How to Organize Your
Home Office

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Creating a Comfortable and Productive Workspace

When Starting a Home Business, you have the opportunity to organize your home office and avoiding clutter before you begin. Most people don't give too much thought to office organization until after they are surrounded by clutter.

Wasting time searching for what they needed.

But you won't have to...

Your office doesn't have to be elaborate. You might be able to accomplish what you need to with less than you think. Some moms may find you only need a laptop. Others may have greater needs.

Keep the purpose of your home office organization in mind. Providing what you need. When you need it. Saving you time. Increasing your efficiency. Allowing you to focus on making money.

Office Space

You don't necessarily need an entire room, but you should have a defined space to contain all your essentials and files. You can make your space stylish, practicable, and affordable.

Office Furniture

Look for furniture and equipment that allows you to work in comfort. Pieces that can be used for multitasking. Comfortable and practical.

An ergonomic chair will help you be more productive. Less backaches. You should have a chair that allows you to keep your feet flat on the floor with your back straight. Upholstered in your favorite fabric.

elegant desk armoire You can easily find office furniture that looks as if it belongs in a home, rather than an office. Which is perfect for your home office. Many bookshelves have doors to make them look like cabinets. Some file cabinets are made out of wicker. An armoire can easily hide computer clutter and yet contain a writing surface.

Storage drawers offer a welcome alternative to a space-hogging desk especially if you're using a laptop. Saves you from purchasing extra furniture. Keeping it simple. Use less space.

Chances are you'll have your office furniture for a long time. It won't be easy to replace later when you've decided it's not what you want. So before purchasing, take the time to determine your personality, style, needs, and space available.

Organize a Home Office

Give function and safety top priority. Start out with the bare minimum first. You can always add as the need arises. Invest in the best equipment and furniture you can afford. Quality will save you money in the long run simply by not having to replace the item later on.

If space allows, L and U shaped work areas offer the most efficient space for you office. Giving you plenty of room on all sides.

1 - There are many ways to make room on your desk. Armoire, hutches, desk organizers, or even kitchen cabinets add more desk area. Storing items such as books, staplers, tape, clips, even phones by using the height above the desk. Try adding either under desk pullout keyboard trays, or pullout drawers. Make sure you have the proper support for your wrists if you're going to spend time on a computer.

2 - Besides your computer, inbox, phone, and maybe your schedule, there should be nothing on one side of your desk. Only what you're working on right now. Don’t leave papers scattered all over your desk.

3 - File cabinets, file drawers, and file carts, should be used to organize papers that normally just sit on top of the desk and create clutter. Find homes for everything. A clean desk provides a relaxing work place.

4 - Keep the supplies and equipment that you use the most within arms reach. You have a limited number of drawers and desk space at easy reach so it's important to arrange your workspace so that you can maximize your efficiency. You would be surprised at how much time you can waste searching for what you need.

5 - Use a variety of ambient light supplemented with task lighting strategically placed. Reducing overhead lighting will cut down on glare. Instead, opt for tourchiers. Florescent lighting can be hard on your eyes.

6 - Old files that you are keeping for tax purposes should be moved to a storage space away from the office. Well labeled cardboard file boxes can be stored in a basement or attic. Keep a paper shredder close to your work space.

If you need additional work space, add a hinged drop leaf to the end of your desk. Flip it up when you needed. Or use a folding table. They are cheap, portable and easy to store.

Childproofing Your Office

Now, get down on your hands and knees and get a child's perspective of your office. Put protective foam-rubber strips over sharp corners or edges. Find a way to secure drawers, or heavy furniture that can be pulled out or over. Outlets should be plugged.

Hide your cables and cords. They're unsightly, creates a sense of chaos and are unsafe. Secure them neatly behind furniture or bind and attach to the underside of desks. Go wireless if you can. Don't forget about the cords from your blinds.

Family Rules

Establish clear rules for how and when, if ever, you may be distracted by family members. Let them know whether a closed door means do not disturb, or knock first. This is hard to enforce at times. Especially with small children. But in time, they do learn.

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