Whether you work from home full time or after hours, it's important to create a space that works for you. If you're constantly trying to find supplies, client files and important information, your home office may be due for an overhaul, or at least a facelift. There are a few simple ways to get started.
1. Before you decide where in your home to set up your home office, carefully evaluate every room and ask yourself a few questions:
• Will you actually work in this space?
• Will distractions be kept to a minimum?
• Is there ample lighting?
• Is there enough room for all of your equipment, files, and supplies?
• Are there enough electrical outlets?
• Would it be difficult to run a phone line and would you be able to have Internet access?
By answering these questions, you'll be on your way to identifying the best space for a home office.
2. Invest in functional furniture that fits the décor of your home. Keep your home office from becoming an eyesore compared to the rest of your home, by taking advantage of the many home office furniture options available. Whether you want a simple writing desk (ideal for a laptop computer) with a lap drawer for supplies, or a large desk with drawers for supplies and files, determine whether the piece is functional, then decide if it matches your décor. When purchasing furniture, look for an ergonomically correct desk and chair as well as a bookcase to store reference and business books. If you have limited home office space, or you need to “close your office doors” at the end of the day, an armoire with enough space to house your office equipment is ideal. Plan ahead by measuring your space before you buy any new furniture. One of my client’s enthusiasm for a new armoire was squelched when she realized on delivery day that the armoire she bought couldn’t make the turn at the top of the stairs.
3. Decide which of the five basic furniture arrangements for your home office is best for your space, L-shape, Parallel, U-shape, corner, or reverse corner arrangement. The arrangement you choose depends primarily on the size of your office, the type of furniture you have, and how much work surface you will need.
The L-shaped work area offers the important advantage of getting equipment off your desk and onto a secondary surface.
The U-shaped work area allows you to keep everything within reach on three surfaces. All you have to do is swivel your chair one way or the other while you work.
The parallel layout generally positions your desk facing into the room and your secondary surface behind you. Although the two surfaces aren't next to each other, you can easily access everything you need.
The corner arrangement and reverse corner arrangement include a desk with returns on each side. The desk either faces into the corner or out into the room.
4. Be creative with file storage. Instead of using a grey, metal file cabinet to store your files, find other alternatives. You could store files in a wooden or wicker ottoman, below a window seat with file frames inside the drawers, or inside a decorative wooden trunk. A good way to keep files you use often nearby is by using a desk with at least two deep file drawers. One of my clients uses an antique dresser with plenty of drawers to store files.
By taking the time to set up or redesign your home office, you'll create a space in which you'll actually enjoy working.
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