Creating a Home Office
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-803 -- More Projects »
Organizational expert Louise Kurzeka offers tips for setting up a perfectly organized home office (figure A).
- Make sure to consider the space of your future home office. Is it part of a room that has other functions, like a guest bedroom, a den, or a playroom? How much of your work will you want to "hide" when you're done for the day/evening?
- Does the space have enough electrical outlets and phone jacks? Are they conveniently located? If possible, have additional wiring or phone lines installed. If using power bars, try to make them as accessible as possible (at waist height, for example ) so you don't have to go through an obstacle course to get to them.
- What kind of storage space will you need? In addition to paper files, computer disks and compact discs, remember that you'll likely be storing office supplies and possibly photos, cameras (video as well) and binoculars.
- When you design your workplace, assess the types of equipment you will need--filing cabinets, letter-writing supplies, pens, staples, etc. You should be able to perform multiple tasks within reasonable reach.
If you purchase furniture, be sure it offers flexible spaces and cubbyholes for various items and equipment. For instance, if you want to keep file cabinets underneath your desk, make sure they will fit before purchasing them (figure B). If you're short on space, store the majority of your office supplies elsewhere, keeping only what you need at the moment close at hand.Sort through your files once a year. Get rid of anything that you no longer need. Make sure to shred any financial sensitive material.
If you don't have a lot of floor space, consider stacking shelves as far up as the ceiling (figure C).
Guests Louise Kurzeka
Organization Expert, Everything's Together Organizing Services
Minnetonka, MN
Phone: 952-939-8080
Website:
www.everythingstogether.com Also in this Episode
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