Spruce Up Your Home Office
More and more people are finding themselves working from home these days. Make the best of your current space by following these tips. Of course you can always call me to find a new home with more space.
So you work at home. Good for you. But all you have for an office is a closet-sized space that you dread going into. No matter how little space you have, there are ways to save space and spruce up your work area so that it’s a place you enjoy spending your day in. According to 360 ezine, a small workstation can work just as well as a larger one. Their space-saving tips include:
Make maximum use of space with shelves, overheads and towers, nesting pedestals and tables.
Going up? If your real estate is limited, make good use of vertical space with towers, overheads bins, shelves and hanging pencil cups, paper clip trays, etc.
A side table extends your work area and helps keep your main worksurface free of clutter.
Two-for-one: A mobile pedestal can double as a visitor seat with the addition of a seat cushion.
Writingcorner.com adds their two cents:
Use a lateral filing cabinet as opposed to a standard vertical cabinet. Lateral cabinets hold more files.
Store older files and research away from your office space. Box, label and store the files in another room or closet.
Only keep current projects on your desk. Use stackable file trays for easy access and to save space.
Use a dry erase board to track assignments, i.e. what's due and what's finished. Customize it to fit your needs.
If possible, store only the supplies needed in your office space. Store extra supplies in an accessible closet or under your bed.
Set aside one morning or afternoon each month to make a clean sweep through your office. File finished projects or remove them totally if you won't need it in the near future.
Before you redecorate your home office:
Invite customers, friends and coworkers to suggest improvements that can be made in your office, interior and exterior; ask for comments on professionalism—both in décor, and in staff as well.
Take a good look at your décor, paint, furniture, clutter, greenery, cleanliness, etc.
Notice the atmosphere. Does it seem professional, inviting, comfortable, clean and neat?
Visit other professional offices for comparison.
Add Your Own Personal Touch
You don’t need to spend a pile of cash to personalize your workspace. There are small touches you can add that cost very little. Why not add:
A colorful mousepad that reflects one of your interests
Scenic, motivational or hobby calendars
Personal photos in colorful, unique frames
Motivational posters
Little touches like motivational pencils (yes, pencils) or other small items that give you a mental boost when you use them