Ten Tips to an Organized Home Office

A home office is a necessity for many people today. But often we settle for a counter in the kitchen, the dining room table or a nook tucked behind the back door. And even if you have a dedicated space for your home office, it often becomes a dumping ground and not the organized haven it should be.

So here are some tips in organizing a home office:

First of all, you really do need to dedicate a space for your home office, even if it means screening in the backyard patio or claiming a piece of the garage. This will do two things for you: (1) give you a private place to work, and (2) separate your work from your home. So now that you have your space, what next? Here are some things to consider:

1. Put your personal stamp on your office. Decorate according to your taste, favorite colors, and include some “fun” items such as playful figurines, toys, or stuffed animals. Don’t forget pictures of your favorite people and/or places.
2. Use a real desk and not an old kitchen table. The desk will be at the right height and if you include drawers for storage, it’ll be all that much easier to organize your space.
3. Get a good office chair and not an old dining room chair. You can go to a local office discount store and buy one for a reasonable price. Don’t forget the plastic mat underneath for ease of moving and to protect your floor.
4. Position a small table near your desk. This is where you can place items you need within reach.
5. Include a ceiling fan even if you have air-conditioning. This will help keep the air moving and you will be more comfortable working in the room.
6. Add a comfortable chair or couch for guests or to take a break from sitting at the computer. This is a good place to brainstorm.
7. Hang a white board on the wall for impromptu notes and reminders.
8. Install strong shelving and/or place bookcases near the desk.
9. File your papers in a filing cabinet.
10. Designate a place for the printer and phone.

You may also want to add a stereo or some form of music if it relaxes you while you are working. Some also add a mini-refrigerator or snack shelf to complete your office oasis for those times when you need to lock yourself inside your office and work without interruption.