Fairfax, Virginia: The Robinson Family

Jenn, 36; Paul, 36; Sydney, 6; Alex, 4; and Evan, 2.

Our home office isn’t working.
“I’m a pack rat, and I don’t throw things away easily,” admits Jenn Robinson, who would stash everything from college law books to languishing craft projects in her home office, alongside pamphlets and mailings from her recent work as a community-relations coordinator. When her very organized husband, Paul, worked from home, he used the dining room, since there wasn’t an inch of space left in the office.

The Goal: To help Jenn minimize the mess and make the office a more orderly environment with room for Paul.

The Game Plan: Jenn started shredding documents to whittle down her mountain of papers. “I had every receipt and canceled check from our wedding, 10 years ago,” she says. Remaining papers were sorted into a file cabinet; campaign materials were placed in boxes. A wall of Elfa shelving in White & Driftwood (from $250, www.containerstore.com) was installed to replace the desk. The extra-long bottom shelf serves as a work space that accommodates both Jenn and — at last! — Paul.

The Verdict: “I really believe now that less is more, and I’m on a tear through the house,” says Jenn. “I’ve gone to label heaven.”