Easy Home Office Organization Tips For Work From Home Moms
Are you a work-from-home mom and struggling to keep your home office organized? I have been compiling some home office organization tips for work-from-home moms and testing them out in my home office.
It’s a challenge for moms to keep order in every area of their lives! I hope some of these ideas will help to make your life a little easier.
Here are some actionable tips to get that home office where you’d like it to be.
Home Office Organization Tips for Work From Home Moms
Get Rid of the Clutter
Decide What You Need
Sort through magazines and office supplies and compare them to what you need and use. Look around and try to clear out anything that shouldn’t be in your home office.
Mine is a guest bedroom/home office. I’m okay with a bed and a dresser in there. But I try to keep it very minimal.
Start Decluttering
Begin by getting rid of anything that you don’t need. This may mean recycling old magazines, donating unused office supplies, or throwing away any junk accumulated over the years.
Start Organizing What’s Left
Begin by sorting everything into categories. For example, create a “to-do” pile, a “to-file” pile, and a “to donate” pile.
This will help you to see what you have and make it easier to put things away when you’re finished using them.
Start Putting Things Away
Begin by dealing with the “to-do” pile first. This may mean completing some tasks, filing away important papers, or setting up a system for dealing with future tasks.
Tackle the “To-File” Pile
This may mean creating a filing system for your important papers or setting up a storage system for items that you don’t use regularly but still need to keep close at hand.
Deal With the “To-Donate” Pile
This may mean taking some items to a local charity or donation center or giving some things away to friends or family members who could use them.
Once you’ve decluttered and organized your office, it’s important to maintain your new system so it will stay that way.
Take five minutes at the end of your weekday and straighten up your work area. Then set up a regular decluttering schedule.
For example, set aside 30 minutes weekly to go through your office and eliminate unwanted items.
Create a Filing System
Get Rid of Anything You Don’t Need
The first step to creating a filing system is to get rid of anything you don’t need. Go through all of the papers in your office and throw away anything that is no longer relevant.
This will make finding what you’re looking for easier and free up some space.
Sort Papers Into Categories
Once you’ve gotten rid of the unnecessary papers, start sorting the remaining papers into categories.
For example, you might have a type for bills, another for work-related documents, and another for personal papers. You’ll be able to quickly find what you’re looking for when you need it.
Label Each Category
Label each category with a name that makes sense to you. For example, you might label the “bills” category as “Bills to pay” and the “work-related documents” category as “Work docs.” This will help you remember where everything is supposed to go.
Get Some Folders or a Filing Cabinet
Once your categories are sorted out, you’ll need somewhere to put them. Depending on your space and how many papers you need to store, you can get some folders or a filing cabinet.
Put Each Category in its Own Folder or Drawer
Label each folder or drawer with the name of the corresponding category. Then, start putting each type of paper into its folder or drawer. This will keep everything organized and easy to find.
Invest in storage solutions
You can invest in storage solutions to help keep your work area well-ordered and more functional. Here are some examples you can try:
- A bookshelf can store textbooks, manuals, or other materials for your work.
- A bulletin board can be used to post essential memos or papers.
- You can use cubbies and baskets to organize pens, paper, or other office supplies.
- If you still need a desk, find one with plenty of storage, such as drawers and a cabinet.
- Use a desktop organizer. There are many cute options on Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
- Use your closet for storage if there is one in your office.
- There are vertical wall storage options that work well in a small office.
Invest in a Good-Quality Desk and Chair
Desk For Your Home Office
- First on the list is a good-quality desk. A desk is the foundation of any office, so choosing one that meets your needs is essential.
- If you need more space, look for a compact desk that will fit in the corner of your room. If you need storage, look for a desk with drawers or shelves.
- And if you want a stylish desk that will make a statement, look for one with a unique shape or material.
- Consider investing in a standing desk or an ergonomic chair to reduce the risk of back pain or other health problems. If you go this route, invest in a standing desk mat, also called an anti-fatigue mat.
Check out this list of ten affordable desks you can take a look at!
Chair For Your Home Office
Next on the list is a comfortable chair. You will spend a lot of time in your home office.
It’s essential to have a chair that supports your back and lets you sit comfortably for long periods.
- Look for an adjustable chair to find the perfect height, and ensure the seat is padded for extra comfort.
- Be sure your feet can rest flat on the floor or a footrest while keeping your thighs parallel to the floor.
- Ergonomic chairs are wonderful, but there is a DIY way to make your chair comfier. Get a firm footrest that will allow your knees to be at a 90-degree angle.
- Next, find a lumbar pillow that can slip over your chair, resting on your lower back. It will support your back and improve your posture.
Computer and Keyboard Tips
Elevate your computer to a comfortable height and angle to work well for you. The top of your screen should be at eye level or slightly below. Your elbows should rest at 90 degrees by your side.
One more consideration is to upgrade your keyboard to one that is ergonomic. These keyboards allow your hands and forearms to rest naturally.
A wrist pad is heavenly to sit underneath while using your mouse or typing. It will make you more comfortable and reduce the risk of carpal tunnel or other conditions.
Organize Cords with Cable Ties
Prevent all your cords from getting tangled together by using cable ties. This will make your space much neater and help to see which line leads to what device.
Oh, and consider purchasing a surge protector for cords and outlets. They act like a buffer between your electronics and the live current coming through your power supply.
The damage could ruin your computer or shorten its life.
Make Use of Natural Light
One simple way to improve your home office is to use natural light. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can improve mood and increase productivity.
Position your desk near a window to take advantage of the sunlight.
You may also consider using sheer curtains or blinds to diffuse the light and reduce glare on your computer screen.
In addition, try to take breaks throughout the day to step outside and get some fresh air. Taking time to soak up the sun can help you recharge and focus on your work.
Organize and Declutter Digital Files
It can be easy to let digital files become a disorganized mess. Photos, work documents, school papers, and more can quickly pile up.
Organized files can make it easier to find what you need when you need it. However, you can take some simple steps to keep your digital files organized and decluttered.
- First, create folders for different types of files and label them clearly. This will help you know where to find things at a glance.
- Second, regularly purge old or unneeded files. This will help prevent your computer from becoming overloaded and make it easier to find the files you need.
- Finally, backing up your files regularly can help protect against data loss during a computer crash.
By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your digital files are always neatly organized and easy to find.
Keep Only What You Need Within Reach
- As a mom, I know keeping your home office organized can be challenging. There is always something that you need but need help finding.
- Keep only what you need within reach in your home office.
- This way, you can quickly and easily find what you need without searching through piles of paper or digging through drawers.
- Items you frequently use, such as pens and paper, should be kept on your desk or in a nearby drawer.
- If you have something that you only need occasionally, such as a stapler or calculator, you can store it in a cabinet or on a shelf.
Make Your Home Office Comfortable
Creating a comfortable and inviting space in your home office is essential. You’ll be spending a lot of time in this area!
Check out these ideas:
- Start with a clean slate. Make sure your office is free of clutter. This will help you focus and stay organized.
- Choose a calm color scheme. Paint the walls a soothing shade, and find some cozy throw blankets and pillows for chilly days.
- Let in the light. Natural light is proven to boost productivity, so open up those curtains! If you don’t have a lot of windows, consider investing in a light therapy lamp.
- Make it your own. Add some personal touches that make you happy. Hang up some artwork, or display photos of your loved ones. Remember to bring in some plants!
With these tips, you can turn your home office into a space you enjoy spending time in!
Keep Distractions to a Minimum
- It can be challenging to stay focused when working from home, especially if you need a dedicated office space.
- One way to increase your productivity is to keep distractions to a minimum. This means creating a space conducive to work, free from clutter and distractions like television or loud music.
- It also means setting boundaries with family and friends, letting them know when you are unavailable to chat or take phone calls.
- By taking these steps, you can create an environment that will help you stay focused and get more done.
Final thoughts
Set aside time at the end of each day to tidy up your desk and file papers. Then, take some time each week to thoroughly clean your office.
This might include dusting off bookshelves and vacuuming under the desk. Regularly taking care of these tasks will help you maintain a clean and organized space.
Do you like essential oils? I like to keep my diffuser in my home office. I love to use peppermint or sweet orange oil to keep me alert during work.
These home office organization tips should help create a more functional, productive, and organized workspace. Have any other tips to share? Let us know in the comments!
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