If you are like most people, there are areas of the house that seem to get cluttered faster than others. The home office is one of these places, especially if you work from home. After all, there are only so many places in the house to store books, supplies, papers, computers and its accompanying equipment, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, the home office is soon buried in clutter. Organizing the home office will help you stay on top of tasks, provide a nicer work environment and make you feel better. Does this Spark an idea?
Storage
Purchase plastic or wood containers to store papers and documents you don't need at a moment's notice. That's what a filing cabinet is for. For extra paper, ink, completed jobs, old billing statements and so forth, label containers or tubs, organize that stuff and then stack them in the closet or against one of the walls of the home office in a neat and tidy manner. If you prefer filing cabinets, choose one that will grow with you. It doesn't do any good to buy a small, two-drawer filing cabinet if you'll fill it all at once. Instead, save your money until you can buy a three or four-drawer cabinet instead. Tall, narrow filing cabinets are great for smaller offices, though wider cabinets are good for "desk space" for printers and fax machines also.
The Computer Desk
Most homes these days are equipped with computers and all their accessories. Organize power cords and cables neatly and secure them with hook-and-loop fastening strips or twist ties to keep them out of the way. Not only is it safer, but it gives the home office a neater, more professional appearance. Designate a space for pens, pencils and rulers, preferable in a drawer or a storage container that is within easy reach of the desk, and yet blends in with the décor of your office. Give the office a comfortable feeling by arranging desks and furniture against the walls, leaving the middle of the room open. Purchase filing racks that sit on a desktop or cabinet for incoming jobs and designate a storage box or area for completed jobs. You can also find plastic file units like doctor's offices use at your local office supply store. The key to organizing a home office is to have a place for everything, and that goes from spare ink cartridges to that ruler you're always looking for.
Shelving
Some offices have room for bookshelves, but some don't. If you have the room, add a couple of inexpensive bookshelves and use them for extra storage of office supplies or files (and of course, books). You can also build some shelves using metal frames and planks, or you can give your office that "student" look and build shelves out of cinder blocks and planks. The key is to keep stacks of paperwork, files and supplies off the floor. For those who work out of offices where space is at a premium, consider installing a row of shelving near the ceiling. This type of shelf is great for older files and books that you need to hang onto but don't necessarily think you'll need anytime soon. Simple shelving units can be purchased at your local home improvement store for an inexpensive but appealing improvement to your home office.
Tags: home office, against walls, completed jobs, filing cabinet, filing cabinets, have room, your local
