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Organizing Home Office Spaces - Planning
is the Key!
Organizing home office spaces can be one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family. Running a household today is different than it was years ago. There always seems to be something to do whether it is making telephone calls, paying bills, reviewing your finances, or filing that endless paper pile. So, organizing a home office workspace for doing these tasks streamlines the process and makes it more efficient.
Also, more and more people are working from home thanks to the advances in computer technology. So, if you would like to organize a home business you must organize your home office with special needs in mind.
Large projects like organizing home office spaces and supplies are best divided up into tasks. I approach all of my organizing projects using a 4 step plan: Assessment, Planning, Implementaion, Evaluation. So, let's get started!
1. Assessment
First, when you start organizing home office spaces ask yourself What is the purpose of my office? Decide whether it will be used for everyday tasks or dedicated to a home business.
Second, designate a space for your home office. You have limitless options if you have an extra room to dedicate towards a home office. If you don't have a separate room then there are many options and creative ways to
incorporate a home office into your home.
If you are planning a home business it is best to have a designated space where you can have uninterrupted work time. Remember, it takes discipline to work from home so the more your space feels like a business the easier it will be for you to stay focused on your work.
Third, assess what important items that must be included in the space. Items to consider are a computer or laptop, keyboard, CPU holder, printer or copier, fax machine, chair, filing space, necessary reference books, and general office supplies.
2. Planning
Planning your home office is the most important step in the 4 step process.
First, decide how the space you have chosen will be used. What kind of office furniture do you have and what elements are you missing? Are you adapting a space? - make a list of materials you need to construct the area.
Second, organizing home office spaces means being able to access items quickly and efficiently. Next time you are doing office type work note all of the items you need on a regular basis. These are the items that should be kept at arms length.
Third, decide how to organize these items around your workspace. Do you like desk top organizers, dry erase chalkboards, bulletin boards, baskets, magazine holders, rolling file cabinets, rolodex file, wall organizers, or cd and disc holders.
3. Implementation
Simply said take all of the above steps and put them together. Literally build your office by using the steps above. Assemble your furniture, arrange your computer, place files in order etc. If you took the time and assessed and planned right the first time putting it all together is sometimes the fun part.
4. Evaluate
Every good plan needs to be evaluated. After organizing your home office evaluate it on a regular basis. Make small changes as needed. If you spend time in the above steps any changes should be minimal.
The Main Challenges
As you kow every home office requires more than just a space and a computer. There are specific problems unique to an office whether it is a portable one or a fully equiped home business.
I feel the endless paper trail is the most challenging. Learning how to file your paperwork and organize you file cabinet in a way that works is a must and will make a huge difference in the amount of time you spend filing and retrieving necessary papers.
Then there is the demand of all of your financial and budget needs to consider. What papers do you keep? What can be tossed? How long do you keep any of your bills or receipts? I have
guidelines to follow
and a resource to help you answer these questions! If you need help organizing your finances check out the
budget worksheet.
It has great ideas for organizing your finances and a printable worksheet to help you manage your money.
A Final Note
There is so much technical "stuff" when organizing home office equipment that is important not to overlook some important elements. Remember that form follows function. Your space has to be appealing in order for you to enjoy being in that space. This is a priority for those using the space to run a home business. Your environment is critical to your success.
The best office is your office. So, when organizing home office spaces,scatter some personal touches throughout the space like a decorative lamp or special chair. Never underestimate the importance of ambience.People thrive and are most productive in spaces that they love. So, when you organize your space keep some of the home in home office. Find a balance between form and function and you will have a productive place to work while being surrounded by the comforts of home.
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