How To Organize Your Home Office
A home office can be a great idea for your house, especially if you or your partner work from home. It’s important to keep your office welcoming, organized and clutter-free. Here are some tips to keep your productivity flowing and your home office organized.
Sort Paper
Clear your work space and keep it de-cluttered by sorting through the papers currently on your desk. Separate your papers into three piles: toss, file and to-do. Review the papers in your file pile to see if you can scan and store them digitally. If not, label a file folder and store them physically in an organized manner. For your toss pile, make sure to shred any papers containing sensitive information. For the papers in your to-do pile, make sure they are orderly and within easy reach.
Organize Your Bookshelf
Take inventory of all your books, returning any you borrowed from the library or from friends. Take this chance to decide which books you wish to keep and which ones you can give away or donate. For an attractive design look, try sorting your books by colour.
Create A Colour-Coded Filing System
It’s a good idea to adopt a colour-coded filing system for all the papers you can’t digitize. Some useful filing categories are financial, medical, personal, insurance, pet, auto, home and manuals. On your computer, sort your files using the same categories and colours to keep things simple.
Get Creative
Some home offices have limited space, so it’s important to use every inch. For extra space, look above and behind items. Use wall space to hang calendars, whiteboards and shelves. Hang a rack behind the door for extra filing space.
Try Wireless
Too many cables can become challenging, so try wireless electronics whenever possible. This can include a wireless printer, mouse and keyboard. This means you can also put these electronics anywhere in the room, giving your office more flexibility.
Functional Furniture
Another way to maximize space and efficiency is to have functional furniture. Tables, chairs and filing cabinets with wheels provide lots of flexibility. Try and think about what furniture appeals to you and can keep you organized every day.
Keep It Labelled
Labelling files, boxes and containers is key to office organization. Also remember to keep it specific, as this will make sure you remember the information. For example, when labelling a box, if possible include a name, date and location.
Keep Your Desk De-Cluttered
A cluttered desk can hurt creativity and keep you from finding what you need. Make sure there is space on your desk and everything is put away in a neat fashion, including papers, books and office supplies.
Stay Cozy
Although your home office may be a practical and professional space, it’s important to keep it styled to your tastes. You want to feel comfortable in your office, and making it look its best is a good step. Choose neutral colors that are soothing, such as blue or white, and add decorative items that inspire. This can include framed photos, stylish wicker baskets, or textured pillows and throws.
Set Aside Some Time
One way to keep your office organized is setting aside ten minutes at the end of each day to straighten things out. Take this time to recycle paper, update your schedule and to-do list and tidy your desk. Keeping this small commitment to yourself is an easy way to maintain an organized home office and set yourself up for success tomorrow.
