3 Tips To Create The Perfect Office Space In Your Home
More and more people are working from home, as it provides them with the freedom they need to do what they want when they want. If you need to take an afternoon off to take your child to a dentist appointment or a soccer game, you can do so. For many, this is the ideal solution to their issues.
However, if space is limited, how can you create a work office that ensures your success?
#1) Look At Your Budget
Be sure to look over your budget for the home office. If you have a large budget, you can transform a basement or attic into an office. Or, you can take a small shed in the backyard and turn it into a workable office. Of course, these are very expensive ideas and not always feasible.
A smaller budget means you need to get a bit creative, especially if the space you have is already limited.
From there, you need to determine what’s needed in the office. Do you need a desk, computer (laptop), printer, etc.? Find out what you need and go from there. Once you understand what’s needed in your home office, you can decide what space you will need.
#2) Find Your Space
Your space may be limited, but is that because it’s cluttered with things you don’t need? Consider getting rid of things you have not used in more than a year. Sell unneeded items online. By doing this, you free up space and earn some money.
Turn a guest bedroom into a home office. Eliminate the need for a bed and buy a couch with a pull-out sofa. You can use that as the office until you have company that needs the room.
If your home has a formal dining room that’s barely being used, consider getting rid of the table and add in a desk or use the table as your desk as long as it’s kept neat.
You can be very creative when turning a storage closet into an office space. When you’re through working for the day, you can close the door, and nobody has to see your messy desk. Or, you can turn the under-the-stairway space into your office room.
For some people, the only solution is to select an area of a family room or bedroom to designate as the office space.
#3) Make Efficient Use Of Your Space
When it comes to making efficient use of your space, there are several ways in which to do this:
- Use storage containers to ensure organization. This reduces the chance that paperwork overtakes the space.
- Use an online resource like Dropbox or Google Storage to reduce the amount of paperwork you have to contend with. Instead of physical books, invest in a Nook or Kindle.
- If you are faxing and copying documents, consider getting a three-in-one printer/fax/copier to reduce the need for two or three machines.
- Use an on-the-wall pegboard and a basket to store your paperclips and pens.
- Use a white marker board to write down ideas you have or to remember deadlines.
- Install tall floating shelves instead of wide ones to give you the space you need.
- Consider a foldup desktop that you can put away when it’s not needed, giving you more room when necessary.
Of course, it’s important that everyone knows that your office space is off limits. The only time they need to disturb you is when there’s an emergency. It’s not easy to transform a small space, but with a little planning and creativity, you can turn a small space into something workable and successful.
