Working from home has become a regular part of life for so many families, but finding a quiet, functional place to actually get things done isn’t always easy—especially when two people need to share the space.
If your dining room table has slowly turned into a desk or you’re constantly moving laptops, chargers, papers, and work supplies from one room to another, creating a dedicated workspace can make a big difference. And you don’t necessarily need an extra room to make it happen.
A little decluttering a home office space—or creating one from an area you’re already using—can help you make better use of the space you already have.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Home Office
If your home doesn’t already have a dedicated office, start by looking at spaces that aren’t being used to their full potential.
A spare bedroom is an obvious choice, but it isn’t your only option. A section of the basement, an underused playroom, a quiet corner of the living room, or even part of a larger bedroom could potentially become a functional workspace.
Before buying desks, shelves, or organizers, take a look at what is already occupying the space. Decluttering a home office before setting it up can help you see how much room you actually have and what furniture will realistically fit.
This post goes live in collaboration with guest contributors at HomeLight.
As working from home has become more common, many homeowners have also started thinking differently about how they use their available space. Instead of needing an entire room, the goal can simply be creating an area that feels separate enough from everyday household distractions to help you focus.
Consider Your Timeline
The way you approach decluttering a home office will depend on how much time you have and how much stuff you’re dealing with.
If big organizing projects tend to feel overwhelming, break the job into smaller pieces. You might spend one afternoon sorting paperwork, another clearing shelves, and another deciding what furniture needs to stay.
Treating these decluttering sessions almost like appointments can make the project feel much more manageable.
If you want to get everything done quickly, set aside a weekend and get the family involved. This is especially helpful if you’re transforming a playroom, guest room, or other shared family space.
Keep boxes or bags nearby for things you want to donate, relocate, recycle, or throw away. You may be surprised by how much space you can create simply by removing things your family no longer uses.
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What Should Stay and What Should Go?
Once you start sorting, try to think about what you actually need in your future workspace.
Does that stack of paperwork really need to stay? Are there books you haven’t opened in years? What about old electronics, cords, office supplies, or furniture that’s simply taking up space?
When decluttering a home office, I like the idea of keeping things simple. If something doesn’t serve a purpose in the room, consider whether it could be stored somewhere else, donated, recycled, or discarded.
Depending on the size of the space you’re clearing, you may even have a closet or storage area that needs a bigger cleanout. For larger projects, professional services designed to remove waste from office cleanouts may be useful.
Even if you don’t plan to use the closet as part of the office, organizing it can give you extra storage for paperwork, supplies, electronics, or other items you don’t want sitting out.
Creating a Dual Home Office That Works for Both of You
If you already have a home office but now need to share it with your partner, start by looking at how the existing space is being used.
Sort through old paperwork and shred anything you no longer need. Clear out drawers, shelves, and cabinets so both people have designated storage.
If you have a bookshelf, divide the shelves so each person has a place for their own supplies and work materials.
One of the biggest decisions will probably be whether you can comfortably share a desk or need two separate workstations.
For many couples, separate work areas make more sense—especially if you’re both working at the same time. You don’t necessarily need two large desks, either. A small writing desk, compact table, or wall-mounted workspace can give each person a dedicated area without taking over the entire room.
Don’t Forget About Cords and Everyday Clutter
One thing that’s easy to overlook when decluttering a home office is all the small stuff that quickly collects around a workspace.
Chargers, headphones, notebooks, pens, mail, and computer accessories can make even a clean desk look messy.
A few simple organizers can help. Drawer organizers, baskets, cable organizers, file holders, and small storage bins can keep everyday items nearby without having everything sitting on the desk.
If two people are sharing the office, having separate storage for each person can also prevent the inevitable “Where did you put my charger?” conversation. 😂
Make the Space Somewhere You Actually Want to Work
Once the decluttering is finished, have a little fun with the space.
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect office. You just want somewhere that feels comfortable, organized, and practical for the way you actually work.
Add good lighting, comfortable chairs, a few personal touches, and enough storage to prevent clutter from creeping back in. If two people have very different styles, you can keep the larger pieces neutral and let each person personalize their own side.
And if you’re trying to organize your home without spending a fortune, you may also like my 10 Frugal Living Tips.
The biggest thing I’ve learned about organizing any space is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Decluttering a home office is really about making the room work better for your everyday life. Whether you’re converting an entire spare bedroom or carving out two small workstations in a corner of your home, a little organization can make the space feel completely different.
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I got lots of ways to organize my home office from this,I’m so happy 😊 I saw this on Twitter
This is a must for my husband with the kids home making noise he’s always complaining (he works in the kitchen) after reading this we will be starting a new work station in our basement but first we got to make the space thanks for the great i information
Love this post since the pandemic I’ve been working at home full-time and it’s time to redo my work space I’m using your ideas for sure thanks for sharing this