Aug 23, 20072 min read

Sisi Gets It Done: Organizing a Homework Desk

Maeve converts a cluttered cabinet into a cozy homework desk. #organizing

Before Maeve's Method

Grade school student, Sisi, and her mom have been sharing a workspace at home and contacted Maeve’s Method to help find a new #desk for Sisi. She wanted her own place to do homework with privacy. Her current desk was busy and didn’t motivate her to get things done. #clutter

After Maeve's Method

While touring the home, Maeve saw potential in an old computer cabinet that hadn’t been used in years. Maeve felt that if cleared and repurposed it would provide Sisi with the privacy she desired. Both mom and Sisi were excited about the idea, with mom also seeing benefits to releasing clutter inside that had not been reviewed in years.

Together Maeve helped Sisi sort through Sisi’s existing desk to decide what to keep and what to let go, with mom stepping in to help with big decisions.

As they worked, Sisi learned how to create 'categories according to her', creating piles with names like 'notebooks for school', 'things I share with friends' and a favorite, 'cool things I like for myself'. #categories

And she checked in with mom along the way. Together, they named a few shared categories, like 'stuff to donate' and 'things to bring back to school.'

Two hours later Sisi finished emptying her old desk, with her new desk almost at the ready to call home. Mom worked alongside them, as many items on the old desk, as well as in the new cabinet, were hers.

As a final step, Maeve showed Sue and Sisi how to create a unique, private space that worked for both. Mom took the top shelves, with Sisi claiming the bottom shelf and new pull-out workspace as her own. Sisi was quick to place down a favorite box and a few school supplies in her new space, and agreed to think carefully about what else to place in. #kidpower

Sisi loved that her new desk could be tucked away, and mom was thrilled that they were able to find a solution in what they already owned. #workspaceforkids

A week later during our check-in Sue shared that she had begun to say around the house, “Always remember what Maeve told us… everything has a home.”

“Always remember what Maeve told us… everything has a home.”

To her delight, Sisi repeated the phrase, confirming to mom that when it came to organization at home, they were finally on the same page. Sue said, “You know, Maeve, it’s not a quick fix process, it’s a lifestyle change. Sisi and I chatted, and we can't wait to keep up positive new habits at home.”