My nephew working at my desk

Organizing a home office for productivity was my top priority when I was searching for my last apartment. Did the potential new home have enough space to create a designated home office? In my old place, my kitchen table doubled as my work space. This ultimately lowered my productivity as the space also held other functions: working, eating, watching TV, reading, and relaxing. My table remained cluttered with all aspects of my life which caused items and lists to became lost or hidden, not to mention how easily the clutter derailed my output by distracting me to declutter. After moving into my new place, I finally created a space to place a desk, computer, printer, and all my work files and supplies. A space restricted to work and only work. Ahh, bliss.

Is it Time?

So, do you work from home? Is having a home office important to you? Maybe you only work from home 1-2 days a week and are wondering if it’s necessary to designate a specific space as your office. You feel like you’re doing just fine working from the kitchen table or your living room couch. 

I’d like to take a moment to point out that the fact that you’re reading this article is proof that somewhere (and it could be deep inside of you), you know it’s time to create a designated space in your home. You’re ready.

But if you need more convincing, here are 4 reasons why it’s time to maximize your output by creating a home office.

Why Bother with Organizing a Home Office for Productivity?

1. 1. Mental Clarity & Focus: When your workspace is not a designated work-only zone, it can become a magnet for household clutter. From piles of mail to old magazines or boxes from amazon on the desk, clutter distracts us and requires cleanup, which can deplete our finite motivation and resources. We all know a cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind, which increases visual and cognitive overload. By removing unnecessary stimuli from your field of vision, you free up mental energy that can be directed toward creative problem-solving and deep work.
   2. Improved performance and efficiency: When distractions are eliminated, you can work more efficiently and increase your output. Instead of wasting time searching for documents, rearranging your desk, or being sidetracked by personal tasks, you can focus on the work that matters. Also, these days, with the global trend of video calls, your workspace is a reflection of your professionalism. A clean, organized background gives a positive impression to clients and colleagues, suggesting that you are meticulous and in control of your work.
   3. Enhanced well-being and mindset: A dedicated, organized home office creates a physical separation between your professional and personal life. This is especially important for remote workers who struggle to “switch off” at the end of the day. By leaving your workspace, you signal to your brain that the workday is over, helping to prevent burnout.Also, when you intentionally design a space for your work such as hanging a diploma or a child’s drawing, you personalize it and invest it with your energy. This sense of ownership can boost your morale and encourage you to produce higher-quality work.  Maybe the most important aspect regarding clutter, constantly searching for misplaced items or dealing with visual clutter can significantly increase stress levels. An organized workspace reduces the mental load, giving you a greater sense of calm and control over your environment and workload.
   4. Future-proofing your career: In an uncertain economic climate, demonstrating your value as an asset is critical. An organized approach to your work, starting with your physical environment, showcases your dedication and professionalism to employers and clients. It subtly reinforces that you are reliable and competent, which could make you more resilient during potential future layoffs.

What’s the Best Home Office Setup for Productivity?

This 100% depends on you and how your brain works but here are some steps to take to help you figure it out. You’ll need to decide: 

Where to set up your home office space:
You first have to decide where your permanent office space will be located in your home. Near windows to let in natural light or in a room with four solid walls and only florescent lighting. Do you only have space in one corner, or will you work from the kitchen nook? How about in the spare bedroom? What about converting a closet into an office? You have multiple options, so choose the one that best fits your needs for a home office.

How to set up an office for maximum productivity:
Then decide how you need your office set up to be productive (see everything or hide everything). Personally, I have to have a cleared desk, with all papers in labeled folders, and what I’m working on in one to-do pile. After an hour or two, my desk will be littered with my work, but that initial start, I need that clean slate, with everything hidden.

What you need for your home office space:
Finally, what do you need? Do you need to move a desk or table into your space or is one already there or built into the wall? Maybe you’ve been dreaming of buying a standing desk that converts into a sitting desk? Or is it time for a computer or two more monitors? Do you need a new ergonomic chair or a filing cabinet? Imagine what you loved best about your space at the work office (or any office over the years) and try to recreate it in your home. This can include plants, photos, mini cooler for drinks, to even certain office supplies or your favorite pen cup. 

Organization Tips for Home Office

1. 1. Chair: this is the most vital piece when organizing a home office for productivity. Why? Because if you don’t have the perfect ergonomic chair that fits you, you’ll create physical issues in the body that will deter you from working. You’ll start dreading sitting in that chair which can lead to you dreading your work.Find a chair that is the right height and shape so that your posture, comfort, and overall health is supported.
   2. Desk: you need a space that is designated as your work desk. Don’t use it to eat dinner, or watch TV, or to gather the kids’ toys. Christen it as your workspace, so that your brain will know it’s time to work when you sit in that chair and start working at the desk.
   3. Categorize items together: like goes with like. Separate office supplies, paper, envelopes, files, books, notebooks, etc. and store each category together. Items that you use every day need a home that’s within arm’s reach when sitting in your chair. Less often used items can be stored further away.
   4. Organizing materials: Buying organizing materials will help you separate office items so it’s easy for you to see, grab, and utilize. Use trays for drawers (an office supply separation must), labels on folders and binders (either hidden in a drawer or displayed on a shelf), bins for shelves, magazine holders, wall organizers (I love cork boards), and weekly planner notepads.
   5. Happy energy: you can choose an austere desk and surrounding walls, to mimic a neutral work office. Or you can choose to surround yourself with plants, positive quotes, beautiful photos, diffusers, and other items that make you happy when you view it. I love having my personality reflected in my work areas.
   6. Maintain: work happens and will disrupt your organized office. It’s okay. Maintain it by resetting at the end of each workday or every Friday. Personally, at the end of each day, I clear my desk and create a new to-do list and pile for the next day.
   7. Recycling bin: The last suggested item for you is a recycling bin near your workspace. Throughout the day, I relish crumbling my to-do lists (after I’ve completed what’s on it of course!) and tossing them in my recycling bin.

Start Organizing Your Office Space

Are you feeling motivated to organize a home office for productivity? Are you able to visualize the perfect workplace in your home? Create your home office to-do list and get started today! Feel free to share your before and after photos with me (SoulsticeLiving@gmail.com)! 

Good luck! Happy designing. 

Stephanie

For additional tips and tricks, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Ready to tap into the healing and motivating power of sound? Listen to Podcast: ‘Y’ is for Yelling ‘Wh08p!’ after Completing each Task