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Essential Tips for Creating an Attractive and Organized Home Office

Today most homes have a room which is designated as the “Den” or “Office”.  With the advent of the internet and personal computers now more than ever we are able to conduct business from our home environment.  The key to being efficient in any workspace is to also be organized and this is even more important in your home office because it is easy to get distracted with other items or activities.

Essential Tips:

Arrange furniture so there is freedom of movement; have clear paths around your work space.  Your chair should be able to move freely around your desk area.

Put file cabinets under tables; this frees up floor space while creating a larger work surface.

Minimize clutter by placing items in cabinets, in drawers or on shelves in storage containers.

Try to keep your desk top clear of unnecessary items; only frequently used items should be left out and within reach.

Let your wall space work for you; install adjustable shelves and/or bins above work surfaces or install several wall-file organizers.

Section off drawers with partition organizers to keep small office supplies segregated.

Use a bulletin board or magnet board to keep reminders and notes organized.  Remove the reminders once the task is completed.

Keep magazines or pamphlets in rigid holders and store on shelves.

Look at your space every quarter and move items around since this will encourage you to throw out items you no longer need.

One or two well placed accessories can set the tone for your workspace.  Do not clutter your Office with unnecessary items or collections of items.  Framed artwork is a nice touch.

Dedicate a wall to your achievements.  All diplomas, certificates or awards must be framed prior to hanging them.  Never tape something directly to the wall.

ESSENTIAL DO NOT’S:

Don’t use the floor to store your items.

Don’t keep magazines past 2 months – recycle.

Don’t continue to bring items [accessories, objects or collectibles] into your office without removing something.

Don’t eat at your desk.

Don’t tape photos or notes to your computer screen.

Last but not least if you do not have a separate room that can function on its own as an Office then the best thing to do is invest in a piece of  furniture  which has an integrated work area and storage system.  Look for something that is attractive especially if you do not want the room in which it will be located to look like an Office.