Whether your home office is located in a separate building from your home or a dedicated space in the corner of your kitchen, an efficient storage system is essential to keeping it organized. Storing your important documents and receipts in an orderly manner will eliminate the frustration of searching through mounds of paperwork and avoid wasting time. Your office storage should be systematized in a way that allows you to have immediate access to those items you use frequently. Those you use less frequently can be stored in a more remote location to make space while allowing them to be easily reached. There are many storage solutions available to help organize your home office. You can mix and match or create your own. The following list offers storage ideas that can help you improve your home office organization.
1. Organize with Bookcases
Bookcases provide an outstanding storage solution. They can be used to organize books and binders or as a place to store baskets and crates. You can often adjust the height of the shelves to accommodate items of various sizes. There are numerous styles and sizes to meet practically any need. Some include a cabinet area where you can discretely store bins and boxes. You can choose tall bookcases for wall storage and shorter ones to place near your desk to store items you use frequently.
2. Stacked Crates
Stacked crates allow you to create many different arrangements to make use of the space you have. You can stack them, attach them to the wall to form shelves or create several groupings throughout your office. In the event you need more storage space, all you need to do is add more crates. If you want them to be portable, you can attach casters to the bottom. Crates can be used to store files, periodicals, binders and even small boxes.
3. Floating Shelves
You can save on floor space by installing floating shelves. They offer a clean, sleek appearance and provide storage for books, baskets and bins. Attach them just over your desk to provide easy access to items you use frequently or install several on a wall to store boxes. Floating shelves are quite strong and are capable of supporting a substantial amount of weight. You can purchase them in a variety of materials from most home improvement stores, or you can make them yourself.
4. File Carts
A file cabinet is standard office furniture in most home offices. However, if you generate a large number of documents, a small file cabinet that you can fit neatly beside your desk will quickly become too small. This frequently leads to storing paperwork in a larger file cabinet elsewhere or in boxes. A file cart allows you to retrieve only the documents you currently need and prevents you from having to walk back and forth for files. It can serve as an intermediate storage area and easily be pushed aside for more space.
5. Portable Totes
When you need long term storage, plastic portable totes are ideal. They are durable and waterproof to protect the contents. Most are light weight and stackable. You can use them to store files, periodicals or other important documents. Portable totes can be found in numerous colors and sizes to meet practically any space requirement. You can find them at most retail stores, and they are relatively inexpensive.
6. Stackable Drawers
Stackable drawers offer a more attractive option than boxes for storing your files and documents. This may be a concern if your home office shares a space with your living room. Another added benefit is that you can easily transport one section. Once a drawer is full, you can move it to a closet and replace it with an empty drawer.
7. Periodical Files
You can use periodical files to store and organize magazines, binders or reports. Some include labels which allow you to arrange them alphabetically, by date or other criteria. They can also help protect your magazines from being crumpled or torn. Periodical files can be stored on a shelf or desk as well as attached to the wall. They are available in cardboard or more durable plastic.
8. Cardboard Storage Boxes
One of the most inexpensive storage options is cardboard boxes. They are versatile and come in a wide range of sizes. Small covered boxes with designs are ideal for organizing office supplies such as staples, thumb tacks and paper clips. Larger ones can be used to store files, reports and binders.
9. Pegboards
You usually find pegboards in the garage to keep tools organized, but they can also be used to minimize clutter on your desk. Hang your scissors, tape and clipboards to provide easy access. You can even attach boxes or containers to the pegboard to store you pens, pencils and sticky notes.
10. Wire Racks
Wire racks are sturdy and allow you see the materials they contain. They offer a handy storage area for files, cardboard tubes and office supplies. A wire rack mounted near your desk can function as an inbox for items that need immediate attention or short term storage for correspondence you need to mail.
11. Glass Jars
Use glass jars with metal lids to store your rubber bands, erasers and binder clips and keep your desk organized. Install a magnetic strip to the bottom side of an overhead shelf to hang the jars. This will free up space on your desk and allow you to reach them easily.
2 Point Highlight
Whether your home office is located in a separate building from your home or a dedicated space in the corner of your kitchen, an efficient storage system is essential to keeping it organized. Storing your important documents and receipts in an orderly manner will eliminate the frustration of searching through mounds of paperwork and avoid wasting time.
