Organizing your Home Office Space
Not every family has the space in their homes to dedicate an entire room as a home office, but almost everyone needs some kind of space that is a center for a home computer, bills, receipts, mail and other important paperwork. Sometimes that space is in the a spare bedroom, the dining room, or even the kitchen. Regardless of where your "home office" space is, keeping it organized is often a challenge because most of us let those things pile up, waiting for that magical moment when we "have time" to clean it up.
It'd be great if we all had color-coded folders neatly aligned and hidden in drawers. But the reality is that most of us just want something that is convenient. Here are a few suggestions to keeping your office space - big or small - organized and easy to maintain.
- Invest in adequate furniture. Some people buy a cheap, small desk in hopes of making the desk less obtrusive in the room. However, a well-made, taller piece with shelves and storage is often a better purchase because of the versatility it offers. Not only should you have space for your computer hardware and peripheral equipment, but you should have space for reference materials, filing space, supplies and paper.
A wide variety of selections are available in all price ranges. You may want to start simply with a desk, chair and lamp, and later add pieces as your budget allows. Most home office manufacturers offer multiple pieces within collections and you can build your home office configuration one piece at a time. Also consider an office armoire that simply closes up, providing an attractive alternative that offers no clue as to the amazing functionality hidden within.
- Focus your office space into activity areas:
- The Work Center, which includes a clear workspace, the computer and frequently-used office products. This space should include anything that needs to be acted on immediately, such as bills to pay and messages to return. Keep these things separate from the other mail and paperwork that you don't need to act on but want to keep.
- The Reference Center, which includes binders, manuals, dictionary and professional books and materials. This space includes those things that are not urgent, but need to be saved, such as bank statements, newspaper clippings, receipts, correspondences, etc.
- The Supply Center, which contains office and paper supplies. This doesn't have to be in your desk, per se. Fax and computer paper, extra pens, file folders and the like can be put in a closet across the room if you need more storage space for folders and other paperwork.
- Attack and sort the paperwork. Pre-sort the mail at least into its correct section of the desk (work center or reference center). Use a variety of containers such as baskets to serve as separate "catching places" for the mail, notes, and office supplies, paper clips and pens. Booklets, magazines, and catalogs can stack up on a desk in a hurry - buy a few magazine boxes to store the ones you want to keep.
- Conceal cables and wires. Fold mailing labels back on themselves around each cord and label the wire. Don't forget to label the cords that connect different components to each other, as well as the cord to the electric supply. Then bundle like wires together to cut down on cord clutter behind your desk and on the floor.
- Invest in a good chair! Remember that a comfortable desk chair could be one of the most important pieces you select. The proper chair not only improves your comfort, but it also helps reduce fatigue, ensuring optimal functioning as you work, play games or surf the Internet.
- Decorate your space. Make it attractive and pleasing with a selection of artwork, accessories and/or collectibles appropriate for you and your family. Don't forget to add a nice lamp for good task lighting while you're sitting at the desk. Choose a few fun items and/or photos that show off your style - having some decorative items that you want to show off will help take up some of the space that would otherwise collect clutter.
The key to getting better organized is to start with one small step and then take others one at a time, even if it's just 15 minutes at a time. Once you start breaking down the big piles of paper, then each smaller pile becomes less intimidating and more manageable. Once you've started, stick with it. Getting organized is the first step - persistence and follow-through will keep it that way!
