Of late, more and more people have found that they need to create a functional office at home. There are those who work at home full time, as well as those who have started a home based business part time. Regardless, they often find themselves challenged with the task of turning the smallest room in their home into a functional office. Fortunately, there are ways to maximize usable space.
A small room may not have adequate floor space for everything that is needed. Rather than waste it on a bookcase, you might consider placing shelves on the wall. One excellent type has metal braces that you attach to studs in the wall. These braces have numerous slots, into which you insert brackets, that allow you to adjust the space between the shelves to suit your needs. Shelves span the brackets to hold books or a lamp, fax, or small printer.
A corner computer workstation is often a good choice for a small room. These triangles fit into a corner and hold as much equipment as a standard desk. Some corner units have a bit more length, diagonally, but normally much less depth.
Many home offices are set up by those who use the Internet to make money online. The hours spent at a computer make a good chair essential to avoid pain or stiffness in your back. If you have a small office, though, there probably is not enough space for a large chair. You could use a kneeling stool, which is very compact, part of the time. By alternating between it and your regular chair, you may find that back and neck strain is lessened.
Keeping your workstation desk clean and organized is critical in a small work environment. Use plastic baskets to hold small items such as your stapler, spare pens, and note pads. You can store them on the wall shelves or on your desk. When it is time to dust or clean, you need only move a basket or two rather than each individual item.
Consider new ways to use the closet in your office. It is often helpful to remove the hanging rod. Shelves can be built along the closet walls for storage. You can also use the closet to hold your rolling file cabinet or bookcase, thereby saving floor space in the room. You could even place your stereo on a closet shelf if it is possible to open the door while you are listening to music.
Working from home can be rewarding, but it can also present unique problems. Creating a work environment that does not feel cramped can do much to prevent the stress that can accompany it. By using what is available in ways that optimize space, you can increase your productivity and lift your spirits at the same time.
