Choosing Your Desk and Storage Supplies
The most important piece of furniture in any home office is the desk. You want your desk to be functional and comfortable, just the right height so that you don't have to hunch over it, and with enough space to spread out your papers.
Important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, adoption paperwork, and divorce papers should be stored in a fireproof lockbox or in a safety deposit box. Make sure you have photocopies of all these documents on hand, but that the originals are stored in an extremely secure location.
As you choose a desk, consider U-shaped or L-shaped designs that provide ample space for a computer, lamp, papers, telephone, etc., but also give you space to do your work. If you incorporate a computer desk into your home office, make sure it's ergonomically designed. The ideal height of the keyboard should be about twenty-eight inches, yet the monitor should be at eye level so that you're not looking up or down at it.
The desk design you ultimately choose should be based upon what you'll be using the desk for. For example, if you'll be holding business meetings around your desk, you'll need ample room for chairs on both sides of the desk, plus a clear line of sight to the people sitting opposite you.
If you have bulky supplies in your office that you use rarely, perhaps you should move them into accessible storage. For printers, scanners, and other electronic equipment, purchase a cabinet where you can tuck these items away — just be sure that your storage cabinet has decent ventilation, as electrical items do need air to circulate around them.
For most people, desk space is a priority. Thus, you want to have at your disposal as much open desk space as possible, based on the amount of room in your home office. Take measurements and create your own blueprint on paper. This will allow you to experiment with different room designs so you can have the largest desk possible, yet not feel as if this piece of furniture dominates the room or makes for a claustrophobic workspace. Most home organizers recommend that you position your desk first and then arrange other pieces of furniture around it.
A creative office desk saves space.
Focus on the Essentials
Keep in mind that you'll probably want important files, your computer (and printer), telephone, calculator, and/or other items within arm's reach in order to maximize your productivity. To ensure that what you need is readily available, get rid of nonessential furniture and other items. Many physical items that used to take up precious desk space can now be found on your computer — you won't need a calculator or calendar if these items are available on your computer.
As soon as you complete a project, take a few moments to return all books, articles, and tools to their proper homes. As you put these items away, you communicate to yourself that you have eliminated one more project from your to-do list and that you now have the space to move on to fresh projects.
Likewise, while you'll want your computer printer within arm's reach so that you don't have to leave your chair to obtain a printout, your fax machine can probably be placed farther away and not stored on your main desk.
Creative Storage
Be sure to utilize the available space to its greatest potential. For example, instead of having file bins on your desk, can you utilize hanging files and take advantage of nearby wall space? A computer-monitor stand with a shelf above and a drawer underneath it is also an excellent tool for saving valuable desk space. This type of stand will ensure that your computer monitor will be at eye level, and thus inflict less stress on your neck, shoulders, and arms.
Office supplies, shipping supplies, and other items should be readily available. Consider purchasing drawer organizers to keep your office tools compartmentalized. For bulky items like industry magazines and articles, consider dual-function furniture — perhaps you can store these inside an ottoman with a pull-off top.
