How to organize your home office

Traditional office jobs are fast becoming things of the past. While there are still physical office spaces, many workers split their time between a home office and a corporate office. Make sure that your home office is everything that you need it to be.

Home office organization tips

If your job allows you to be flexible with the amount of time you spend working in the office, make sure that your home workspace is up to your standards. Maybe you’re the sort of person who needs complete silence or maybe you’d prefer the company of others and do your best work in a coworking space. However, if you’re carving out space in your home as an office, make sure it’s working for you. Follow these tips to help set up and organize your home office.

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Choosing your home office space

If you’re setting up your home office for the first time, think about your space. Some people might be just fine setting up a mobile workstation at their kitchen table, while others might need a separate office and a lot of space. Consider what you’ll need to accomplish your work and be comfortable. Make sure the space you choose is well-lit and large enough for you to complete your tasks.

If you work exclusively from home, a dedicated office space is an excellent idea if you have the room for it. If you have a spare room that you can convert into an office, you may want to consider this option so that you can make the space into exactly what you need so that work doesn’t creep into other areas of your home. It’s important to draw boundaries between your personal and professional life.

Get comfortable

“If you work exclusively from home, a dedicated office space is an excellent idea if you have the room for it.”

If you’re going to spend a lot of time working from home, think about ways to make your home office comfortable for yourself. Your own space is endlessly customizable, so make sure that it works for you and that you don’t mind spending time there. A few things to consider include:

Your desk. You may not even need a desk for your job, but if you do, you should think about what you’ll need in terms of space and storage. You may want drawers and storage, or your tastes may skew more minimalist. If you easily get restless, an adjustable desk that allows you to switch from sitting and standing may suit your preferences.
Your chair. Make sure the desk chair you choose is one that you’ll feel comfortable sitting in for the long run. If you want adjustable arm rests or lower back support or any other special features, shop around for the seating arrangement that best suits your needs. A footrest may be something to consider as well, especially if you spend long hours sitting.
Lighting. Working in a dark room can be disorienting and may damage your eyes. It can also make you sleepy. To stay focused, choose a spot with lots of natural light or outfit your space with enough light so that you’re not straining to read and that your space isn’t largely lit by a computer screen.

Another consideration when setting up your space is how your technology is positioned. Keep your screen at eye level so you’re not straining your neck or hunching your shoulders, both of which may lead to headaches and “tech neck.”

Process paperwork

Your workspace at home should make you feel productive, not stressed or overwhelmed. Piles of paperwork and unprocessed mail can contribute to a feeling of anxiety. Make sure your workspace is organized and neat.

Collect all the spare papers and bills from around your house and do something with them. If they’re old and no longer needed, shred them. If they’re old but you do still need them, file them in a safe place so you know where they are and can access them later if needed. If you need to act on some of these pieces of mail, like pay a bill or register for an event, do the necessary action and then file or destroy the paper.

The goal is to reduce any clutter that can make you feel disorganized.

Set up your computer

If your job requires a computer, make sure that you have all the hardware and software you need to complete your work. Some hardware options you may need can include:

A mouse
An additional keyboard if you’re using a laptop
A secondary monitor
Headphones with a built-in microphone
A ring light, if you frequently need to be on camera
A printer

Software requirements for your device may include the Microsoft 365 suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint. If your company has provided you with a computer, they may also have provided all these programs for your use, but if you’re freelancing or providing your own device, you may need to purchase these productivity apps and programs. In some cases, your employer may cover the costs associated with these purchases, so that you can outfit your computer appropriately.

Organizing your home office will ensure a comfortable, productive workspace. If you’re interested in learning more ways to stay organized, follow these tips to organize your work-life balance.