Creating an Efficient Home Office

One of the many challenges wholesale and retail business owners face is finding a space to effectively work. Often, this place is their  own home since – let’s face it – budgets aren’t overflowing in the retail biz. Luckily, there are many advantages to working from home that can even outweigh the disadvantages (depending on how you look at it, of course). Whether you need to reorganize your existing home office or want to create one to help you in your business responsibilities, below are some pointers on how to efficiently manage your home office.

1. Find a space that is solely dedicated for your business needs. Even a small counter top in the middle of your chaotic kitchen can do the trick. An ideal spot would be tucked away from the chaos of family life, but the goal is to simply identify one spot – wherever that spot may be. Once this spot is picked, don’t let anything else get in the way of it. Kids toys, house bills, grocery lists… If it’s nothing to do with your biz, get it out of the way. It will just distract you.

2. Get organized. Once your unique spot is identified, spruce it up with some great organizational tools to help aid you in your day to day business needs. A file tray (or stacked tray for many files) is always effective. A “to-do” list that’s in sight and easy to check off is a must. Bulletin boards help in so many ways… even if just to provide inspiration with beautiful or meaningful photos tacked to them. Creative containers add organizations and charm to your work space, keeping things tidy while looking good. A win win!

3. Make it pretty.If you like where you work, you are more likely to want to work. Plus, you will likely do better work in an environment you feel good about. You can add a nice potted plant to the corner of your desk, add a beautiful throw pillow to the back of your chair, introduce  a colored leather day planner to your organization method or put a gorgeous new paint on the walls. Pretty to me may not be pretty to you, so whatever your pretty is – add it to your work space!

There will likely be days when you sit down at your desk and wonder what it is you need to do next, knowing your list of things to do is way too long. Don’t let this distract you. By simply taking the time to create a space for you and your business that is solely dedicated to this, you can help your business thrive by being effective in the time you spend working on it. The best part? You may just have fun doing this!