Let's Talk About Your Home Office

Happy Tuesday!

Look outside and behold the mountain of snow that Mother Nature has so generously provided us. The roads are, well, not great and perhaps today would be better spent inside.

Inside doing what?

I've eaten all the cookies and binge-watched Netflix already. What else is there to do?

So glad you asked, hon!

Remember how you have "get more organized" on your list of 2021 New Year's Resolutions?

Let's set our sights on Item #8, setting up your home office (or Cloffice, as I call it). Many of us are working from home and the haphazard, cluttered dining room table just isn't going to cut it anymore.

Time to tackle this head-on and embrace our space. Like it or not, the home office is here to stay.

Here are some hints and hacks to that will help:

Before you redecorate your home office:

♦ Take a good look at your décor, paint, furniture, clutter, greenery, cleanliness, etc.

♦ Notice the atmosphere. Does it seem professional, inviting, comfortable, clean and neat?

♦ Think about how you want it to look, particularly if you are doing a lot of virtual meetings.

Plan your strategy with some of these ideas:

♦ Make maximum use of space with shelves, nesting pedestals and tables (check out these cute ones from Ikea).

♦ Going up? If your space is limited, use overhead bins, shelves and hanging pencil cups, paper clip trays, etc. (Dollar Tree has some very affordable ones).

♦ A side table extends your work area and helps keep your main work surface free of clutter (this one from Target could work).

♦ Use a lateral filing cabinet as opposed to a standard vertical cabinet. Lateral cabinets hold more files and double as extra shelving in a pinch.

♦ Only keep current projects on your desk. Use stackable file trays to save space and a dry erase board to track assignments.

♦ Store only the supplies needed in your office space. Store extra supplies in an accessible closet or under your bed.

♦ Set aside one morning or afternoon each month to make a clean sweep through your office. File finished projects or remove them totally if you won't need it in the near future.

Remember, your office doesn't have to be boring. Your own style matters--after all, it is your office.

♦ Invest in a conference light and painter's dropcloth, (which makes a fantastic background) for your virtual meetings.

♦ Treat yourself to some scenic, motivational or hobby calendars

♦ Splurge on some motivational posters (like these Monopoly-themed ones)

♦ Your own unique touches that give you a mental boost when you use them

Can't wait to see how your home office turns out!

Send me your before and after photos--best one wins a gift card to Starbucks!

Good luck!

Miriam Odegard, Real Estate Broker

United Real Estate Indianapolis

1425 East 82nd Street, Suite 200

Indianapolis, IN 46240