How to Create a Home Office

A home office can be adjusted to fit your family's needs. It may just be a desk in the corner or an entire room. Whatever space you use, it needs to be able to meet its purpose effectively. This means try to create as much privacy as possible so that quiet and concentration will be feasible. If you tend to have a cluttered desk, a separate area for your home office will keep this clutter away from the flow of the home as well.

If you can't dedicate an entire room to your home office, try screening off a corner or set up a partial wall to create a niche. Maybe an extra closet would even do the trick. But make sure that enough air circulation can freely get around the computer, so that it does not overheat. If your home office also doubles as the guest bedroom, consider using a sleeper sofa or futon instead of a bed in this room. This will conserve space, yet still be functional for overnight guests.

Once you have decided on your home office area and set it apart, the next key is to make sure it is well-lit. This is especially important if you are using a closet or area without any natural lighting. Make sure it is wired with an electrical 3-pronged outlet or two. (You don't want to have to plug everything--computer, lamps, etc. into one outlet. You will also need a surge protector and conduit material to keep all the wires and cords in check.) The desk area should be very well-lit. An overhead light can work, but a desk lamp is also necessary. This provides direct light to the work area and avoids eye strain when someone is on the computer for a length of time.

There are several other things to take into consideration. Is there enough room for desk drawers or file cabinet drawers to open safely? Is there a phone jack for telephone hook-up, or will you need to have one installed? If the desk is not big enough to hold everything, then try putting in a small table nearby (an L-shaped work area is especially efficient), so that everything you need is within easy reach. You should be able to work on the computer, talk on the phone, and jot down notes without one process interfering with another.

If possible it is helpful to hang a bulletin board on the wall nearby. This is a great place to hang notes, reminders, a calendar, and a "To-Do" list. To economize space you can hang it above the desk or use that space for some shelving units. This is especially helpful if you do not have room for a filing cabinet. You can organize your file folders on the shelves instead.

A comfortable desk chair is also a must. You're going to be spending a lot of time in this chair and it should not put strain on your back or lessen your concentration in any way. An extra chair or two for visitors is always helpful too.

After "trying out" your home office for a few days, you may find things that need adjustment. Just make sure that this area meets your needs comfortably, efficiently, and safely.

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