Suit yourself, your spouse, your students
Before you plan your home office design, consider everyone who will use it. Is this space exclusive to you, or does it include a spouse and children? Think about the postures they’ll assume and the stuff they’ll want to store when they bring work home, play computer games or do homework here. When multiple individuals bring their work or personal belongings into the office, it’s essential to consider the specific storage requirements to create a versatile and accommodating home office system. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that everyone’s unique needs and preferences are met.
Get comfortable
Though the science of ergonomics is complex and ever-changing, you and your family can benefit from the basics. Situate desk and chair heights so that your knees, elbows and hips relax at right angles while you’re seated at the keyboard or writing area. To comfort taller or smaller family members, choose an adjustable chair, and add a footstool when needed.
Additionally, consider adding a footstool when needed. A footstool can be beneficial for maintaining proper posture, especially for individuals whose feet may not comfortably reach the ground when seated. It helps support the feet and reduces pressure on the lower back.
By focusing on these basic ergonomic principles, you can create a home office environment that promotes comfort and well-being for everyone in your family.
Shed and shade light
Natural light can keep you alert and focused, but make sure to shield your monitor from direct rays to reduce glare. You may light the room with an overhead or floor lamp, but be sure to add a smaller, task-based light to avoid casting a dark shadow over your work.
Experiment with the positioning and intensity of the lights in your home office to find a setup that works best for you. Aim for a well-lit space that is comfortable and conducive to productivity, combining the benefits of natural and artificial lighting. Remember to take regular breaks, adjust lighting as needed throughout the day, and listen to your body’s signals for optimal lighting conditions in your home office.
Anticipate technology
When setting up your home office system, it’s essential to consider the tech gadgets you currently own as well as those on your wish list. Here are some tips to accommodate your technology needs:
If you use a wireless laptop, think about the lighting and seating arrangements for multiple locations. Ensure there is ample lighting in the room, considering both natural light and artificial light sources. Position your desk or workspace near a window to make the most of natural light, but be cautious of glare on your screen. For artificial lighting, consider a combination of overhead lighting and task lighting with adjustable desk lamps to provide adequate illumination.
If you’re working with a desktop computer, consider space-saving options. Shelving or strapping the CPU below your desk or on a nearby shelf can free up valuable surface space. Just make sure it’s positioned in a way that doesn’t interfere with your legroom or risk accidental contact with delicate components like the hard drive.
Home Office Organization
Get strategic with your shelves to make room for what you’re working on right now and leave space for the personal props that inspire you: photos, post cards, fingerpaintings. At an arm’s length, stow pens, stapler, clips, and the few references you use daily—so you won’t have to get up to rummage for them when you’re on a roll. Use other shelves to stack extra paper, toner, envelopes and stamps—supplies that will save you a mid-project trip to the store.
Protect your peace of mind
Designate your custom home office a sacred space. Clutter can dull your focus and wrinkle your brow. You’ll be surprised how a clean desk policy can de-stress even bill-paying. Invest in storage solutions that help you keep your supplies and materials organized. Use drawer dividers, trays, or bins to categorize and store essential items like pens, notebooks, and cables. This not only keeps your workspace tidy but also ensures that you can easily find what you need when you need it.
Sort before you stash
Spare yourself a prolonged office cleanup by making quick decisions. As you encounter new papers, decide whether you’re using them this minute, this month, or in a month of Sundays. Clip, tack or prop up pieces you need now to get the job done. Use letter trays, brackets or nearby shelves to stack papers you’ll need later this month (references, articles, pending bills). Relegate nonurgent but important items (financial and health records) to your big file cabinet or deep drawers. Send sensitive information you don’t need to keep (offers that include your credit card number) right to the shredder.
Remember to remove clips and staples from office paper and mail you send to the recycler. These metallic bits can contaminate a batch of recycling larger than the one you’ve produced.
Show it to know it
Prepare a pleasing and project-worthy visual aid with a chalk or marker board… a place for your running list of to-dos, your best ideas and reminders to other family members. To make the board aesthetically pleasing, consider adding color-coded markers, chalks, or sticky notes. Experiment with different fonts and styles to make your lists and ideas visually engaging. You can also add personal touches like inspiring quotes, motivational images, or small decorative elements that resonate with your personality and work style.
