Working from home has many benefits: a commute that’s counted in footsteps, the ability to run a load of laundry while you attend important meetings, and the freedom to take a lunch break in your own kitchen, to name just a few. According to a recent Forbes article, an estimated 30 million Americans work from home at least once a week, and the number keeps growing. One of the ways we’ve adapted to this new model for productivity (besides investing in professional-looking pajamas) is by crafting the perfect home office.
What makes for perfect home office organization? It depends on the person, but there are a few universal details. A reliable Internet connection. A work area free from distraction. And the ability to keep important paperwork and office supplies neat, organized, and within reach. While we can’t help you with your Internet connection, Strickland’s Home just so happens to specialize in organizational tools. Here are a few of our favorites, ideal for any home office.
Custom Credenza: According to professional organizer Vicki Norris, office furniture should provide ample space for work and storage. Our favorite solution for this problem is a custom credenza, built specifically for your unique needs. The extra space can be used to house reference materials, computer hardware, or as a paper processing area—the choice is yours. As long as the credenza helps keep your immediate workspace clean and organized, you’ll be in business.
Wire Management Trays: Lightweight enough to mount directly under your desk, wire management trays are a great way to keep wires and plugs from trailing on the floor. They’re also a good spot to stash the things you need frequently but don’t necessarily want to keep on your desk, like monthly planners, daily to-do list, and extra writing utensils. By keeping these items stowed away, your immediate workspace will feel more spacious, leaving plenty of room for ideas to flourish and inspiration to strike.
Storage Drawers: The last thing you need as you’re reaching for a pen to jot down a brilliant idea is to accidentally knock over a towering stack of CDs or DVDs. Rather than dumping them in a drawer with no rhyme or reason, install specially fitted storage drawers. Each plastic case can slide into its own dedicated spot, making them easy to retrieve and safely out of the way. Be careful, though—once you see how convenient storage drawers are, you’ll want a custom set for every item in your office!
Wall Cabinets: A mix of open bookshelves and closed cabinets are a great combination for a home office. Attractive leather bound books and heavily used reference materials offer a distinguished aesthetic, while less attractive but necessary items can be kept out of sight. To make life even easier, install full extending slides to house your printer and extra paper. These easy-to-access drawers will make printing reports and invoices a breeze, and with extra printer paper stored directly below, you’ll never see that pesky “out of paper” message again.
If you’re home office is begging for better organization, call Strickland’s Home today. We’ll get the job done, so that you can get back to work!