During the pandemic, we saw a massive increase in remote workers across Canada. Even though the number of employees working from home has declined over the last three years, close to 20% of Canadians still work from a home office.
According to Business News Daily (and based on data from a survey by Ergotron), working from home has been shown to improve productivity, foster healthy habits and save money.
Instead of spending between one and three hours a day commuting, those hours can be used for other things, such as exercise, mindfulness activities, increased rest, and increased time spent with family.
That being said, it can also pose some challenges, including a lack of motivation due to distractions and a poorly set up working space. Therefore, it is imperative to have a well-organized, comfortable home office.
So how do you create a productive home office? We’ve gathered some of our best home office organization tips below.
Take your Time
If you’re creating a home office that you plan to use long-term, take your time to make sure you get it right the first time. The last thing you’ll want is the added stress of realizing that the office you’ve set up just doesn’t suit your needs or help you increase productivity. You’ll want a space that is comfortable, organized, and welcoming.
Determine your Needs
Depending on the type of work you do, your needs could range from just needing a small desk for your laptop and a comfy chair, to a full traditional-style office set-up with filing cabinets, room to store documents, printer/copier, etc, or even an area for design/crafting.
Choose the Right Space
When determining which space/room you’ll use for your home office, consider the following things:
- Amount of time you will spend in your home office
- Amount of space needed
- Lighting (is there natural light?)
- Are there many distractions?
- Will you have visitors/clients?
Find your Style
Once you’ve compiled your list of needs, browse through Pinterest boards, or websites such as Houzz or The Spruce for home office ideas to suit your needs, style and budget.
Be Mindful when Purchasing Furniture
While it can be tempting to purchase furniture simply for its aesthetic, or even for its price, you may end up regretting it in the long run. Working from a home office will require you to spend many hours in the space, so you want to make sure it’s not only comfortable but also healthy. Properly set up ergonomic furniture and equipment will help reduce stress, poor posture, arthritis, sore muscles, fatigue, strain, and repetitive injuries.
Office equipment has come a long way over the last several years. From standing desks to under desk treadmills, balance ball chairs to wrist wrests and monitor risers, your choices are endless.
Utilize your Space
Your storage needs will again determine how you design your space. If you only need a simple desk and laptop to work, some floating shelves with beautiful decor may be all you need. However, if you need more storage options, this is where you can get creative. Closed shelving, such as upper cabinets, hutches, or closet organizers can be used to store away products and supplies while still creating beautiful space.
Make it Your Own
Don’t be afraid to paint the walls, decorate the space and really make it your own. When the space is your own (as opposed to a corporate space), you can personalize it to your liking.
Get Help
Creating a new home office can be an overwhelming task, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Hiring a professional organizer can help you set up your home office so you have a space you love to work in and one that will stay organized.
Need help creating your perfect home office in Vancouver? Contact us today for a free phone consultation to see how we can help bring harmony to your home (and office!)
