Quick Tips for Organizing Your Home office

Even with limited workspace with a little creativity and the right equipment, it is possible to have an efficient home office.  Decide what you absolutely must have, based on the needs of your business. Remember, needs not wants.  Beyond basic office supplies such as paper and pens, most people only need a computer, printer and a filing system but his of course is dependent on your type of business.
Paper clutter can be a major problem.  Get rid of it and get organized.  Throw junk mail away immediately.  Don’t even take it to your office or desk.  Keep a trash can or a recycling box, near the door, especially for junk mail.  Don’t let paper clutter your desk.  If you don’t have room on the floor for a filing cabinet purchase a hanging file system.  These types of filing systems are designed to hang from a hook on the back of a door.  It can easily be hidden in a closet this way.  Labeling each pocket based on your needs, such as bills to pay, copies of receipts, and tax deductions (even if you aren’t sure something is deductible, save the receipt and check later) will keep your desk clutter free and keep you better organized for tax time.
Scan and save documents you don’t need on a daily basis but still want to keep for reference.  Whether you saved them to your hard drive or on discs, they can be easily printed should you need a hard copy.
Keeping office supplies organized and clutter free can be a bit of a challenge but a few simple storage containers can keep the clutter to a minimum.  Purchase a drawer divider that has compartments for different sized items.  If you need something you can carry supplies in when away from your office consider a child’s school box or art supply box.  It’s a nice inexpensive option. Keep your pens from taking over your desk by frequently checking your pens and throwing out any that are dried out.
Lack of space for an office can be an issue but one that can be overcome.  Some people have successfully converted a large closet into an office area.  You may not have a window view, but with a light installed, and a couple of filing cabinets and some counter top scrap in the closet, you’ll have a nice work area.  Once you are done working for the day simply close the doors.
If desk space happens to be a major issue, opt for a laptop rather than a desktop computer.  It will allow you more desk space and a little flexibility should you need to take your information with you.  Fortunately these days printer are becoming more compact and are often combined with a scanner, copier and/or fax systems all in one.  With some price comparison a good deal can be found.

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