How to Organize and Maximize Space in a Small Office

If you have a small work or home office, here are a few tips that can help you to maximize the available space.

Clear the Clutter

A cluttered office is a problem for anyone. It is an even bigger problem when you have a limited amount of space to deal with. Whether your office is big or small, you want to take a few steps to de-clutter your workspace.

Take a look at your office and decide what absolutely has to be there. You know you need your desk and computer, but do you really need that large chair or bookcase? There may be a more efficient, space-saving alternative to some of the items in your office.

You want an uncluttered work surface as well. Figure out what you have to have on your desk. Generally, if it isn't something you use every day to make your work easier, it doesn't deserve a place on your desk. Get rid of personal mementos like pictures and other knickknacks. If you want these items in the office, find a better place for them such as the wall or on a shelf. You want your desk to allow for minimal distraction and maximum productivity.

Deal with paperwork. Tackle that stack of papers that's been sitting on your desk. Documents that you no longer need should be thrown away and/or shredded. Throwing out unneeded papers can get rid of a lot of the clutter in an office. Filing cabinets can also be a big clutter problem ironically since they are supposed to be a clutter solution. Go through cabinet drawers and remove anything that is no longer current or needed.

Where Things Go and Thinking Vertically

De-cluttering is the first step. Now you need to know where to put all of your stuff. The main goal when deciding where to put things is to keep the supplies that you use most often easily accessible and close by. Things that you don't use as frequently should be placed further away from your main work area.

Have a special place for all of your bills. Once a bill is paid, file any paperwork for later use. All papers need to have their own home for quick reference.