by giant TVs, board meeting tables inspired by ice hockey, and even a three-storey slide! The designers here have really focused on visual stimulation — swapping the boring for the interesting to boost levels of engagement. 

3. BBC 

In the BBC’s north-west base in Salford, you’ll find a maze of futuristic décor. With security guards monitoring the area on Segways and a quirky combination of bold and bright colours, this office creates a sense of innovation and positivity. There’s also a real focus on collaboration at BBC MediaCityUK, with lots of multi-coloured ‘thought wheel’ chairs that arch over to encapsulate the seated grouped and plenty of comfy sofas dotted around the entire office for quick chats and spontaneous mindmap sessions. 

4. SelgasCano 

You have to see the SelgasCano office in Madrid, Spain, to believe it. Built half submerged in the ground to make the office cooler in summer and warmer in winter, staff are presented with stunning views of the sprawling, tranquil forest every day. As vast open spaces and natural environments often inspire calm and relaxation, this is a nice touch from the designers. 

5. Google Zurich

While the American office for Google is well-known for its quirky design, have you witnessed their Zurich base? Here, staff get free massages and a wine cellar. What’s more, the site is cleverly located near the beautifully peaceful Lake Zurich, making it ideal for mind-clearing nature walks during work breaks. Clearly, thought has gone into de-stressing! 

It appears that relaxation isn’t the only important aspect for Google staff, but socialisation is crucial, too. At 5pm, employees reportedly head to the office bar for drinks, snacks and a catch-up with their peers! 

8 Top Office Trends In Common

1. Innovative Office Design Trends 

The scope is clearly huge when it comes to ways in which to create a positive working environment to encourage productivity, happiness and communication among staff. Here are some tips for transforming your office into a positive and collaborative environment that your staff will enjoy. 

2. Make Your Meeting Rooms Inclusive And Interactive 

If it is key for your company to encourage leadership development it is essential that you choose the correct meeting room design. Instead of drab, small, stuffy rooms; create a selection of spruced-up spaces featuring comfy furniture and big, circular tables to help everyone relax and get involved. Furthermore, to make your meeting rooms truly effective, it is important to integrate modern technology that supports interactive participation. For example, high-quality audio systems ensure clear communication, and seamless video conferencing connects both in-person and remote participants. 

To achieve this comprehensive setup, you might consider partnering with reputable commercial audio visual integration services that can tailor solutions that meet the specific needs of your workspace.

3. Create Spaces For Relaxation 

No matter how small your office space is, there is always room to create a ‘time-out’ zone. A few comfy chairs and perhaps a selection of books and magazines will suffice. If possible, you could hook up a TV or even buy a table football stand. 

4. Invest In Positive Colours 

Do you want to promote positivity? Warm and ‘happy’ colours, such as orange and yellow, can do just this, so, consider painting your office or purchasing furniture in these shades. According to research, blue and green promote relaxation and calm, so perhaps make your communal zones these shades to help staff unwind on their breaks. 

5. Go For An ‘Open Plan’ Office Environment 

Try to make your office an open plan space in order to promote communication. As Steve Jobs once said: “Ideas don’t happen in the boardroom, they happen in corridors.” Install low dividers instead of walls so that people don’t feel segregated — this can even cut the cost of construction and office equipment. 

6. Make It Unique 

Of course, your space doesn’t necessarily have to be as quirky as the examples stated earlier. However, try to choose furnishings and a décor that is personal to your brand and its workforce. Why not let staff customise their desks? This may help them feel more valued and they could bring in items that inspires or calms them during stressful days. 

7. Utilise Visuals 

Avoid the same old plan walls by adding artwork. Customise posters and canvases to drive home your company’s mission statement and show all your staff that they are working towards a collective goal every day. 

8. Offer Office Freebies 

You don’t have to splash the cash on trips abroad. But, that is not to say you can’t treat your staff to something now and then to keep up morale. Anything from free snacks in the communal kitchen to a quarterly team-building exercise outdoors will work towards creating a positive workplace culture that shows employees that you appreciate their efforts. 

Turn Your Workplace Into A Work Of Art

Get inspired by these top workplaces in the world and the trends they have in common. Start planning your office transformation today for a top workplace in the world. Make your workspace wondrous!