HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR HOME OFFICE
Over the past year or so, many people in the corporate workforces have had to experience a change of scenery when it comes to their work environment. For those that have made the transition into a home workspace, some adjustments might be needed. Performing well at work often depends on the cleanliness and organization of the office, making a proper system important to a job well done. Here are some benefits of a clean workspace and how to improve the home office.
Benefits of a Clean Home Office It might be difficult to concentrate when a pile of papers and a mountain of mugs are staring you down during a conference call. However, when the room has a good feng-shui, you’re more likely to perform better at work. Some benefits of implementing more work from home organization include: • •
Increased productivity: Without clutter on the desk, you might feel less overwhelmed by the mess and have more time and energy for daily tasks. Reduced stress levels: In the same way that a clean bedroom sets the tone for a positive day, a tidy office can help you keep a clear head through work hours.
• • •
Creates a positive work environment: When surrounded by loved and aesthetically pleasing objects, you’ll probably be happier about hunkering down to work. More productivity time: Additional time can be spent accomplishing daily tasks without the lag time of searching through misplaced documents and clutter. Better client impression: If clients are passing through the office or meetings are conducted from there, a tidy and systemized space can make a better impression.
When you meet with clients at home it can be very convenient to locate your workspace next to the front entry foyer of your home. In this situation, it can be extra important to learn how to organize your home office to make a good first impression.
Tackling the Project Organizing an office isn’t always an easy project. Since there are different pieces of your work that need to be available within an arm’s reach, determining the best setup can take some trial and error, especially when clutter is a habit. Each area of the room necessitates full attention and optimal functionality. Here are some special areas to keep in mind: • • • •
Desk: Since a desk is the central spot for many home offices, this should be the focal point for the room. This might mean replacing the current one for another that better suits your needs. Cabinets: Try adding bins, boxes, and standing files to your cabinets to keep track of items that don’t belong on the desk. Drawers: It’s sometimes easier to throw items into drawers and forget about them. Prioritize this space to prevent a mess of pens and clips. Computer: Many people forget that it’s also important to digitally declutter. Computer desktops can become riddled with loose files and screenshots. Put everything in labeled folders because it will help keep them safe and organized.
A seldom-used bedroom can double as an effective home office if you get the organization right. This custom home office features a desk with drawers and cabinets built into the corner of a guest bedroom. The smaller drawers include organizers for pens and papers while the large drawer is equipped with organizers for hanging file folders. Upper shelves and cabinets provide even more storage while allowing for some personalization.
Home Office Organization Tips
When people decide to work from home, it sometimes ends up taking place at the kitchen table or on the couch. Before you start investing in supplies and furniture, make sure there’s a space in the house for it. Choose a location that is free from distractions and noise. Once a spot is secured, it’ll be easier to create a productive sanctuary. Here are some tips for creating a home office that maximizes productivity.
10 Tips on Creating a Home Office: 1. Go paperless. Scan and storing files to your computer because it will eliminate a physical mess and be better for the environment. If certain documents need to be kept, try a color-coded system to make each one easy to find. 2. Use drawer containers. Nearly everyone has that drawer: The one that holds just about every miscellaneous item. Try adding a container, basket, or bin — even ones intended for silverware — to separate pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, rubber bands, paperclips, and binder clips. 3. Go for the label maker. One of the best things about labels is that you can put them anywhere. Stick them on files, drawers, boxes, shelves, and containers to create a more accessible space. 4. Make wall space work for you. Create designated areas for a whiteboard, calendar, hanging filing systems, shelves, or a bulletin board because it will add wall organization to your office.
5. Don’t underestimate corners. Sometimes pushing the desk into a corner isn’t always the best way to maximize space. If you’re pressed for room on the desk, try adding a few small square corner shelves for added storage. 6. Try a pegboard. Another way to maximize wall space is to install a full pegboard. The options are limitless because hooks, baskets, shelves, or art can be added to the wall. It’s fully customizable which helps switch items out where you see fit. 7. Optimize the desk. If you’ve run out of room on the basic tabletop desk, it may be time for an upgrade. From fold-up, wall-mounted desks to tech-optimized ones, you’ll save space while having must-haves within an arm’s reach. 8. Don’t forget the tech. If using a printer, scanner, desktop, or other tech equipment is part of your everyday job, make sure there’s an adequate setup for them. Stock it with spare ink cartridges, chargers, extra paper, and other supplies. Hiding cables and wires can also offer a put-together look. 9. Set weekly habits. Over the course of the workweek, stray documents, office supplies, leftover lunches, crumbs, and mugs may take up space on the desk. Make sure everything is put in its place at the end of the week to serve as a “reset button” for Monday. 10. Keep it comfortable. Some people might’ve been left at the hand of the interior decorator of their office. Now that the home office is being utilized, you can add personal preference of décor. Make the space cohesive to your liking. That way you’ll feel more motivated to be productive throughout the day.
When you work from home you have the opportunity to make the space uniquely yours. Learn how to organize your home office for productivity while leaving room for personal mementos.
Sit Back and Enjoy Once every area of the home office has been tackled, hopefully, less time will be spent stressing over clutter and stretching the kinks out of your back because you’ve been working from bed. When everything is tidy, you can enjoy the perks of working from home. From a relaxed dress code and homemade meals to an office designed exactly to your preferences, being organized can be quite enjoyable.
From work desk organization ideas to rearranging the files on your computer, keep the room simple, and adjust when needed to feel more at ease when you take on a new workday. Browse our personal online design tools or professional design services to get started on the office of your dreams. Sources: https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/10-steps-to-an-organized-home-office https://www.themuse.com/advice/8-ways-to-turn-your-tiny-desk-into-an-awesome-home-office https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-stay-organized-when-you-work-at-home-4145799 https://www.thespruce.com/home-office-organization-ideas-4586995 https://innovativeprofessionaloffices.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-having-an-organized-office-space https://www.thebalancesmb.com/organizing-home-office-2948511 https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/organizing-tips/advice/g527/organizing-your-home-office/ https://blog.ronnieisenberg.com/2020/03/30/how-to-organize-your-office-when-working-from-home/#.YFOqyJNKhsY
Related Materials: • Work from Home Office Ideas • Corner Shelves for Closets • Homework Space Ideas for Effective Online Schooling • Built-In Bookcase Ideas