The Secret To Successful Home Office Set-up and Design
The set up is really the foundation on which you’ll build your ideal home office space. So let’s start with a few basics.
To optimize your office space, here’s what you’ll need to do;
The Working Triangle:
You’ll want to arrange your office furniture so it forms three separate working areas around a central point.
This working-triangle layout is often in a ‘U’ shape, though you can also use a ‘V’ or ‘L’ shape if you desire. Just make sure all workstations are in easy reach of your office chair.
- Make sure you consider what didn’t work for you before .
- Don’t recreate the old layout just because you are familiar with it.
- Do it right. Start from scratch and give a good deal of time daydreaming or writing down how you will work and what space layout makes the most sense for you. Do it your way.
- Don’t let the opinion of others, who will not be utilizing the space sway your decision unless you give it thought and it makes sense.
- If you are left handed it will make a difference in where you position the furniture and equipment.
- If you are a shorter person, the distance will be much different than a tall person. Even the height of shelves and storage cabinets will differ.
- If you are a larger person make sure you have plenty of room to swivel and move about in your work triangle.
- Don’t make things too tight by trying to fit too much into the space if it crowds you.
Order is Critical:
Obviously your work area must be conducive to working. If clutter is distracting then take steps to resolve it. Having enough space to store all your supplies is one thing, keeping them in easy to reach places so you know where they are is another.
- Always keep your files and equipment in their proper place, and don’t let clutter accumulate. You can waste lots of valuable time just by having to spend a few extra moments every time you try to remember where you put that darned calculator.
- Do not try to organize your office all at once if it has gotten out of control. Set aside as little as 15 minutes to do a little at a time. That way it is not overwhelming and you will be surprised after a period of time how much has been accomplished.
- By doing work in small blocks of time you will continue with the process rather than getting frustrated and sick of it because you have taken on an overwhelming project.
- Whiteboards or corkboards are excellent items for keeping track of what you want to accomplish or want needs to be done. Erase or take down what has been done at the end of the day and be prepared for the next day.
Light, Light, Light:
When it comes to light, you’ll need to plan for more than just placement.
- Pay attention to color (white vs. yellow or full spectrum), noise (incandescent glow or fluorescent hum), and glare properties.
- Nothing ruins a workday faster than an ill-timed glare from a window that forces you to squint so hard you get a headache. Ugh!
- Poor lighting can lead to eyestrain and poor productivity and too bright or too much lighting can lead to headaches or just be plain distracting.
- The twofold purpose of proper lighting is to create a comfortable and beneficial work environment and good illumination for the any tasks whether it be writing, reading or working on the computer.
- The old standby table lamp should not be overlooked. Depending on the height it can be a perfect solution to many lighting problems.
- Task lights are great. I have had a flexible arm light that attaches to the wall (or desk) and it does not take up space on my desk is out of the way and gives great light wherever I direct it.
Comfort is King:
The importance of buying a good, adjustable office chair cannot be understated. You’ll be spending the majority of your time in the chair, so look at this purchase as an investment. But comfort doesn’t stop there.
- You want to make your office a nice place to work.
- A home office is most successful and efficient if it reflects the personality and taste of the person occupying it.
- If this means coming up with a new paint scheme, placing copious pictures of your kids around or throwing an old, dependable couch in the corner, do it.
- A comfortable workplace is worth ten times the money you put into it.
Be Ready to Grow:
Finally, you’ll want to make sure your office can grow as your business grows.
- Plan ahead and have enough space to expand into as your business takes off.
- It’s a great idea to think up as in floor to ceiling storage units or shelves rather than wall to wall.
- It’s amazing how space is wasted by ignoring this option.
- If the room has a closet there are a number of companies that can fit storage units into that space.
- There are custom options as well as stock units. See what fits your taste, needs and budget. The more flexible your workspace, the better prepared you are for expansion.