Good Home Office Organization: 11 Things to Consider

Now is a great time to organize your home office! In just a few weeks or so you will feel the difference in your productivity and ability to handle whatever the day throws at you.

If you are serious about making some changes for the better, reviewing key  home office considerations will help you formulate a plan. Once you’ve addressed the 11 issues below you will be very close to an organizational design for an office that works perfectly, day after day.

1. Placement. Make sure the space is right for you. Even if you currently have a home office located somewhere in the house, don’t feel obligated to keep it there. Working with a professional designer who takes detailed measurements and assesses your inventory could lead you to better possibilities.

2. Style. Your home office design should complement the style of the room and home. You can certainly integrate the personal pieces you want in your home office keep your eye on the overall effect. Whether your home is casual or formal, eclectic or traditional, sustain that theme in the design of your new office.

3. Habits. How do you work? What is your work style? Here you should ask yourself questions such as:

• Who will be “hanging out” and using the office besides you.
• Do you need multiple seating?
• Will you be working primarily during the day or in the evening?
• Do you want your supplies visible or completely concealed?

4. Usage. What kind of work will you be doing here? Your sole need might be a place to land your laptop and check email; or you could be an architect who needs lots of space for blueprints and design work. You may want a highly creative environment to inspire your writing or crafting pursuits. This is where a professional designer can really help, by walking you through an analysis of your work needs to come up with a good organizational plan.

5. Books. How many books will you have? Ample book storage is a common goal with home office design. Whether they are behind cabinet doors or arranged on open shelves, books must be accessible but definitely off the floor and out of boxes.

6. Files. Even if it’s just having a way to track the activities of your family members, you will most likely need to have an efficient file management system. This can be a series of shelves with dividers, drawers that are sized to fit hanging file folders or a combination of features. With a more efficient home office you may be able to consolidate various filing projects that are currently scattered throughout the house.

7. Equipment. Very few home offices survive without a printer, but printers have a large footprint and need special accommodation. Other common equipment for a home office includes desktop computers, computer towers, a phone and perhaps a flat-screen TV.

8. Clients. Will clients be coming? The location of your home office ideally should be near the home’s entrance. Also, good storage and attention to aesthetics will be of paramount importance.

9. Budget. What is your budget for a custom home office that will satisfy all your needs? Costs vary widely but you should count on a base price starting at $2,000 for a well-designed custom home office system. Look for a company that offers all-inclusive pricing—for example, ours have no hidden design or installation fees.

10. Design. What kind of system will you need? Some home offices are built with a drawer or cabinet for each household member; some are extremely private sanctuaries with valuable papers under lock and key. In fact, you could be “making do” with a design that actually isn’t right for you. The good news is that a custom design will change that.

11. Custom or DIY. You should consider all of these points and then decide if a do-it-yourself product is going to work effectively for the price and effort. If you determine that a custom home office is the way to go, then take advantage of a free professional consultation.

Make an appointment with one of our designers now—it’s free and easy. Just use the form on the right or call (800) 838-9775.