An organized home office increases productivity for freelance business owners.
Do you agree with this quote?
Organization can never be a substitute for initiative and for judgment. ~ Louis D. Brandeis
I think the sentiment holds true in a literal sense. Of course, having a perfectly organized home office cannot substitute for initiative and judgment. Taking it one step further, an organized workspace can’t substitute for a tall, icy cold drink or a tight hug either. But – a disorganized home workspace can certainly stunt creativity, dull initiative, and distort judgment.
Freelance Business Owners Need Order
Freelancers need an uncluttered, logically organized workspace even more than those working in the corporate world. Choose a space that allows you a fair level of space and movement, such as a study, den, or extra bedroom. Try to choose a space with a window, to prevent you from feeling too isolated and stir crazy. You can always close the blinds or curtains if it ever becomes a distraction. If you must office in an open room, such as a den without doors, consider adding them as soon as possible. Unless you live alone, you’ll need the option of closing yourself off from family and pets during client calls, when actively writing or creating, or any time requiring a distraction-free environment.
Plan a Simple Layout
Many office-at-home professionals place desks and accompanying furniture pieces, such as filing cabinets, in a U- or L-shape. This keeps frequently used items in arm’s reach. As a business owner, you’re the captain – think of this area as your command center. Freelance writers do most of their work on computers, so place your computer and its peripherals in a convenient, comfortable spot in the command center. Splurge and buy the best desk chair you can afford. Shop for office chairs that offer ergonomic designs. Ergonomic furniture can prevent back pain or repetitive movement injuries.
Position computer monitors at eye level. If a laptop will serve as your primary computer, many large computer specialty stores sell adjustable height mounts for laptops used at a desk. If you use a stand, you’ll need an external keyboard and mouse for convenience.
Lighting
Choose a desk lamp that provides ample task lighting without taking up too much space. Add a floor lamp to the area outside your command center. Choose one that illuminates the room indirectly with a soft light. Take advantage of sunny days by allowing natural light to flood your space. This puts less strain on the eyes and gives an open feeling to a small room.
Keep Key Tools and Files Nearby
Your filing cabinet and any similar furniture should make up the accompanying part of your command center’s U- or L-shape. Keep active files in this quick-access file cabinet. Store frequently used reference books and manuals on shelves built into the desk, filing cabinet or additional storage piece used in the U-shape configuration. Place other, less frequently accessed books in a wall bookcase. Purchase extra consumable office supplies, such as printer paper, ink, note pads, pens and pencils, and staple refills in a wardrobe or similar closed-door cabinet. Most freelancers must set up their initial home office under tight budget constraints. Look for the pieces you need at garage and yard sales.
Aesthetic Touches
While not truly a necessity, adding a few decorative items goes a long way toward personalizing the space and adding visual interest and depth. Bring your workspace to life by placing one or two potted plants on a shelf or a table surface. Candles and aromatic diffusers provide a touch of warmth and clean scents for comfort. Find some framed artwork or prints at a discount store or yard sale to give plain walls personality. Place a soft, comfortable area rug on wood or tile flooring to reduce the cold, bare look of hard floors. Finally, consider putting a comfortable easy chair in one corner of the room for visitors or when you need a break from the computer screen.
When you’ve completed this basic home office design and organization, you’ll feel free to focus on building a thriving freelance business.
Photo credit: newphotosgalleries dot com
About Samantha Gluck
If only my office could look like that – something to inspire to!
Lisa recently posted..Tweeting Twice
Lisa,
I feel the same. I’m pretty organized, but my office doesn’t look like that! I’m reviewing a book by a home office maven and specialist. I’ll post the review and some photos from the book here. Get ready to be wowed!
Samantha
Nice office ideas. I think making your home office aesthetically pleasing is important. It sure is nicer to work in a well-organized and beautiful space than in a cluttered jumble.
Julia Russo recently posted..How I Switched to a Treadmill Desk (and Why You Should Too)
Hi Julia,
You’re so right! I always enjoy working so much more when my office is in order as well as my mind — clutter anywhere in life is a hindrance to creativity and productivity.
Thanks for coming by! Samantha
Great ideas here Samantha! And a good reminder that I need to declutter my office space.
Brandi recently posted..Take That Negative Feedback
Ha! Don’t we all need a little de-cluttering of one sort or another? Thanks for stopping by, Brandi!
It’s so important to have an organized home office – but don’t forget to have things you love in the office. If you work full-time from home, you want your office to be a place you love – not abhor. If you want to go into your office, it will make things so much easier when it comes to getting things done and being productive.
Ronda Bowen recently posted..Hiring a Consultant for the First Time? Here Are Some Tips
Thanks for stopping by Ronda and you’re so right. It’s important to have decor, personal photos, and other items around the home office that make you feel good and comfy. I keep pictures and crafts my daughter has made for me right in front of my standing desk as well as books and religious icons that I love. I keep these on shelves and on my little prayer altar that I’ve created in my space.
That’s great! How’s the standing desk working out for you? I don’t have one currently, but I’ve thought it would be a nice addition to the office.
Ronda Bowen recently posted..Hiring a Consultant for the First Time? Here Are Some Tips
I love my standing desk! I’ve been using it for almost a year now and it’s so wonderful for someone like me. I’m very athletic and energetic and just can’t stay productive when I have to sit down all day to work. It’s really increased my productivity and improved the perceived atmosphere of my space.
Nice!
Yeah, I have one of those ab/exercise balls I’ll pull out and sit on and bounce on for that reason.
Ronda Bowen recently posted..Hiring a Consultant for the First Time? Here Are Some Tips
I don’t know if that’s the same as a yoga ball, but i used to do that with my yoga ball, but it still didn’t give me what I wanted. I hadn’t really heard of standing desks and just figured I’d have to get up and run around every once in a while during the day.
One of my staff writers wrote an article about standing desks (it’s right here on FWD) and it inspired me to get one of my own. The one I wanted (solid wood, rugged old world design) was about $3,000. So I stacked up books and used an improvised standing desk for a long time until my Dragonslayer (hubs) made me one. I’ll never go back to a sitting desk (unless only temporarily – like if I break my leg in a muddy buddy race or something).