Home Office Organization tips

Getting organized and creating a productive work space is easier than you think and you don’t need to race out to buy a lot of supplies to make it happen.

Focus on what you need most

Firstly, when designing the layout of your home office you need to consider what you need the most; the same applies with rearranging the space and furniture you have. What you need:

• Desk
• Chair
• Computer
• Shelving

You should keep the essentials together in one part of the office — this means less time moving around trying to find things and less distractions. If you do have a home office space set up at home, it’s likely that it’s become a bit of a junk room, and this is why your actual ‘office’ essentials should be kept close. It’ll also help limit the actual clutter around your key work area. Don’t forget to buy a power-board so you’ve got more than one outlet for all of your equipment to plug into. Also, if you’re working on a laptop, invest in a mouse — it will make your life so much easier.

Have a proper de-clutter and cull

You want the essentials close by, but you might need to create a space for the essentials first. If you’re going to do a complete de-clutter, keep a rubbish bag (or two) handy.

Be mindful of useless junk and clutter just taking up space in your office and make sure you get rid of anything that will hold you back from using the space productively. This includes:

• Dead pens
• Broken pencils
• Old magazines and newspapers
• Old documents — either file it away or bin it
• Broken office supplies
• Junk that has found its way into the home office space

Smart storage

Storage is important in every area of the home and your office is no different.

If you have room on your desk go for a set of clear drawers or a little organization station with a space for pens, highlighters, papers and notebooks that keep the space clutter-free. Doing this will make your office feel cleaner and more organized. Don’t forget a filing cabinet to put your papers and documents away and a little rubbish bin under your desk.

Use a label maker

Once you’ve got your storage sorted, time to get labeling. Invest in a label maker and get cracking on everything from your desk drawers to your files and boxes for an easy way to stay on top of where everything is. Any time you need something you’ll know exactly where it is, and it gives everything a home. This also means less time trying to remember where you put something similar last time.

Organise your books

If your home office is also the place where your books are stored, it’s time to organize them too. It’s really up to your personal preference with how you want to do this. You could go by genre — like in a library — color or size, there are plenty of options. Although, going by color will create a stunning design element while keeping your space clutter-free and looking sleek.

Use your walls

Don’t forget to make the most out of blank space on your walls. Use the space to hang practical elements like a whiteboard, calendar or some shelving, which will take a lot of the clutter away from your desk. Adding some art or a motivational poster will also bring some personality into the space too.

Create a printing station

A printer can be a bulky and annoying thing to work around the home office — although for some people it’s necessary piece of equipment. Set up a printing station where your paper, ink and printer live in one area, ideally in a cabinet or separate area of your office. You’ll gain a lot more productive space around your desk and have an excuse to get up and walk around as you go over to the printer.