A rising numbers of Americans are studying from home at all levels of education. In fact, studies have shown that 75% of children in the US attend public elementary schools within a 3-mile radius of their homes. This means most students' lives revolve around their homes from kindergarten through high school.

As most people see it, the only time to really find the "away" from home is when they go to college. For this reason, having a dedicated study area at home can help foster an environment for studying that increases productivity and overall happiness.

What does it mean to have a dedicated study area?

The answer is as varied as there are people on the planet. Many people who complete their work by studying at home, may not ever see themselves as needing a special area.

The reality is, a dedicated study area doesn't have to be a separate room in your house, nor does it mean you need a whole lot of space. For some people, they work best by organizing their desk right next to the TV and close enough that they can occasionally look up when watching if they get stuck on something.

For others, the entire house may be used as a dedicated study area. This can work well for some people who are always studying at home, but it's important to remember that your brain needs time away from focusing on school work.

If you feel like you've been reading books long enough to wear out all their pages, taking a quick break outside can help rejuvenate your brain and return it to a level of focus that you can use productively again.

If you do have a dedicated study area, then one key step in making sure this space helps you, rather than becoming a distraction is organization.

It has been shown time and again that the average person works best when they have an organized space. This goes beyond cleanliness - organization is about making sure you know where everything is and having the necessary materials nearby to complete any task at hand.

For example, if you are studying for a math test, it's best if your calculator is readily available on your desk, instead of hidden away in a drawer where you have to move several piles of paper to find it.

 

The 5 golden rules for organizing your study area are:

1. Avoid distractions at all costs

This is where most people go wrong when they try to set up a home study area, so pay close attention. Distractions can be anything from your bed being in the room, to having your laundry basket full right next to the desk.

Try to keep your study area in a room that is separate from where you sleep, and if possible don't combine your laundry with your studying time.

2. The place for everything

It's important when you are organizing your space to know where every single thing should go. If you plan on using this space over and over again for studying, it's best to think of the most efficient way to lay everything out.

For example, your books and notes should be placed where you can quickly get them when you need them, but they shouldn't be within reach when watching TV.

3. Make sure your tools are always ready

What is the point of having a dedicated study area if you aren't ready to use it at a moment's notice? This means your books and pencils should be easily reachable on the desk, while the remote for the TV shouldn't.

4. Clean up as you go

No matter how much of a veteran of studying you are, it is always best to keep your study area clean at all times. It doesn't take that much time to put things back where they belong or straighten up your desk when you are done using it.

5. Take breaks frequently

For most people, studying is best if you split it up into smaller periods of time divided by a break. Your brain needs a different type of focus depending on the task it is performing, and this isn't a new idea.

Ancient Greek students would study for a few hours, then go exercise by playing sports, followed by a discussion about what they studied with their peers before going back to studying again. We recommend taking breaks around 15 minutes each hour you study, or every half an hour if you are studying intensely.

Even simple changes to your work area can greatly increase the amount of productive studying time that you get done in a day.

How to avoid distractions when studying at home?

The first step in organizing your study area is removing all distractions. This includes turning off technology such as TVs, cell phones, radios, computers, and even the printer. It may seem impossible to completely remove these items from your study area, but the less you have, the easier it will be to focus.

Creating a study area.

Every student needs a specific place that is designated as "the study zone." The zone should include a desk space with drawers or shelves for your reference materials. It's also important to choose an area in your home where there aren't many distractions and that has plenty of room for you to spread out.

The importance of having a consistent study area.

Having a specific place in your home where you always go when it's time to study is crucial when it comes to keeping motivated and focused. If you have multiple areas where you like to work, such as on the couch or at the kitchen table, you won't stay focused for long.

Instead of playing the guessing game with where to study each night, make your work area more permanent by creating a specific place that is always clean and ready to go when it's time for studying.

How to organize your reference books.

The best way to organize your reference books is by creating a system in which they are easy to locate. If you have many different subjects and textbooks, try grouping them together so everything can be found in one place when you need it.

It's also important to label the outside of each book and corresponding notebook so you know what is inside at a glance.

Why does an organized home study area matter?

When you study in a clean and well-organized environment, it's much easier to stay focused. A neat desk with all necessary items in their proper place will help you remember where everything is when you need it most.

Instead of frantically searching for materials when time is limited, they'll be easily accessible if you've organized them properly.

How to organize your desk?

You can start by storing all of your reference materials in one designated area with ample room for writing. Create labels for each drawer or shelf so you'll know what's inside by just glancing at the outside of the container.

Next, organize your desk space with pens and pencils in one place along with erasers, highlighters, and paper clips.

Staying organized is about consistency; once you get started make sure to stay on top of it until everything has its proper place.

Why is organization important?

Creating a system for staying organized makes it much easier to get to the information you need when you need it most. In school, time management is crucial and there's nothing more frustrating than being unprepared for an exam because your study materials have been misplaced.

When everything has its place, it'll be easy to find what you need when it really counts.

Using labels is one of the easiest ways to get started with creating an organized workspace. Create labels for each drawer or shelf so you'll know what's inside by just glancing at the outside of the container.

You can also create a designated area for reference books with plenty of space for taking notes and drawing diagrams.

How to organize your books?

The best way to organize your reference books is by creating a system in which they are easy to locate.

If you have many different subjects and textbooks, try grouping them together so everything can be found in one place when you need it. It's also important to label the outside of each book and corresponding notebook so you know what is inside at a glance.

Ready to take action?

Creating a system for staying organized makes it much easier to get to the information you need when you need it most. In school, time management is crucial and there's nothing more frustrating than being unprepared for an exam because your study materials have been misplaced.

When everything has its place, it'll be easy to find what you need when it really counts. The small amount of time required to get organized will pay dividends over the course of your studies.