How to Create Your Home Office In A Closet

If you want to create a small home office, and there is only a closet space available, you can create a fully functional office space there. Here are some tips and suggestions to turn that closet into your small home office.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Closet
• Imagination
• Computer, files, Internet access.

1. Design your small home office in a closet.
   
   Use creativity and every inch of space to build a functional home office in a closet.
   
   Design your work surface.
   -A desk may not be the best alternative.
   -Incorporate a fold down work surface within a wall system.
   -Use a hinged, tuck under, drawer for keyboard and mouse.
   
   Use vertical space to provide storage and functionality.
   -Install cabinets.
   -Build shelving for storage space.
   -Use fasteners to hang items on walls.
   -Use the back side of the closet door for wall file pockets.
   
   Extras
   -Use surface, overhead, and wall lighting. Work lighting is best when it comes from behind you.
   -Paint the closet with your favorite light color.
   -Leave room to slide a chair under the work surface.

2. Keep your small home office clean.
   
   Leave your home office organized every day. Since it is in a small area keeping it picked up will create a more spacious look.
   
   -If there is more than one person using the small office at home have a storage area for each user.
   -Keeping your office tidy should involve all users.
   -Make a weekly clean up schedule.

3. Protect your small home office.
   
   Safety first
   
   -Make sure you use surge protectors.
   -Don't overload electrical outlets.
   -Organize your cords with wire/cable management systems.
   -Ensure your equipment does not have frayed or split wires.
   
   Fire hazard prevention
   -Complete regular backups of your data.
   -Store those backups offsite.
   -Have a fire proof filing cabinet or safe to store important items.
   -Check regularly for fire hazards.
   -Install a smoke alarm in or near the office.
   -Have a fire extinguisher available.

Tips & Warnings

• No one knows what your office looks like so it does not matter where you are when you land that big account. Make your home closet functional and you can accomplish whatever your at home work is.

Resources

• How to Find Money You Did Not Know You Had
• Your Bill Killer - Learn To Start Your Home Business
• How to Plan For, and Decorate, Your Home Office - 4 Essential Steps

[bdcblogs]

on 2/3/2009 Great idea. Don't forget the ear-plugs if you have small children. 5*

[ChrissLJ]

on 1/26/2009 This would work great for my under used linen closet!

[insidestory]

on 1/22/2009 Great creative idea and use for space! Thanks.

Do you think this would work as a room used only for a business, so that you can do tax deductions?

[ladonnaball]

on 1/17/2009 This would really work for someone who needs the extra space - again another great article!

[bothfeetin]

on 1/3/2009 This article really helped me out. I cannot even begin to express how helpful it is. During MH's deployment I am relocating, and no longer will have the convenient entire room to devote to my writing office. I am inspired to find my own solutions and work with yours after reading this. 5 stars!