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Organizing Home Office

"As more people opt for remote work, establishing an organized home office can significantly enhance productivity and professionalism.

 

Cultivating a serene environment not only fosters relaxation but also serves as a functional storage solution for the entire home."

-Auntie Kat, updated on April 1st, 2024

You will find in this article:

#Preparation and Declutter

#Common Things in the Home Office

#Create Zones and Tips

#An illustration from a Professional Organizer

On a Laptop

Preparation

Before diving into the project, gather boxes, bags, or bins to help sort items into categories such as Keep, Donate, Discard, and Relocate.

Related Article:#Declutter Step By Step

Step I: Declutter

1. Determine your objective for decluttering. Do you want to improve organization, create more space, or simply get rid of unnecessary items?

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2. Set aside dedicated time to focus on decluttering. Depending on the size of your office and the amount of clutter, this could be a few hours or an entire day.

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3. Collect boxes, bins, trash bags, and any other organizing supplies you may need. You'll use these to sort items and store them efficiently.

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4. To enhance the decluttering process, tailor your approach based on the volume of clutter present. Here's an improved version of your strategy:

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Evaluate the extent of clutter in your home office. If it's overwhelmed with numerous items, prioritize addressing visual clutter first.

 

Alternatively, if the clutter is relatively contained, opt for a more comprehensive approach by emptying drawers and cabinets as well.

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For Visual Clutter Overload: Begin by tackling visual clutter, which can make a space feel chaotic and overwhelming.

Clear off surfaces, remove unnecessary items, and create a clean, open environment.

This initial step can provide immediate relief and make the decluttering process feel more manageable.

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For Moderate Clutter: If the clutter is more contained, take a more thorough approach.

Empty drawers, cabinets, and storage containers to assess the contents and determine what to keep, donate, or discard.

This allows for a deeper level of organization and ensures that no area is overlooked during the decluttering process.

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5. Take everything out. Remove any unnecessary items such as old paperwork, broken office supplies, or items you no longer use.

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6. Arrange furniture and equipment in a way that maximizes space and promotes efficiency. Place your desk in a position that allows for natural light and minimizes distractions.

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7. Proceed with a thorough cleaning of all furniture, shelves, and drawers in your home office.

Sort in to Categories


 

Enhancing your home office with the appropriate supplies is essential for maximizing productivity.

 

However, the specific items required may vary based on individual needs, preferences, and the nature of their work or business.

Office
Workspace Essentials
  • Desk

  • Chair

  • Computer (Desktop or Laptop)

  • Desk Lamp

  • Writing Utensils (Pens, Pencils)

  • Notebooks or Notepads

  • Sticky Notes

  • Stapler and Staples

  • Scissors

  • Tape Dispenser

  • Calculator

  • Calendar/Planner

Man Using Computer Printer
Technology and Accessories
  • Printer

  • Scanner

  • Copier (if separate from printer)

  • Printer Paper

  • Ink or Toner Cartridges

  • External Hard Drive

  • USB Flash Drives

  • Surge Protector/Power Strip

  • Computer Accessories (Keyboard, Mouse, Mouse Pad)

  • Headphones or Speakers

  • Paper Shredder

  • Extension Cords

Office employee
Organizational Tools
  • Filing Cabinet

  • File Folders

  • Hanging File Folders

  • File Labels

  • Binder Clips

  • Paper Clips

  • Storage Boxes or Bins

  • Drawer Organizers

  • Desk Organizer

  • Magazine Holders

  • Desktop Tray or Inbox

  • Label Maker

office supplies
Reference and Supplies
  • Books or Reference Materials

  • Bookends

  • Dictionary/Thesaurus

  • Stationery (Envelopes, Letterhead)

  • Postage Stamps​

  • Trash Can/Recycling Bin

  • Cleaning Supplies (Duster, Microfiber Cloth)

  • Whiteboard or Corkboard

  • Office Plants (if desired)

  • Personalized Decorative Items



Step III: Create Zones and Tips









 

Home office
Assess Your Needs
Prioritize

Consider the different activities that take place in your home office.

Common zones include a workspace for computer work, a reference area for books and documents, a storage area for supplies, and perhaps a relaxation corner.

Arrange zones to facilitate your workflow.

Place frequently used items within easy reach, while storing infrequently accessed items in less accessible areas.

Ensure that there's enough space to move between zones comfortably.

Organize by Function

Group related items within each zone.

Keep office supplies like pens, notebooks, and staplers near the workspace.

Store reference materials such as books, manuals, and documents in the reference area. Designate a specific spot for electronics, chargers, and cables.

Personal Vibe

Add personal touches to make your home office feel inviting and inspiring.

Incorporate artwork, photographs, plants, or decorative items that reflect your personality and create a positive work environment.

Home Office Project from a Professional Organizer

"Another big project finished last week! I volunteer for a non-profit and most of the bags in the before photo were donations to forward to the foundation. The photo represents how I stupidly used this space as a staging area for that sort of thing. I addressed my weakness for books over the past couple of weeks. Boy was that hard! I sold some unused items and used the funds to buy these simple shelves. Then I made myself pare down the books to what fit in the shelves. I kept focusing on where my life is now and what I want it to be. Any books that didn't resonate with that, left. Who remembers "Color Me Beautiful"? I said thank you and goodbye! I absolutely love my Mid Century inspired library. Thank you all for inspiring me to keep going! FYI, I keep finding more books so the book purge is ongoing but it's getting easier."

 

-By Kristi Solhaven, Member of Decluttering & Organizing Tips & Tricks

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