You don't need and extra bedroom to have a functional office and workspace! Whether your office is separate from the rest of your home or created in some other space that is shared, these tips and ideas will help you maintain order, productivity and creativity when working.
Finding the right placement and position for your dual space office.
Decide what part of your home you feel you could work the most efficiently or that's ideal to be a dual functional space. If you decide you don't want to bring any work to your bedroom, then find another place in your home to create your office space.
Position your desk where the view is less distracting or most inspirational. If you have chosen your living room, you may like your desk to face your entertainment center or TV, or you may want to be closer to a window and away from the TV.
Make sure you are choosing a space near an electrical outlet or can easily make use of an extension cord.
Explore the right lighting source for a morning, afternoon and night working scenario!
Consider a spot with wall space nearby to add décor.
The goal is to be able to create an inviting space to nurture you during your work time. If it doesn't FEEL inviting, you're less likely to want to work there!
Add something green, preferably plant life close to you. It'll help you work better and feel happier.
Put up recent accomplishments, certificates or plaques. When you celebrate and show your accomplishments, it will reaffirm your vision and goals.
Add inspirational quotes as wall décor or get a nice bulletin board and mix visually appealing things in.
Ideas to help your desktop stay clear and in order.
Only keep on your desk the minimal of what you might need and stash the rest away. Office supplies can be addicting! Having too much of it on your desk can be a distraction.
Keep only current project stuff you are working on, at your desk.
Designate an area on your desk for incoming work, files or mail to review.
Put heavy filing items away from your work space when you are done working in them. If your desk has too many ongoing piles, you could easily become overwhelmed.
Before & during your work time.
Check to be sure you are starting with a clean slate- put things back in order.
Don't allow anyone to place items that do not belong in your space. Be vigilant and consistent about this! If your space is shared, it's easy for people in your home (especially if you have kids, significant other/spouse) to think your desk is the catch all for extra things they might want out of their way or clutter, not realizing that doing this can be a huge distraction and disrespectful to your work space.
Have a space where appropriate items to go for your review, like an in-box.
Let people/in your home know when you are working and need privacy or when that area is off limits so that you can focus.
Handle your in-box filing at LEAST bi weekly.
Once a month, redo your bulletin or pin boards- reorganize- refresh visually.
Keep a physical monthly calendar nearby at a glance.
Consider using a white board to add your to-do's or jot down important notes.
Keep an idea jar or envelope near your desk to collect all those stray post it notes and ideas that come to mind.
Take time and play around with adding new things in or out of your workspace. Rearrange as often as you need to but give yourself a chance to get used to working in your space before you make any additional or abrupt changes. Creating your office space allows your creative mind to soar, but it can also be addicting! Decide that what you have is enough and get to work!
