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Step 1
Dedicate your space, either a whole room or a dedicated side area, depending on your needs. Include the basics for conducting business. These may include a work station, a computer, a printer, a telephone, a shredder and fundamental office supplies (paper, envelopes, stamps, and files). Let form follow function. The homemaker who does the household bills, emails relatives, and organizes Cub Scout activities will not likely need an L-shaped professional work desk complete with credenza. Make sure the space can accommodate all necessary cables and phone lines.
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Step 2
Looking for last year's tax returns is much easier if you have a file drawer than if you have packed in several filing cabinets that will surely and quickly fill up.
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Step 3
Organize. Arrange your files logically arranged and update them regularly. Throw out files that are no longer useful and carefully shred old documentation. Addresses, phone numbers, account numbers and contact information kept on your computer should also be written in a notebook or journal as a back up. These items should be kept in a locking fire-proof drawer or lock box, along with boxed checks and additional credit cards.
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Step 4
Keep personal accessories, such as framed pictures, at a minimum. Remember that the office area is intended for specific functions. The less clutter, the better. It is easy to get lost in a sea of office products and family photos, and this is where so many home offices lose their functionality. You can always revisit your office needs when and if they change, but don't allow anything in the area that makes doing your tasks more difficult.
