Spruce Up Your Home Office
So a large portion of the population now works from home. But is all you have for an office 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. Here are a few space saving tips to make the most of your space:
-Make maximum use of space with shelves, overheads and towers, nesting pedestals and tables. 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.
-A side table extends your work area and helps keep your main work surface free of clutter.
-Two-for-one: A mobile pedestal can double as a visitor seat with the addition of a seat cushion.
-Use a lateral filing cabinet as opposed to a standard vertical cabinet. Lateral cabinets hold more files.
-Store older files and research away from your office space. Box, label and store the files in another room or closet. Use stackable file trays for easy access on your current files.
-Use a dry erase board to track assignments, i.e. what's due and what's finished. Customize it to fit your needs.
-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:
-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 functionality
-Take a good look at your décor, paint, furniture, clutter, greenery, cleanliness, etc. Notice the atmosphere. Does it seem professional, inviting, comfortable, clean and neat?
-Visit other friends or coworkers who work from home also and compare offices for suggestions.
Make it your own:
-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!
-A colorful mousepad that reflects one of your interests or favorite places
-Scenic, motivational or hobby calendars that serve a purpose as well as brighten the atmosphere.
-Personal photos in colorful, unique frames of your family, friends and pets.
-Motivational posters are perfect a positive mindset improves your productivity on long days. Little touches like motivational pencils (yes, pencils) or other small items can give you a mental boost when you use them. Something that makes you smile or laugh a little when you see it.
Everyone has had to make adjustments to life with COVID-19. Hopefully these little suggestions will help your home office too!