Time to Spruce Up That Home Office? Here are some tips!
Many of us work from home regularly and others have had to create a workspace out of necessity. So how can you update your space to help you maximize your efficiency? 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. A small workstation can work just as well as a larger one.
Here are some space-saving tips :
Make maximum use of space with shelves, overheads and towers, nesting pedestals and tables.
More with less. Three people can work comfortably in a 10’ x 10’ space with a trio of 120º workstations.
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.
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. Look up the retention policy for your business and tax files and shred the files you no longer need.
Only keep current projects on your desk. Use stackable file trays for easy access and to save space.
Use a dry erase board to track assignments, i.e. what's due and what's finished. Customize it to fit your needs. If possible, store only the supplies needed in your office space. Store extra supplies in an accessible closet or under your bed.
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.
Even if you’re the only one spending time in your home office, Psychology Today reports that the décor says something about you:
Plants and foliage: Well-tended plants hint at a person who intends to stick around.
Post-it notes: A deluge indicates a person who feels in over his or her head. (I guess it's time for me to rethink my post-it note system).
Time and time again: Task-oriented people tend to be conscious of the time and often have a time piece on hand. Clock lovers are usually thorough and hardworking.
Family photographs: Psychologists haven't reached a consensus on this one, with some saying family photos are a status symbol and others maintaining they're displayed out of guilt from too much time spent in the office or to genuinely remind one of beloved family members. How they're displayed could provide clues. If they're facing visitors, they could be for show. If oriented toward the person, motivations are more personal.
Motivation plaques, posters, etc.: This indicates engagement in the job and a desire to stay motivated.
Posters of famous people or historical figures: Hints at values and aspirations.
Neatness: We may try to mask untidiness by dumping items in drawers but psychologists assert that this personality trait is very resistant to change. "No matter how hard people try to clean up, usually they can never fully hide their true nature." A spick-and-span work area suggests a neat and organized individual.
Just bare: Empty work spaces hint at a person with little status in the company and who likely is not committed to his or her job.
Before you redecorate your home office:
Take a good look at your décor, paint, furniture, clutter, greenery, cleanliness, etc.
Check Pinterest and other DIY sites to help you with ideas based on your style preference. Maybe it's time to paint!
Homedit has some great style tips in this article including using baskets for storage and rugs to add warmth.
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:
A colorful mouse pad that reflects one of your interests
Scenic, motivational or hobby calendars
Personal photos in colorful, unique frames
Motivational posters
Little touches like motivational pencils (yes, pencils), or colorful paperclips or other small items that give you a mental boost when you use them.
Whatever you do, have fun with it! Show off your personality and make your space comfortable so that you can be productive throughout your day.