This is a guest post by Lloyd Burrell of officedeskreviews.com, an office desk website that reveals the secrets of home office organization.

From my time as company auditor I observed that very often companies that had the best financial systems and internal organization in place were very often also the most successful. Well it is my firm belief that in the realm of personal finance the same applies.

You don’t need me to tell you that it’s not because you’re a senior that all of a sudden the paperwork stops. For many of you being a senior could mean quite the contrary, it could mean a second lease of life with a home office business.

Whether you are running a home office business or just wanting to get your domestic paperwork under control you can make your home office perfectly meet your needs with the following simple strategies.

The Home Office Circle of Influence

Start by focusing on the physical area within arms’ reach.

At a minimum, this will include your desk, your chair and your computer. This is your immediate circle of influence, and the way that you organize and furnish this space will go a long way toward determining how productive you will be in your home office.

First, you must be comfortable. Simply put, you will be more likely to actually get things done when you are ergonomically able to work for long, focused periods of time without discomfort.

Make sure that your desktop is at a good height, and that the placement of your computer allows you to reach the keyboard and view the screen without hunching down. To avoid back pain, your chin should be level or even angled slightly upward while you type.

Whether you use a laptop or desktop computer, you’ll find a variety of desk designs exist to accommodate your specific needs. Look at Bush Furniture desks for a good example of the options available, including desks with ample leg room and raised monitor shelves to help you achieve a comfortable position while you work.

Your choice of office chair also influences your ability to stay focused while working. Whether it’s a simple task chair or a leather executive style seat, be sure that it offers the back support and height adjustment that you need. If you choose an office chair with arms, be sure to consider its fit with your desk: can you sit close enough to your desktop when the chair is adjusted to the necessary height, or do the arms interfere with your ability to pull close to the desk?

Access To Your Home Office Productivity Tools

Next, what do you need to have on hand?

Depending on the type of work you do at home, you may need frequent access to files, reference material, pens, paperclips, a phone, or more specialized office equipment. Whatever the answer is for you, make sure that you organize your home office so that the necessary items are readily available.

Many items may be stored in or on your desk, but do look for a desk and other office furniture that will allow you to store most items off of your actual desktop. Maintaining an open, clutter-free work space will be a practical and psychological aid to getting things done in your home office.

In addition to the desk itself, you can set up easy access to the items you need with file cabinets, supply caddies and bookshelves placed either under the desk or within reach of it. Don’t overlook wall space when designing your home office layout: shelving, file pockets and even mountable trays can be installed for easy access.

Your Home Office Space

The actual layout you choose for your home office will depend in large part on the space available. Whether you’re able to dedicate an entire room or need to carve out space from a shared living area, with a little research you’ll be able to find the office accessories you need to set up a focused work space.

When a separate room is available for your home office you’ll have the luxury of choosing whichever office furniture suits your style, needs and budget. However, there are space saving solutions that still make it very possible to work at home even when your “home office” is simply the corner of your kitchen, or half of the master bedroom.

Armoire style desks provide a dedicated work area that includes storage for office supplies. When not in use, just closing the doors allows them to seamlessly blend into the decor of a shared-use room. From compact and efficient computer desks to corner fitting L-shaped desks, you’ll find that even a limited amount of floor space can provide plenty of room to set up an organized home office.

If you’ll be meeting with clients, think about the impression that visitors will have of your business when they see where you work. Whether it’s elegant and traditional or modern and high-tech, look for a desk and matching office furniture that say what you intend about who you are. It’s easy to find quality office furniture at an affordable price by doing a bit of research online before you buy.

Whether you work at home or you just need to stay on top of your paperwork, the key to successful home office organization lies (literally) within your reach. Be sure that you invest the time to assess your needs, then do your research to find the furniture and accessories that will be the best fit.

About the author

First as an auditor and then as a holiday rental specialist, Lloyd Burrell spent many years working behind all sorts of different desks. Now he sits in front of a cherry computer desk where he edits the internet’s leading office desk website. To contact Lloyd and find your ideal desk visit officedeskreviews.com.

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