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:
* Make maximum use of space with shelves, overheads and towers, nesting pedestals and tables.
* 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 worksurface free of clutter.
* 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:
* 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.
* Only keep current projects on your desk. Use stackable file trays for easy access and to save space.
* If possible, store only the supplies needed in your office space. Store extra supplies in an accessible closet.
* 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 in staff as well.
* 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 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:
* A colorful mousepad that reflects one of your interests
* Scenic, motivational or hobby calendars
* Personal photos in colorful, unique frames
* Motivational wall art
* Plants
* Little touches like motivational pencils (yes, pencils) or other small items that give you a mental boost when you use them