When it comes to running a home office, you can get the most out of your efforts by staying organized and upholding an efficient mindset. In order to boost your level of maintenance, consider the following suggestions that will hopefully make life much easier. In the long run, you will find that an organized home office is one that certainly saves priceless time, money, and energy.
1) Get Rid of Unnecessary Items
Your home office not only serves as a place of business, but can also evolve into your own sanctuary -- where magazines, newspapers, and other unnecessary distractions can pile up. Other common offences include storing empty boxes, broken equipment, and outdated office supplies. There are many different ways to remove unwanted items. For instance, you can give away the old monitor collecting dust in the corner of your office; sell the extra printer sitting next to your new one; recycle the old newspapers and donate old magazines to the local laundromat.
2) Purchase Decent File Cabinets
When it comes to setting up file cabinets in your home office, keep in mind that the cheapest purchases will only tilt forward if you open two or more draws at one time. Over the years, the material will also begin to warp. If you invest in a sturdy file cabinet in the beginning of setting up your business -- the higher cost will surely pay off in the end. Do not forget -- brand name items are found at discounted office furniture stores or sold online (like in the local classifieds or Craigslist).
3) Avoid Two Drawer File Cabinets
Unless you are planning on running a home office as a short term plan, keep in mind that file cabinets with only two drawers are fine for personal papers, but not for company files.
4) Sufficient Shelving
Make life easier and outfit your home office with a decent amount of shelving, which can help with the organization of your important papers, books, and other supplies. Cut down on the costs by browsing discount stores like IKEA.
5) Remove Desk Clutter
If you have a habit of crowding your workspace with knick knacks, remember that this practice will only decrease your productivity by increasing the amount of accumulated clutter and distractions. It is suggested to store the items you do not regularly use in a file cabinet, shelf, or desk drawer. An organized home office setup filled with harmony may include the elements of Feng Shui.
6) Protect Cables and Wires
As a business grows, it is inevitable that the amount of office and computer equipment needed to keep afloat will increase. This means more electrical, phone, data cords and cables will occupy your home office space. To efficiently protect and safeguard this growing mess -- use multi colored heat shrink tubing to color code your cables. This will make it easier to manage your hardware. The shrink tubing will also protect your cords from unwanted bumps and bruises, which can increase longevity.
7) Label Important Files and Folders
If you continue to haphazardly store your files and folders, when it comes time to locate an important detail hiding in the sea of paperwork -- you will not only lose time and energy -- but also possibly a potential client or business partner. Labeling all files and folders will increase productivity. Many entrepreneurs have benefited from the purchase of a label maker.
