Working wonders

Here’s how to create an efficiently organized office within the comforts of your home

This has been one of the busiest starts to a year I’ve ever had. I can’t complain, though. I consider myself lucky to love what I do. I have asked myself in the past what I would do differently if I won the lottery, or won it big in Vegas. Truthfully, besides buying a home and investing, I wouldn’t change much.

I enjoy my work, both professionally and in school, and I figured out long ago that having the right tool for the right job makes all the difference.When it comes to work, the same concept follows. Whether you’re a full-time, work-from-home person, or just need an area to pay the bills and plan, having a dedicated space to carry out your work will streamline the process. In a home office, there are some things you can implement to make this happen.

• Use wheeled furniture. Tuck a file cabinet on wheels under your desk, or roll it out when you need an extra writing space.

• Test it out. The items you’ll use most, such as the computer, printer, paper shredder and trash can, should be within arm’s reach of one another.

• Think about your needs. Aside from the usual desk setup, what else will you use the home office for? Will you have people in and out for consults? If so, set it up with extra chairs or add a couch-and-coffee-table setup.

• Avoid clutter. Add storage options, and when the space gets close to capacity, remember the one in, one out rule. For every new item that you bring in, take one out.

Have a comment or question for Joanne? Email thefixisinhawaii@gmail.com.