If you work from home, chances are you’ve got a home office. And if you have a home office or if your workspace is in the kitchen or living room, for example you probably know what it’s like to have limited space and tons of stuff.
It can be daunting to find a place for everything, but once you do, it’s so worth it. A well-organized space will help you feel relaxed, focused and even inspired by the things around you.
Here are some tips to help make your home office more functional and comfortable:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Creating a comfortable and inspiring home office environment is essential for staying productive while working from home. |
| Staying organized can help you keep your workspace streamlined and enable you to accomplish more in less time. |
| Maximizing space and functionality in your home office can help you make the most of your workday. |
| Creating the perfect home office setup is crucial for staying productive and comfortable while working from home. |
| Choosing the right furniture for your home office is essential for creating a safe and productive work environment. |
Invest In A Desk That’s Comfortable To Sit At
It’s important to choose a desk that is both adjustable in height and sturdy. You should be able to adjust the height of your desk when you’re sitting at it, as well as adjust the angle of the chair.
It’s also good if the top surface of your desk is smooth, so that pens won’t roll off and pencils can rest on their points without wobbling around or falling over (and spoiling hours of work).
Make sure that any surfaces are large enough for what they’re supposed to hold; don’t put items on top because they fit you want them there because they need to be there!
Finally, pick a chair with ergonomic features such as support for arms and legs, lumbar support (the back part) or even footrests if possible.
These will help keep you comfortable while working long hours at home or away from home if you travel often
Creating a comfortable and inspiring home office environment is crucial to staying productive while working from home. Our guide on creating a comfortable and inspiring home office environment offers tips for designing a workspace that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it easier to focus on your work.
Don’t Get Caught Up In The Desk Color
You can’t see your screen if the color is too dark. And you definitely don’t want to be squinting at your computer trying to make out what’s on it especially if that’s where all of your work gets done!
That said, there are some benefits to having a desk that complements your personality and style. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter or stress, some light colors might help soothe you as they remind you of nature.
If there’s something really important (like an upcoming meeting) coming up, using bright colors like red or yellow might help boost energy levels and confidence in order to get ready for the big day ahead.
Office Furniture Color Table
| Color | Brand |
|---|---|
| Neutral colors like grey, beige, and white | Herman Miller, Steelcase |
| Natural wood tones | Knoll, HON, Global Furniture Group |
| Bold colors like red, blue, or green | Humanscale, Haworth |
| Black | Office Star, Flash Furniture |
| Non-reflective finishes | National Office Furniture, OfficeFurniture.com |
Make Sure You Have Enough Outlets
It’s important to have enough outlets in your office. If you don’t, it can become very difficult to work efficiently. You should know the exact number of outlets that you need so that you can be sure the room has what it needs.
For example, let’s say you’re moving into a new home and planning on using one room as an office. You have three desks scheduled to be placed in this room (one for each employee). Each desk will have its own computer on it, and all desks are set up such that each employee can see everyone else’s computer screen while they work.
Four outlets are needed for these four computers: one near each employee and another outlet in between groups of three employees since there isn’t enough space next to one person’s desk for two others’ computers and chargers plugged into their wall sockets at once (or else those cords will get tangled).
If there aren’t enough electrical outlets where you want them and if there aren’t any nearby options you might consider running an extension cord from somewhere else around your house or apartment building instead.
This isn’t ideal because extension cords can cause accidents when tripping over them; however, sometimes it may be necessary if everything else fails!
Staying organized in your home office can be a challenge, but it’s essential for productivity. Tips for staying organized in your home office can help you keep your workspace clutter-free and streamline your workflow, enabling you to accomplish more in less time.
Get An Ergonomic Chair
This is one purchase that you won’t want to skimp on. Your work chair is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home office, so invest accordingly.
When you’re shopping for an ergonomic chair, opt for something with adjustable lumbar support and arm height. In addition to these features, look for a seat that’s contoured to support your lower back and thighs (the seat shouldn’t be too deep), and make sure it has at least five inches of padding underneath your legs (the higher up the legs go, the more important this becomes).
When choosing a desk chair look out for bad backs; they’re often covered in leather or cloth with sharp edges that can dig into skin as you sit down or stand up.
Also avoid any chairs with exposed metal parts or plastic bases both materials can become very hot during summer months!
Finally remember: Ergonomic chairs are designed for long hours of sitting so don’t expect them all to be comfortable at first (especially if it’s just been delivered). Just like any other piece of furniture in your home office space there will need some “breaking-in” time before everything feels right again.
Ergonomic Chair Table
| Brand | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Herman Miller | Aeron Chair | $1,395 |
| Steelcase | Gesture Chair | $1,069 |
| Knoll | ReGeneration Chair | $803 |
| HON | Nucleus Series Work Chair | $663 |
| IKEA | Markus Swivel Chair | $229 |
Consider Your Screen Placement
Consider your screen placement. A laptop is fine if you’re on the road, but it’s not as good for your posture or eyesight as a desktop computer with a separate monitor.
Think about the light source in relation to your screen. Your screen should be to the right of any window and away from any direct sunlight that may be coming through it and since most people are right-handed, place the monitor on their left side so they don’t have to twist too much while typing or using a mouse.
If possible, consider placing lamps behind and above where you’ll be sitting so that there’s enough light to see everything clearly without excessive glare from overhead bulbs (which can cause eye strain).
Consider how high up or low down your desk is positioned relative to where you’ll be sitting at it: if possible, try raising one end slightly higher than another; this helps reduce back pain by leveling out uneven surfaces which can cause uneven strain across different parts of our bodies throughout our day spent working at said desk!
Finally, think about how far away from our eyes each object should ideally be placed —about 18 inches-to-2 feet would work well here.”
Maximizing space and functionality in your home office can help you make the most of your workday. Check out our guide on maximizing space and functionality in your home office to learn how to optimize your workspace for maximum productivity.
Organize It!
Organizing your home office can be a daunting task, but it is a process. Start by taking everything off the desk, then work your way down to the next layer of papers and supplies.
Organize these items in categories that make sense for you and your work style. Be sure to keep these organized areas clean so that they stay organized!
Once you have organized the top layer of your desk, it’s time to start putting things back into their places.
This may seem like a simple step, but sometimes we rush through this process because we don’t want to go through all the hard work again!
Be patient with yourself and do not put things away if they don’t belong where you put them initially; take time out from working at home so that when organizing begins again tomorrow morning (or whenever), it’ll be easier than ever before!
Desk Organizer Table
| Brand | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Safco | Onyx Mesh Desk Organizer | $42.99 |
| Design Ideas | Black 3-Tier Stackable Paper Tray | $35.99 |
| Poppin | White Slim Desk Organizer | $16.00 |
| Mind Reader | Vertical File Organizer | $12.99 |
| Rubbermaid | Optimizer Desk/Wall Organizer | $17.39 |
Be Mindful Of How You Store Things
Keep files and folders in a filing cabinet.
Use a label maker to label your files and folders. This will help you keep them organized when you’re looking for something later, and it also makes it easier for other people to find the right folder when they need it (this is especially important if you share an office with co-workers).
Use file folder holders to organize papers that are being held until they can be filed away permanently.
File holders hold stacks of paper neatly together, so they don’t take up as much room on your desk compared to if they were just thrown into one big pile there—plus, it keeps them from getting crumpled up!
If you don’t have any file holders lying around, try using magazine racks instead; magazines are usually smaller than most printouts or brochures which makes them ideal for this purpose (most likely).
Just make sure those magazines aren’t too old though no one wants moldy pages falling out all over their workspace!
And remember: always recycle unwanted items such as newspapers or flyers by throwing them away in an appropriate recycling bin–not down the toilet where they’ll clog up pipes!
Creating the perfect home office setup can be challenging, but it’s essential for staying productive while working from home. Our step-by-step guide for creating the perfect home office setup can help you choose the right furniture, lighting, and productivity tools to create a workspace that is both functional and comfortable.
Get A Comfortable Mouse And Keyboard
Next, consider the mouse and keyboard. Your hands will be on these for hours, so make sure they are ergonomically designed.
You shouldn’t feel like your hand is cramping up or going numb from using them all day. Ergonomic mice have a contoured shape that fits the natural bend of your hand, while keyboards should be easy to type on with minimal effort (and no glaring light).
Don’t forget about comfort! The right mouse and keyboard can make you more productive by helping eliminate fatigue and pain in your hands.
If you spend any amount of time at a computer, it’s worth investing in quality equipment that reduces strain you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or back pain!
Place Frequently Used Items Within Reach
You want to be able to access your most important items as quickly and easily as possible, but you also want to limit the amount of time you spend reaching for things.
This means keeping items like pens, paper clips and other supplies within reach on your desk or within arm’s reach in a nearby drawer.
It also means keeping your phone and laptop at least an arm’s distance away so that you don’t constantly have to crane your neck forward when using them.
If you have limited space on your desk, consider investing in a document holder that can hold important documents like contracts or forms in one place while still giving them visibility. The less time spent looking for something, the more time available for actual work!
Choosing the right furniture for your home office is essential for creating a productive workspace. Our guide to choosing the right furniture for your home office offers tips for selecting ergonomic furniture that promotes good posture and reduces the risk of discomfort and injury, allowing you to work comfortably and efficiently.
Be Kind To Your Back And Neck
Support your back. Make sure that you’re using a chair with adjustable height so that both feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90° angle. If you prefer to stand while working, consider getting an adjustable height desk or standing desk setup.
Use a lumbar support cushion in the small of your back when seated; this helps keep it straight and makes it easier to sit up straight, which is important since most of us spend too much time hunched over our desks these days!
Put some pillows behind your lower back for support if needed (you might also want to try using one under each thigh). Adjusting how far forward or backward your seat is from its original position may help as well (and remember: Don’t slouch!).
Give Yourself Some Space
To make the most of your space and keep things organized, you’ll want to give yourself some breathing room. Make sure there’s no clutter or other barriers between you and the rest of your home office.
In fact, it’s even better if there isn’t any wall between you and the rest of the room either! If possible, create an open area that allows for plenty of natural light (or at least adequate lighting).
If possible, set up a chair with wheels under it so that you can easily move around as needed this will help prevent back problems down the line.
Avoid stacking papers on top of one another; try keeping them in piles instead so they’re easier to access when needed.
It may be tempting to keep every piece of paper ever written near your desk just in case—but resist this urge! Instead, file those papers away in their appropriate folders or binders (you should probably have some by now). And whatever happens: don’t let your desk become a dumping ground for anything else!
You want this area clear enough for maximum productivity without feeling like there’s no place else where things go; also make sure nothing gets left out too long because then it becomes clutter which leads right back into problem territory again…
Find Or Create Inspiration Around You
You can find inspiration and motivation in many places. Find a place where you are comfortable, whether that be your local library, a coffee shop or somewhere else. You may also want to create your own space where you can feel inspired and motivated by the process of organizing your home office.
It’s important to remember that no one is perfect, but we all have something inside us that makes us unique. The key is finding this and believing in yourself every day!
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you feel more confident about your home office and its potential for productivity.
The most important thing is to make sure that you have a comfortable place to work, whether that means investing in an ergonomic desk or just making sure your chair supports your back.
Other than that, the best way to keep yourself organized is to find inspiration around you. Whether it’s a beautiful plant on your desk or something else like an inspirational quote hanging up above it…whatever works for you!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for organizing your home office for maximum productivity:
How to Organize Your Desk for Maximum Efficiency: This article provides practical tips for reorganizing your desk to optimize efficiency and achieve better results.
How to Organize Your Office for Maximum Productivity: This resource discusses how to create a clean, organized workspace that fosters productivity, and focus on getting more done.
Organize Your Workspace for Maximum Productivity: This Harvard Business Review article provides insights into the best ways to organize your workspace for maximum productivity, emphasizing key space optimization techniques.
FAQs
What is the best way to organize my desk at home for productivity?
The best way to organize your desk at home is to remove clutter and distractions, and to create a clear space where you can focus on your work. You can use desk organizers like folders, files, trays, or bins to help you arrange your items better and keep them within easy reach.
What are the key benefits of an organized home office?
An organized home office can help you be more productive, reduce stress, and increase your overall sense of control and satisfaction. By having everything arranged and tidy, you can focus better on your work, manage your time effectively, and stay on track with your goals.
How can I create a visually pleasing workspace?
To create a visually pleasing workspace, you can start by using colors and lighting that are comfortable, yet culling the distractions. Next, add wall art or picture frames that inspire you, because stimulation of your personal senses works really well to get rid of monotony. Creating an environment that speaks to your values and decor style is key to staying inspired even on the dull days.
Should I use digital or physical organizers?
That really depends on your preference and what works best for you. Both digital and physical organizers have their advantages and disadvantages. If you’re comfortable using digital tools, you can use desktop and mobile software to keep track of your files, projects, or notes. If you prefer a more traditional approach, physical organizers like notebooks, folders, or planners may work better for you.
How can I avoid procrastination while working from home?
The best way to avoid procrastination while working from home is to set clear goals and deadlines, create a schedule that works for you, and establish an environment that promotes productivity. You can also use productivity tools such as timers, focus aids or apps for distractions control to keep you on track and boost your efficiency.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James, and I’ve been working at home for over a decade. I’ve been looking for ways to be more efficient at home, and I have a bunch of tips that you’ll love.
