There are several contributing factors to a great home office, but no matter what you choose for your home, the basic framework is the same.  A little planning in the beginning will increase the changes you will not only love your home office, but that you will actually use it.  Here’s 5 things you need to know about setting up Your Ultimate Home Office.

1. Location, Location, Location.

Home offices come in all shapes and sizes.  Where you locate your office in your home is entirely up to you.  Carving out an exclusive room for your home office is best, but if space is at a premium, you’ll have to use your imagination. Here’s a few ideas if you’re not sure where you should set up shop:

1st Choice: A separate room with a closing door, away from the high traffic area of the home. (“Shedworking” is also increasingly popular.)

2nd Choice: A corner or wall in a low traffic area of the home.  Use the entire wall for shelving, storage and a desk built right in.

3rd Choice:  A portable or standalone piece of furniture, such as an large armoire.

2.  Sort it out: what do you already have?

A home office needs a lot of things, but there are many things it doesn’t need.  Once you’ve decided where your home office will go, it’s time to think about what you want and need to put in it.  Get out some boxes and bags, and start sorting through what you already have, before you even think about setting foot in a store.

A couple questions to ask yourself when deciding what will go (or stay) in your office:   1. Do I love it?  2. Do I use it?  3. Do I need it?

I ask my clients to use these questions when they get stuck sorting out their files, drawer and other supplies in their office.  If the answer is “no” to any of the above questions, it might be time to reconsider and donate.

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