Storage space is a crucial element of any productive, full-fledged home office. If you ask me, it is quite difficult to be organized while your work environment is in disarray. Ideally, you have a whole separate room set up as an office, but even then there are some practical challenges to tackle. The good news is that there is no shortage of smart and creative solutions that keep clutter and mess at bay. You do not even have to break the bank to make a difference. So, here is how to turn your office work-ready.
Box and file it
Storage boxes are a common unit that can hold basic office supplies like paper, cords and envelopes. They do the trick just fine, but you should make an effort to label them. That way, you will be able to find everything quickly. Another popular organizational tool comes in the form of file cabinets below the work surface. You cannot deny their utility, although some people deem them unsightly. Well, a bit of spray paint, color-coding and new handles work miracles in terms of visual appeal.
Divide and conquer small items
Next, focus on smaller items and knick-knacks. It is easy to lose sight of them or give up due to their peskiness, but solutions like DIY mail organizers or even old muffin tins are highly effective in dealing with this nuisance. Use them to store bills, keys, paper clips, pencils, business cards, etc. Also, before you invest in new storage, see if you have some old mugs and masonry jars lying around. They are a great tool to keep your desk space tidy and clean.
Commercial-grade greatness
You can always take your game to the next level by drawing inspiration from corporate environments. Do your research and find providers of versatile commercial storage solutions in your area. You can go for various environmentally-friendly contemporary units that will make working in your home base of operations a pure joy. From small wall hooks to large, multi-tier shelving, the commercial storage world is teeming with possibilities.
Wall-mounted storage
Furthermore, try to maximize the vertical dimension to save floor space (and keep it dust-free more easily while you are at it). Open shelving is an office staple that is easy to set up and can serve as storage for various items and supplies. As an added bonus, you can place potted plants and framed pictures for a splash of personality and style. And if you fancy DIY projects, feel free to create your custom box or dowel shelves. Another option is to hang a rod and clip system on the wall to store small devices, important notes and other items. The list goes on.
Built-in solutions
In case you are feeling pressed for space, do not fret. Take advantage of built-in and custom-made storage units like integrated shelves and purpose-built bookcases and chests of drawers. They make good use of every inch of available space, even those awkward and corner areas. What is more, you can keep things you do not need on a daily basis out of sight. The only thing is that it may cost you more to integrate these units. In my opinion, though, they pay dividends.
Plenty of storage sets a nice stage for good work habits and uninterrupted workflow. Namely, fostering a positive change in your immediate surroundings reflects on your work performance. Every piece counts and adds up, regardless of how small it is. So, it is time to set order to your zone of productivity and banish clutter for good. Feel free to get creative and explore DIY options— add a utilitarian feel and stylish touches. You will be able to keep the work mojo going and get more things done every day.
Lillian Connors can’t resist the urge to embark on a myriad of green living/home improvement projects and spread the word about them. She cherishes the notion that sustainable housing and gardening will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on. You can check her out on Twitter
