THE SOLUTION TO A SIMPLE, MEANINGFUL, WELL-DESIGNED LIFE /
THE F Ê T E / LIF E PROJECT
13
NO. THE HOME OFFICE Welcome to the Fête/Life Project – a collection of helpful, useful and practical articles that can be applied to life at any time, but especially now. Sourced from the many magazines we have released, our message has never been more relevant or needed by our community today… let’s embrace the simple life and treasure what is truly important – human connection, community, self care and pure acts of kindness. SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST /
If you think these stories can uplift or help someone else, please share our project and spread the love.
FETELIFE.COM.AU / INSTAGRAM.COM/FETE_LIFE / #THEFETELIFEPROJECT
T H I S PAG E
01. O ffice Console in Oak $1,190, coastalliving.com.au 02. K uggis Insert with Eight Compartments $12.95, ikea.com.au 03. P ocket Workbook $10 for a set of two, supplypaperco.com 04. S ticky Memo Checklist $3.95 and Sticky Notes $4.75, both muji.com/au 05. O tto Silicone Tape Dispenser in Black $6.98 (tape not included), officeworks.com.au 06. A crylic Stapler in Silver $29.95, kikki-k.com
home / O R G A N I S I N G
STORY / JANE CAMERON / ANNABELLE KERSLAKE PHOTOGRAPHS / JANE CAMERON
THE HOME OFFICE Instil a zero tolerance policy for clutter in the workspace and see productivity and peace of mind flourish. Bring it back to simple essentials and create a system, that once implemented, will improve quality of life and be life-changing for the better. To adopt this philosophy, rework current systems from the ground up and stick to it! Read on for file storage tips to keep office clutter on track. Creating the ideal office workspace is
Once sorted, the desire to stay on top
Plants are known to improve
a little like searching for the Holy Grail.
of the influx of communication that
air quality, lift mood and
There is such an array of products,
bombards us each day though mail, email
increase productivity so
organisers, calendars and filing systems,
and social media is motivation enough to
consider incorporating one
that often just add another job on the
deal with even the most difficult of tasks
or two into the office…
to-do list! As bills, documents and
then and there. Although more often than
receipts pile up, waiting for attention,
not, the process of procrastination is far
a feeling of dread and lack of control
worse than the actual doing.
mounts. There are clear benefits to creating an organised system that works… less clutter in this environment means less distractions, less stress and greater self-control, all of which lead to greater efficiency and ultimately, financial stability.
THESE BEAUTIES APPRECIATE A
when financial pressures take hold.
HUMID ENVIRONMENT AND MOIST
While ignorance can be bliss, a solid understanding of a financial position is crucial. Take stock of receipts and the weekly budget – even if it’s in the red – by tracking expenses and creating a clear
dilemma – waiting for a new fiscal or
snapshot of the position. A proactive plan
financial year to begin can only exasperate
put into motion can regain control of the
the already mounting problem. The best
situation. Keep track of spending and stick
approach is to draw a line in the sand
to a budget, it will be instantly liberating,
and get started. Choose a day with plenty
resulting in less time feeling stressed and
of time to devote to it and with few
more time to increase productivity and
distractions, as initially it will take effort
ultimately the financial position.
when documents and receipts have been let go. Take time to set up a system that works – the sorting process will be a great deal easier as there will be a home for everything along the way. Be confident in the fact that whatever system is implemented, each and every important document will be accessible at a moment's notice – even in a crisis.
PEACE LILY / SPATHIPHYLLUM
Often office systems fall by the wayside
There is no perfect time to tackle this
and commitment to get sorted, especially
OFFICE PLANTS
Once changes have been made the benefits will be instant. Less stress and anxiety, increased productivity and workflow, more downtime to enjoy away from work and more time at work to potentially increase revenue. With a new, improved and streamlined system there will be more time to focus on goals and priorities. It’s time to take charge.
CONDITIONS. POSITION THEM AWAY F R O M D I R EC T S U N L I G H T.
RUBBER PLANT / FICUS ELASTICA WITH ITS DARK, GLOSSY LEAVES THIS PL ANT IS A SOPHISTICATED CHOICE FOR THE OFFICE. KEEP AWAY F R O M P E T S A S I T TOX I C TO THEM IF CONSUMED.
BROMELIADS BROMELIADS WITH THEIR GLOSSY, D A R K-G R E E N L E AV E S G R O W E Q U A L LY W E L L I N D O O R S O R O U T. THEY PREFER WARMTH, HUMIDIT Y AND ADEQUATE AIR MOVEMENT.
MOTHER-IN-LAW'S TONGUE / SANSEVIERIA THIS PL ANT WITH ITS VARIEGATED FOLIAGE IS ENJOYING A RESURGENCE IN POPUL ARIT Y. A HARDY STALWART, THEY CAN WITHSTAND MOST INDOOR CONDITIONS.
FIDDLE-LEAF FIG / FICUS LYRATA A VERY POPULAR CHOICE AS
When a desk is surrounded by clutter,
THESE FIGS CAN GROW QUITE
workflow suffers and many hours can be
PLANT
LARGE GIVEN THE RIGHT
dwindled away wondering where to begin.
Cordyline Broad Leaf Form $7.95 ikea.com.au in Cinnamon Planter in Black $82, lightly.com.au
CONDITIONS MAKING A GREAT
Distractions are everywhere, creating a shorter attention span, resulting in less productivity, with tasks generally taking longer than they should to complete. In contrast, when organised filing and workflow systems are in place, more gets done in less time. It’s easier to stay focused
FOCAL POINT IN THE ROOM.
ZANZIBAR GEM / ZAMIOCULCUS ZAMIIFOLIA V I R T U A L LY I N D E S T R U C T I B L E THESE AT TRACTIVE PL ANTS SURVIVE WITH VERY LIT TLE WATER AND CAN TOLERATE LOW LIGHT.
CORDYLINE
– feeling more in control of work and life.
AVAIL ABLE IN A VARIET Y OF LEAF
Once a space is established and a system is
COLOURS FROM DARK GREENS
streamlined it can reduce the unconscious resistance to deal with tasks that would often be pushed to the ‘too hard basket’.
TO RUST REDS, THE CORDYLINE MAKES AN INTERESTING CHOICE FOR THE OFFICE.
ISSUE NO. 20 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU
91
T H I S PAG E
01. W all Clock in Black $12, kmart.com.au 02. E rcol Marino Chair in Dead Matt Ash Upholstery E632 $2,965 and Armadillo & Co Braid Weave Rug Wool/Viscose 1.82mD in Charcoal, both terracefloors.com.au 03. S hiny Shelf in Solid European Oak Soap Wash Finish White Satin Steel Angle Framework $1,900, agostinoandbrown.com 04. C ordyline Broad Leaf Form $7.95 ikea.com.au in Cinnamon Planter in Black $82, lightly.com.au 05. K uggis Box with Lid $9.95 each and Medium $12.95 each, all ikea.com.au 06. O ffice Console in Oak $1,190, coastalliving.com.au 07. S hift Table Lamp in White $289, cittadesign.com 08. N ormann Copenhagen Nic Nac Organiser 5 in Black $50, simpleform.com.au 09. F niss Waste Bin in Black $2.95, ikea.com.au 10. H olm Chair by Desalto in White $450, 1000chairs.com.au
LAMP
hift Table Lamp in White S $289, cittadesign.com
DESK
T R AY
ffice Console in Oak $1,190, O coastalliving.com.au
ormann Copenhagen Nic N Nac Organiser 5 in Black $50, simpleform.com.au
CHAIR BIN
Fniss Waste Bin in Black $2.95, ikea.com.au
olm Chair by Desalto H in White $450, 1000chairs.com.au
FILE STORAGE
home / O R G A N I S I N G
ways to minimise the overload
THE BASICS DESK A DESK WITH DRAWERS OFFERS STORAGE OPTIONS. CONSIDER THE SPACE IN WHICH IT WILL GO A N D H O W M U C H D E S K-S P A C E I S NEEDED FOR EQUIPMENT AND E V E R Y DAY TA S K S. DRAWER UNITS POSITION DRAWER UNITS ON THE
O F F I C E W O R K S / X Lever Arch File in Frosted and Black $5.99 each, both officeworks.com.au
M U J I / Index Cards in Natural $2.95, muji.com/au
SAME SIDE AS YOU WRITE – IT WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO RETRIEVE BITS AND PIECES AS NEEDED. A FEW SHALLOW DRAWERS ARE GOOD FOR STATIONERY ITEMS WHEREAS DEEPER DRAWERS WORK WELL FOR EQUIPMENT AND FILE STORAGE. CONSIDER USING COMPARTMENTS WITHIN STATIONERY DRAWERS TO KEEP EACH ITEM WITHIN ITS SPACE, MAINTAINING ORDER WHICH IN TURN MAKES EVERYTHING EASIER TO FIND WHEN NEEDED. DESK CHAIR IF YOU SPEND A LONG TIME AT YOUR DESK, A GOOD QUALIT Y, COMFORTABLE CHAIR
O F F I C E W O R K S / Otto Index Dividers
O F F I C E W O R K S / X Pressboard Binder
A4 Kraft 10 Pack $3.94, officeworks.com.au
A4 2 D Ring in Kraft $4.99 and Black, officeworks.com.au
IS ESSENTIAL. LOOK INTO ERGONOMIC OPTIONS THAT IMPROVE THE FIT AND FUNCTION. LAMP GOOD LIGHTING IS ESSENTIAL FOR EYE HEALTH IF WORKING AT NIGHT OR IN A DIM ROOM. A TASK L AMP IS ONE THAT FOCUSES ON A SMALLER AREA WHEREAS A STANDARD L AMP WILL LIGHT A LARGER AREA BUT WON’T BE AS TARGETED. COMPUTER CONSIDER A L APTOP IF SUITABLE – THEY TAKE UP LESS SPACE THAN A DESKTOP MODEL AND CAN BE MOVED AROUND THE P L AC E A S N E E D E D. A D I S P L AY
O F F I C E W O R K S / X Pressboard Lever Arch
M U J I / A4 Lever Arch Binder in Charcoal
File in Black $6.99 each, officeworks.com.au
and Natural $8.95 each, muji.com/au
M O N I TO R M AY B E N E E D E D F O R LO N G E R DAY S I N F R O N T O F T H E SCREEN WHICH MEANS MORE CORDS AND ELECTRICITY OUTLET REQUIREMENTS. RUBBISH BIN IF THE AIM IS A PAPERLESS OFFICE, THE RUBBISH BIN WON’T GET MUCH OF A WORK OUT SO THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANYTHING TOO LARGE. A SMALLER BIN ENCOURAGES MORE F R EQ U E N T E M P T Y I N G WH I C H M AY HELP KEEP A HANDLE ON WASTE MANAGEMENT. LOUNGE CHAIR
C O T T O N O N / Typo A4 Printed Dividers in Kraft $6.99, cottonon.com
N O T E M A K E R / La Petite Papeterie Francaise – The Parisian Folder – Tab #2 A4 in Black $36.95, notemaker.com.au
CREATE A QUIET AREA TO SIT AND REL AX, ALLOWING CREATIVE THOUGHTS TO FLOURISH. INCLUDE A COMFORTABLE CHAIR OR SOFA WHERE YOU CAN CONTEMPL ATE AND PL AN, AWAY F R O M T H E CO M P U T E R.
ISSUE NO. 20 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU
95
home / O R G A N I S I N G
STATIONERY each to their own
Desk clutter acts as a distraction.
FILE STORAGE
Try clearing the space – put everything
ways to minimise the overload
or two take note of what has been used.
into a box then over the course of a week Analyse what is really needed and keep
No matter which system is employed, the ‘handle once’ policy is the answer
those items close by, either on the desktop
to paper overload. As the name implies, each and every piece of ephemera
or in desk drawers. Is it really necessary to
that passes through the home office is assessed and acted upon then and
have ten pens, paperclips in different sizes,
there. Action a catch-all tray or drawer where everything arrives until there
multiple scissors and countless notebooks
is time to sort through and make it a habit to do this on a regular basis,
– could these items be culled or
daily if possible.
streamlined? Can notes can be kept
Every piece of paperwork either requires action, is pending action, is a keeper or can be binned. When an invoice arrives, schedule its payment through an online banking app then note it on the calendar – either printed or digital – especially important expenses like car registration and utility bills to ensure payments won’t be missed. Receipts are noted then stashed into tax return folders or scanned for later reference using digital apps. Transitory items such as courier tracking notes, dry-cleaning receipts or school notices can be kept in the catch-all until they are no longer needed. Set a schedule to go through these bits and pieces on a regular basis – weekly or monthly – the trick is to do it and do it often! Important documents that need to be retained and keepsakes are immediately filed away in their allocated place. And if it’s junk mail, it goes straight into the recycling bin.
PAPER TRAIL Some paperwork is inevitable, unavoidable. There are documents needed for tax returns, important records like mortgages, birth certificates, insurance
digitally on a phone? Can a calendar be replaced by a desktop version? Are there items that can multitask – like a pencil with an eraser. Items which are only used occasionally can be designated to a drawer or cupboard and items that are rarely used can be donated or recycled – if you know a school teacher, ask if they could use any of the unwanted stationery items. The key is to identify what is essential to create an efficient and enjoyable working experience.
BITS AND PIECES NOTEBOOK WHEN CHOOSING A NOTEBOOK CONSIDER HOW IT WILL BE USED – WILL IT NEED TO FIT INTO A HANDBAG OR WILL IT BE A
policies and precious keepsakes like children’s report cards and drawings.
DESKTOP STAPLE. BL ANK PAGES ALLOW FOR
But there’s no need to keep instruction manuals for appliances – they can
KEEP NOTETAKERS ON THE STRAIGHT AND
be found online when and if they’re needed. Don’t hold on to tax-related documents for longer than five years. Make sure to ditch a year’s worth as the new financial year ticks over. Be selective with children’s artwork – hold on to favourites or scan them and file in a digital folder for each child.
PAPERLESS OPTIONS There aren’t many things that can’t be digitised – apps such as Evernote and Receipts make day-to-day ephemera management easy. The key is to regularly scan and update these programs or, just like a drawer-full of receipts, it can become an overwhelming task to get back on track.
FREEFORM DRAWING WHEREAS RULED PADS NARROW! IS IT BETTER TO BUY A SINGLE THICK NOTEBOOK THAT WILL L AST ALL YEAR OR A COLLECTION OF THINNER BOOKS THAT CAN BE ALLOCATED TO DIFFERENT TOPICS? PENS P I C K A F AV O U R I T E W H E T H E R T H AT B E F E LT-T I P, INK OR BALLPOINT. CHOOSE ONE THAT FEELS COMFORTABLE IN THE HAND AND FLOWS A C R O S S T H E PA G E E A S I LY. I F I T ’ S E A S Y T O U S E I T ' S M O R E L I K E LY T O B E U S E D T O TA K E N O T E S AND SEND HANDWRITTEN LETTERS.
Better still, allocate some time to contact utility, bank and other regular
PAPERCLIPS
suppliers and switch to online statements and bills – it is better for the
PAPERCLIPS ARE BET TER THAN STAPLES
environment and saves space in the home.
BECAUSE THEY CAN BE REMOVED AND REUSED, MAKING SHREDDING OR RECYCLING PAPERWORK A BREEZE. INSTEAD OF HOARDING A COLLECTION OF DIFFERENT SHAPES AND SIZES, CHOOSE A CLIP THAT CAN MULTITASK AND SUIT ALL BINDING NEEDS. SCISSORS ONE GOOD QUALIT Y PAIR OF SCISSORS IS ALL THAT’S NEEDED FOR OFFICE EFFICIENCY. BUY ONCE AND BUY WELL, SHARPENING THEM AS REQUIRED. STICKY TAPE THERE ARE FANTASTIC TAPES THAT ARE ALMOST INVISIBLE WHEN APPLIED – IDEAL FOR GIFTWRAPPING OR RUNNING REPAIRS.
96
FETEPRESS.COM.AU / ISSUE NO.20
THE DESKTOP keeping it simple
BINDER
DESK PAD
Everyday Binder System with Inserts from $39.95, supplypaperco.com
Appointed Undated Weekly Desktop Planner in White $39.95, notemaker.com.au
DESK CLOCK
Leff Amsterdam Tile Clock in White $150, simpleform.com.au
S TA P L E R
Tom Dixon Cube Alloy Stapler $130, safariliving.com
C ATC H-A L L T R AY PEN
NOTEBOOK
Ballpoint Pen in White from $25, supplypaperco.com
Goals Book in Black $19.95, papercookie.com.au
e15 ITO Tray in Black from USD$160, odetothings.com
HOLE PUNCH
SCISSORS
Acrylic Hole Punch in Silver Metallisk $29.95, kikki-k.com
Matte Black Everyday Scissors by Banshu Hamono $290, ginkgoleaf.com.au PENCIL CASE
X Tyvek Pencil Case in Kraft $9.99, officeworks.com.au
APPS IT MAKES SENSE TO ADOPT A DIGITAL APPROACH TO THE FILING AND STORAGE OF RECEIPTS AND PAPERWORK. THE KEY IS TO SCHEDULE IN TIME TO MAINTAIN THE APP SO THAT PAPERWORK DOESN’T BECOME OVERWHELMING.
RECEIPTS
EVERNOTE
EXPENSIFY
Focused on tracking and monitoring purchases, this app provides reports on spending.
Great for everyday organising with mobile device and desktop versions that are synchronised.
If travel is a big part of work, this app helps to keep track of all associated expenses.
RECEIPTS.COM
EVERNOTE.COM
EXPENSIF Y.COM
home / O R G A N I S I N G
FILE IT a place for everything
DIGITAL FILE STORAGE be safe, not sorry
The harsh reality is every electronic device – computer or not – will stop working… eventually. Chrit Atkinson from Blackbird IT looks after large education, government and not-forprofit organisations so he knows a thing or two when it comes to best practice for
I K E A / Knuff Magazine File in Plywood $14.95 for a set of two, ikea.com.au
M U J I / PP Angle File Regular $10.95 each, muji.com/au
I K E A / Tjena Magazine File in Black $5.95 for a set of two, ikea.com.au
the everyday home user… “If the device you’re using in your office ceased to function, how would it affect you? What have you lost? Countless times I’ve heard, “I backup all my important data on this external drive.” This is not a backup. At all. When the external drive stops working – and it will – all the important data will be lost. A backup is a copy or replica, so when the device fails, there is still another copy somewhere else. External drives are more susceptible to failure, due to constant handling and the increased exposure
OFFICEWORKS /
X Magazine File Wide Frosted $14.99 and Black $12.99, officeworks.com.au
I K E A / Pluggis Magazine File in White $14.95 for a set of two, ikea.com.au
OFFICEWORKS /
Magazine File in Light Oak $14.95 each, officeworks.com.au
to accidental damage. Best practices for backing up data in a small office/home office (SOHO) environment is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) or the Cloud.” Set up automatic backup for the desktop computer so that files are copied on a regular basis without having to think about it. Better still get into the practice of making two external backups and keep one off-site incase of a burglary or disaster like a fire or flood. Keep external hard drives in a well-ventilated space so that they don’t overheat and keep them as dust-free as possible to avoid problems. Adopt a file-naming system that will help identify each file quickly and easily – order by date, name, location – any prefix that will prompt a search to find the file. Order the desktop just like the real thing by creating folders and sub-folders that can be filed in an orderly and intuitive manner. As with paper storage, be considered with digital file storage – photographs and videos can take up a lot of file space which ultimately costs time and money to store. Schedule in some time to regularly cull files that are no longer needed to keep storage efficient and streamlined.
O P PO S I T E PAG E CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
01. K uggis Box with Lid $9.95 each all ikea.com.au 02. A very Removable Labels 62 x 41mm in White $17.49, officeworks.com.au. Formatted using the Fête template, free for all new subscribers until 03.05.17. 03. X Two Hole Punch $10.99 and X 20cm Ruler in White $2.99, Faber-Castell Grip Graphite Pencils HB $3.98 for a pack of three, Uni Pin Fineliner Black $3.99 each, all officeworks.com.au 04. P P Case for Hair Pin $1.95 each and PE Case for First-Aid Outfit $3.95, all muji.com/au 05. K raft Drawing Board Small $15 and Ballpoint Pen in White $25, both supplypaperco.com 06. H ay Stainless Scissors in Black $33, simpleform.com.au Other items as seen before.
98
FETEPRESS.COM.AU / ISSUE NO.20
CLOCK
all Clock in Black W $12, kmart.com.au PLANT
Cordyline Broad Leaf Form $7.95 ikea.com.au in Cinnamon Planter in Black $82, lightly.com.au
CHAIR
S H E LV E S
FOLDERS
hiny Shelf in Solid European S Oak Soap Wash Finish White Satin Steel Angle Framework $1,900, agostinoandbrown.com
X Lever Arch File in PP $5.99 each, officeworks.com.au
rcol Marino Chair in Dead E Matt Ash Upholstery E632 $2,965, terracefloors.com.au CO N TA I N E R S
uggis Box with Lid $9.95 K each and Medium $12.95 each, all ikea.com.au
RUG
Armadillo & Co Braid Weave Rug Wool/Viscose 1.82mD in Charcoal, terracefloors.com.au
home / O R G A N I S I N G FORM TEMPL ATES
DOCUMENTS TO FILE BIRTH CERTIFICATE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY H E A LT H I N S U R A N C E P O L I C Y L A S T WI L L & T E S TA M E N T ENDURING POWER OF AT TORNEY A D VA N C E D H E A LT H C A R E DIRECTIVE MEDICAL RECORDS VACCINATION RECORDS PASSPORT MORTGAGE PROPERTY TITLE HOUSE INSURANCE TEMPL ATES
Fête form templates, free for all new subscribers until 03.05.17.
CONTENTS INSURANCE SHARES CAR REGISTRATION CAR INSURANCE
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS keep them safe and easily accessible
SUPERANNUATION POLICY S AV I N G S ACCO U N T D E TA I L S C R E D I T C A R D D E TA I L S
Some things just can’t be hole-punched – passports, wills, marriage certificates – anything where it’s best to retain the integrity of the document. Slip these things into hole-punched envelopes and then slot the envelopes into a folder.
TA X R E T U R N S ACC R E D I TAT I O N S
Use dividers to allocate a category for each section. Keep it general or make
DEGREES
it as specific as required with sub-categories.
REFERENCES
A folder for each person in the household can hold items specific to them – birth
RESUMES
certificates, medical records, vaccinations, references, cvs, accreditations and awards. This system also works well to file children’s artwork and report cards –
PETS’ RECORDS
things worth keeping for them for when they are older. Folders containing important documents should be stored in a safe but easy-toaccess spot so that they can be grabbed at a moment’s notice should there be an impending emergency such as a bushfire or a flood.
NO. 1 A FILE HOLDER Take your pick… polypropylene – which will stand the test of time, but doesn’t decompose – or paper-covered folders in black, white or a colour – they will scuff and mark more easily meaning they made need to be replaced in time, but they will decompose more readily. Choose a lever-arch style if there is a heap of paperwork to store or use a ring-back folder for smaller collections.
DIVIDERS Choose a set with multiple holes punched to ensure they will fit most folders.
ENVELOPES Envelope storage is ideal for lots of small documents such as receipts – ideal for managing tax obligations. Use C4 size for A4 documents or C5 envelopes for smaller documents like passports. Punch each envelope with holes to fit the folder and they will sit neatly inside, keeping the contents safe and protected.
SPINE LABEL Label the spine of each folder to make identification easy – it keeps folders looking uniform and streamlined on the shelf.
ISSUE NO. 20 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU
101