Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Organizing

© 2003, Pam & Tom Hughes

 

Almost all of us have an area in the house where we do paperwork. Many folks spend several hours a day in this space. The following tips should be helpful in setting up an area that is efficient, as well as pleasing, to work in.

The three major components of a successful home office are a good office layout, a smooth paper flow process and an efficient time management system. Key factors of each component include:

Office Layout

· Establish well-defined work zones within the office

· Physically buffer the office area from the home area

· Provide adequate space for computer and other office equipment

· Purchase a comfortable, work-friendly chair

· Have designated places for storage and filing

· Obtain adequate lighting

· Provide a quiet, emotionally appealing atmosphere

Paper flow Process

· Designate a single place for all incoming paperwork

· Toss unneeded paper immediately

· Establish active and pending files

· Keep active files within arms length

· Return files immediately after use

· Label, color-code and index files

· Maintain a reading file

· Schedule specific time for filing and purging

· Archive older files if need to keep

Time Management

· Establish and use one calendar

· Keep a “to do” list

· Prioritize “have to do’s” and “like to do’s”

· Understand your “peak” operating times

· Establish specific times for e-mails and returning telephone calls

· Separate personal time from work time

· Delegate appropriately, when possible

· Be willing to say “no”

 

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing.”

Abraham Lincoln