When you work from a home office, it can be difficult to switch off and step away you’re your work area. And, with your home office always in a corner of your home, vying for your attention, you need your home office space to look as tidy and professional as possible.  

However, with a bit of planning and a small investment in some home office equipment, it can be easy to take back control and look and feel more confident about your daily work.  

1. Take a photograph of your desk 
2. Take everything off of your desk. Absolutely everything. As you do it, only replace those items you use every day. 
3. Review your photo – how do you usually use the desktop used? Are these things needed? Do you have papers you haven’t touched for weeks, or old cups, maybe too many screen shelves? If so, is there a space-saving alternative? 

   The main space-gobbling culprits tend to be:

   Papers – Store those that you need to keep to hand in an under-desk drawer or pedestal drawer. Those which you don’t need to access regularly can be safely stored away in box files or lever arch files on a shelving unit. At Box 15, we have a wide range of shelving units – some are functional and others more stylish, but each and every one is easy to build. 

   Monitor stands – These are important for good posture, but consider whether a desk clamp screen monitor mount could do the same task in a way that takes up less space. At Box15, we have dual monitor mounts and triple arm monitor mounts, so you can choose how many screens you need and the height you need them to be. 

   Stationery – We all need some stationery, but how much of it do you really use on a daily basis? If you do need to keep an assortment of stationery to hand, consider storing it out of sight in an under-desk storage drawer.

4. Control your cables. Cables are an instant mess-maker and trailing cables can destroy even the most serene workstations. Horizontal cable snakes or cable trays are a great way to manage the cable chaos, but for more ideas read our blog ‘How to plan your office cable management’.  Then, use simple cable ties to neaten those cables still on display. As part of this, you may need to introduce a desk clamp power module or maybe charging points for your mobile devices, to reduce the need for trailing cables.  
5. Now, review all of the items you have on your home office desk. Are there any items missing that you regularly need to do your job? Phone chargers, pens, and water bottles could all warrant a place within arm’s reach of your workstation. Ensure each item has a home and try and ensure that at the end of each day, all other items are cleared from the desktop.

A minimalist home office doesn’t need to be a sterile office environment. If you have space, add some tasteful décor features such as a vase, a candle or a photo, but keep your immediate working space clear of distractions.  

And there you have it. In just 5 simple steps, you can declutter your workspace and give yourself a calm working environment. All of these cable management, monitor mounts and storage solutions can be purchased from Box15. We have friendly advisors online to help with any questions you may have, or you can call us on 01295 565001.