By Oghenovo Egodo-Michael

The home office has fast become a trend. Not only does it make it easy to work from home, it could also save you the cost of running a full office, especially for small businesses

Setting up a home office isn’t always easy, especially when living under the same roof as kids and other family members. With a little planning and creativity, you can convert a small nook, laundry room, closet, living room or other space in your home into a workable home office. Follow the tips below for planning a practical home office in a small space

Assess your surrounding

Look out for the quietest place in the home where you think you can actually accomplish work tasks. If you live in a home with several bedrooms, consider turning one of the rooms or walk-in closets into your home office.

Purchase a desk that maximises space

If your home lacks a built-in desk option, you will need to invest in a stand-alone sturdy desk for your computer, printer and other office necessities. Focus on desks that maximise the space in your office. Whether it’s an L-shaped desk that fits in a bedroom corner, a writing desk that you can push up against the wall or a floating desk that opens up floor space, be sure to purchase one that works best for your home.

Get organised

The single best thing you can do for yourself when working from home is to prioritise organisation. Organising your home and freeing it of clutter will likely increase your productivity and help you stay sane when working out of a small space. You can start with organising your office files, papers and supplies.

Avoid using big, bulky office chair

When setting up a home office in a small space, it is important to maximise your workspace as much as possible. You can do this by opting for an office chair that slides easily under the desk. If possible, avoid wide, bulky office chairs with arm rests. Choosing a desk chair that doubles as a dining chair or sitting chair may be another great way to save space.

Keep it simple by decluttering your workspace and tidying up your desk on a regular basis. Consider limiting personal items to just your computer, keyboard, mouse, a picture frame and lamp. Adding too many personal items to your office will only distract you from working and limit the amount of desk space you have to work with.

Source: www.moving.com