How To Spruce Up Your Home Office
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:
l Make maximum use of space with shelves, overheads and towers, nesting pedestals and tables.
l 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.
l A side table extends your work area and helps keep your main worksurface free of clutter.
l 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:
l Use a lateral filing cabinet as opposed to a standard vertical cabinet. Lateral cabinets hold more files.
l Store older files and research away from your office space. Box, label and store the files in another room or closet.
l Only keep current projects on your desk. Use stackable file trays for easy access and to save space.
l Use a dry erase board to track assignments, i.e. what's due and what's finished. Customize it to fit your needs.
l If possible, store only the supplies needed in your office space. Store extra supplies in an accessible closet or under your bed.
l 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:
l 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.
l Take a good look at your décor, paint, furniture, clutter, greenery, cleanliness, etc.
l Notice the atmosphere. Does it seem professional, inviting, comfortable, clean and neat?
l 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:
l A colorful mousepad that reflects one of your interests
l Scenic, motivational or hobby calendars
l Personal photos in colorful, unique frames
l Motivational posters
l Little touches like motivational pencils (yes, pencils) or other small items that give you a mental boost when you use them