Working from a home office can be a dream experience in many ways. After all, you may enjoy flexible hours, have an improved work-life balance and more. This type of work experience is not without its challenges as well. One of the more significant challenges is related to designing and organizing a functional work space. Many home office environments are relatively small, and you may need to complete many activities in this limited space. You may also need to store files, crafts, extra supplies and more in your home office. Implementing the right storage space strategy in your home office can help you to maximize the use of this space.
Choose the Right Furniture for Your Needs
The type of furniture that you select can play a major role in the amount of storage space available as well as in the functional space that you have to work with. For example, rather than select a plain table to work on, choose a desk that has numerous drawers as well as a credenza or hutch for additional storage space. You understandably want your home office to be aesthetically pleasing, but all furnishings in the space should be chosen carefully based on their abilities to serve functional purposes for you.
Maximize the Use of Vertical Space
It is easy to assume that the available work space in a small room is severely limited, but you may be overlooking the vertical space available in the room. With bookcases, a floor-to-ceiling shelf system and other features, you can fully maximize the use of available vertical space. You can also add ceiling-mounted hanging fixtures to hold files or supplies. Remember to use vertical space in an attached closet as well.
Use Mobile Work Areas
Depending on the type of work that you do, you may need a large work area at certain times of the day. Keeping a large table set up in the middle of the room or even off to the side may not be ideal or practical. However, you can invest in a mobile work area that you can move into position as needed. Some of these mobile features fold down to take up less space when not needed. They may even slide into a closet for hassle-free storage.
Organize the Small Stuff
While these steps may address your more significant needs for storage space, you may also have numerous smaller items that need to be organized properly and stored in out-of-the-way locations. Make use of glass jars, coffee mugs and in-drawer organizers to store things like thumbtacks, extra staples, pens and pencils, highlighters, rubber bands and more. Jars and mugs can be placed on a window sill or a wall-mounted shelf to keep them out of the way when they are not needed.
When you set up storage spaces in your home office, spend time thinking about what your specific needs and challenges are. While there are many strategies to consider, only a few may be applicable for your specific situation. For additional moving and storage tips, check out the other tips on our blog!