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Working from home has become the norm for most professionals. Remote work allows people to work in the comfort of their homes without taking long commutes to the workplace – giving them more time to spend with their loved ones and on other hobbies.
These all contribute to a more balanced work-life integration, which is precisely why remote work is believed to be the future of work.
However, to fully reap the benefits of the remote work setup, there’s one thing that we must not overlook: home office organization. An organized home office creates a conducive environment for focused work while still being at home.
1. Designate a Dedicated Workspace
Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles when working from home is staying productive in a home environment. This is how it works – when you’re at home, your mindset would generally be geared towards relaxation and leisure. So, when you’re suddenly expected to switch gears and get the job done, it can be a little difficult.
To solve this, find a dedicated workspace in your home. This could be a specific room, a particular spot on the kitchen table, or a specific spot in your room. Ensure the area is free from distractions and other interruptions.
2. Create an Organizational System
Without creating an organizational system that works for you, your working efficiency is likely to suffer. The lack of a system may cause you to spend more time searching for documents and struggling to prioritize tasks.
It helps to pick the right organizational tools including file folders, functional storage drawers, desk organizers, digital productivity apps, and labeling systems.
Also, when we’re talking about systems, they should involve your daily routines. This can include tidying up your workspace to prevent all the clutter from building up over time.
3. Personalize Your Space
Your home is your space – that means a home office should reflect your personality, preferences, and needs. Organize it in such a way that it makes working in your workspace a lot more enjoyable. Plus, it can boost your creativity, motivation, and productivity.
4. Declutter Regularly
Organizing your desk isn’t a one-time task. Rather, it’s something that you must do regularly. Take some time out to throw all the unnecessary things in your workspace. Typical culprits include pens that no longer have ink, unused office equipment, and other outdated documents. Double-check any documents you have before disposing of them as they can be of great importance.
A popular question that often comes up when decluttering and organizing, inspired by Marie Kondo’s philosophy, is “Does this spark joy?” When applying this principle to the decluttering of your workspace, think about whether each item brings happiness or has a purpose in your professional life.
5. Proper Cable Management
Cable management doesn’t only improve the aesthetics of your home office, but also improves safety and productivity. Cables and cords can easily turn into tangled messes and pose tripping hazards. Also, they make it difficult to identify and access the devices they’re connected to.
To help manage your cables, it pays off to use cable organizers such as cable clips or ties. Use these to route cables along the edges of your desk or behind furniture to keep them out of sight and out of the way.
6. Move Personal Belongings to a New Location
Work is work – anything else that doesn’t belong to your workspace should be moved away from your working area, and that can sometimes include personal items.
Sure, it’s a great feeling looking back at your memories with that family photo from your summer vacation last year, but you can move it away from your working area instead and keep it in your office – especially if it consumes valuable desk space.
Alternatively, you can hang it on your wall over your desk so it doesn’t take up additional space. Should you insist on placing some personal items on your desk, leave it to a maximum of 2 small items.
7. Organize Your PC
When organizing your home office, you don’t just focus on the physical aspects, you also have to consider the digital components – that includes your personal computer.
Start with decluttering your desktop by removing unnecessary shortcuts and files. Any files you have stored in your computer must be stored according to an appropriate filing system to keep everything organized.
Just like how you eliminate physical clutter, you have to delete old files if they haven’t been used for a significant amount of time.
These principles also apply to your inbox. Sort your inbox by using folders and arrange them by topic, sender, or date. Be sure you delete your old messages as well.
Keep in mind that a clean digital space can positively influence your mindset, therefore boosting your efficiency and productivity at work.
Final Thoughts
That caps off our quick guide on the best tips for organizing your home office. By implementing these tips, you can create a productive and comfortable workspace that supports your work habits and preferences – leading to greater success in your remote work endeavors.
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