The move towards remote work was an avalanche rather than a trickle, and while things have settled significantly since that first burst, there are still a growing number of people who are only just beginning to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
The problem comes when your home office gets clogged up with all manner of detritus, mixing professional tools with domestic items and leaving you feeling frazzled before you sit down at your desk each day.
If this is a situation you’re faced with, stick with us as we bring you up to speed with a few organizational tips that will transform your home office for the better.
Declutter Your Desk
A clean desk sets the stage for productivity, while experts agree that clutter is actively stressful and will have the opposite effect.
Here’s how you can address this issue:
• Start Fresh: Remove everything from your desk. It might look like a tornado hit, but it’s necessary.
• Categorize Essentials: Sort items into “keep,” “store,” and “discard” piles. Only essentials stay on the desk.
• Use Cable Management Solutions: Invest in cable organizers or clips to prevent wires from tangling.
• Adopt Minimalism: Keep only frequently used tools within arm’s reach, such as a pen holder or a notebook.
• Utilize Drawer Organizers: Keep smaller items like paper clips and sticky notes sorted with drawer inserts.
Optimize Vertical Storage
When floor space is limited, think vertically. This is a great tip to making any room look organized, and certainly applies to compact home office spaces. Here’s how to maximize vertical storage:
• Install Wall Shelves: Use floating shelves to store books, office supplies, or decor items without using desk space.
• Pegboards and Hooks: Pegboards provide customizable storage solutions for tools, headphones, or cables.
• Tall Cabinets: Opt for tall cabinets that utilize the height of your room instead of wider ones that take up floor area.
• Overhead Baskets: Mount baskets on the wall to keep things like mail or paperwork organized.
Utilize Behind-the-Door Space
Don’t overlook the space behind your door. It’s prime real estate for storage. And now that 22 million of us work from home full-time, there’s a real need for this type of organizational advice. Here are some options:
• Over-the-Door Organizers: Use organizers with pockets to store office supplies, mail, or even a small whiteboard.
• Hanging Hooks: Install hooks to hang bags, headphones, or jackets out of sight.
• Shoe Racks: Repurpose over-the-door shoe racks for holding items like rolled-up documents or art supplies.
• Magnetic Strips: Attach magnetic strips behind the door to hold metal tools and accessories securely.
Integrate Multifunctional Furniture
In a compact office, furniture that serves multiple purposes can make a big difference. This is particularly important given that around 40% of homes have just 3 bedrooms, so it’s likely that one of these will be doing double duty as an office space. Choices here include:
• Folding Desks: Opt for desks that fold away when not in use to save space.
• Storage Ottomans: Use ottomans with storage compartments to hide away items while providing extra seating.
• Convertible Shelves: Look for shelves that transform into desks or tables as needed.
• Murphy Desks: Install wall-mounted Murphy desks that fold up flat against the wall when not in use.
Enhance Lighting and Ergonomics
Proper lighting and ergonomics are at the core of what makes a comfortable, productive workspace. Since your productivity can actually dip by as much as 20% when working from home, this needs attention. Consider the following:
• Adjustable Desk Lamps: Use lamps with adjustable arms to direct light where you need it most. This will help you avoid one of several common lighting mistakes.
• Natural Light: Position your desk near a window if possible, as natural light reduces eye strain and boosts your mood in one fell swoop.
• Ergonomic Chairs: Invest in chairs that support good posture, reducing back pain during long work hours. Top tier brands like Herman Miller regularly earn plaudits in this space, although more budget-friendly models from Branch are also worth exploring.
• Monitor Stands: Use stands to raise your monitor to eye level, preventing neck strain.
Personalize Without Overwhelming
A touch of personal flair can make your office inviting without adding clutter. And while remote working has been shown to increase morale by 20%, there’s no reason you can’t push this even higher in your own role with the following options:
• Select Photos Savvily: Display a couple of meaningful frameless photo prints or a piece of artwork to inspire you.
• Pick Plants for Freshness: Small potted plants or succulents add greenery, and won’t overwhelm the space with foliage.
• Functional Decor: Choose decorative items that also serve a purpose, like stylish organizers or clocks.
• Color Coordination: Stick to a cohesive color palette to keep the space looking orderly.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to accept that organizing your home office will take a few hours of your time, rather than being something you can blast through quickly. With that in mind, you can apply our tips and end up with a decluttered, well-lit, ergonomic and productive space that you can be proud of.
