Working remotely from home is all the rage these days, but without an organized office, it can be difficult to stay productive. A well-organized space can make all the difference in how you work and feel. Whether you’ve got a whole room or just a small nook, this guide will help you set up a home office that’s practical, tidy, and totally your own. We’ll walk through choosing a space, decluttering and moving your supplies, home office organization and decor, and blocking out distractions so you can focus on being productive.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Space
Before you start organizing your home office, you need to decide where your home office will be. Not everyone has the luxury of a spare room, but that doesn’t mean you can’t carve out a smart, functional space that works for you. There are several great alternatives if you’re moving your setup to a smaller space.
Spare Room
If you have an unused bedroom, basement, or den, you’re in luck. A dedicated room gives you privacy, reduces distractions, and creates a clear boundary between work and personal life. You can shut the door at the end of the day and mentally “clock out,” which does wonders for work-life balance.
Living Room
Don’t overlook your living room. If it’s quiet during your work hours, try placing a desk behind the couch or near a window. Use a rolling cart for supplies or add floating shelves to make the most of vertical space. This option is great for creative professionals or anyone who needs more room to spread out.
Closet
It might sound odd, but a closet can make an excellent compact office. Remove the doors, add a desk or wall-mounted surface, and use shelves to keep everything within arm’s reach. If your work doesn’t require much space, this minimalist setup can keep you focused and efficient without taking over your home.
Decluttering and Moving Your Home Office
Before you start stocking shelves or labeling drawers, take a step back and clear the clutter. Organizing a space that’s already packed with unused supplies, old paperwork, or tangled cords just makes the process harder and more frustrating. Working from home can be a challenge for those who like to keep their professional and private lives separate, and decluttering is a great way to make the distinction more clear in your office space.
Minimalist setups work because they eliminate visual competing stimuli. I’ve seen clients increase their focus dramatically just by clearing everything except their current project from their desk surface. Even unusual spaces like wide hallways or large bathroom counters can work if you can create clear boundaries between “work brain” and “home brain.”
-Audrey Schoen, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Audrey Schoen, LMFT
Keep Only What You Use
Be honest with yourself: how many pens do you actually use? What supplies do you really need? Go through everything and set aside anything you haven’t touched in months. If it’s broken, outdated, or unnecessary, let it go. Start with one category at a time (like desk drawers, then paper files) to avoid getting overwhelmed.
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Digitize Paperwork
Stacks of paper are a productivity killer. Scan important documents and store them in organized digital folders using cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. Recycle or shred what you no longer need. This will help keep your desktop mostly clear, so that you can easily find the essentials. A clutter-free workspace doesn’t just look better, it feels better and helps you focus.
Create Three Piles: Keep, Toss, Donate
This is a tried and true method for decluttering. If it doesn’t serve a purpose or spark joy (thanks, Marie Kondo), it doesn’t belong in your workspace. Donate gently used items like extra notebooks, pencil holders, or even small furniture to local schools or nonprofits to make room for what matters.
Packing and Moving Your Home Office Supplies
Once you’ve decided what’s coming with you into your new home office, try to get organized before the move. Thoughtfully packing and clearly labeling your boxes can make a big difference in keeping everything safe and easy to unpack. Start with fragile items, especially electronics, and label those boxes with clear markings like “Fragile” or “This Side Up.”
If you’re worried about damage, consider hiring professional movers who can carefully handle your gear and take some of the stress off your plate. With everything packed and protected, you’ll be ready to dive into setting up your new space the moment you arrive.
Organizing Your Home Office
Once the clutter’s out of the way, it’s time to build a workspace that’s both functional and calming. Good organization isn’t just about aesthetics! Organizing a home office looks different for everyone, and your setup will depend on what is important to your work.
Thinking in “Zones”
Start by thinking in zones. Your desk should be your main working zone, holding only what you use daily. This should include things like your laptop, important notebooks, or a planner. Keep other essentials, such as pens, chargers, and sticky notes, within arm’s reach in a drawer or small organizer. Less-used items should be stored on a shelf, in a cabinet, or on a rolling cart close by. Dividing your space this way helps you avoid clutter and makes daily clean-up faster.
Save Space with Smart Storage
Smart storage is key, especially if your space is limited. Use vertical space whenever you can. Wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, or even stackable trays can keep things organized without taking up valuable desk real estate. Drawer dividers are another game-changer for keeping small items from turning into one big mess. Clear bins or containers also help you see what you have without digging through piles.
Label Your Supplies
Don’t underestimate the power of a label! Labeling bins, cords, and drawers might feel overly Type A, but it genuinely makes staying organized easier, especially if you’re sharing your space or tend to forget where things go. A simple label can save you from unnecessary mess and stress.
Keep it Simple
Keep your desktop as minimal as possible. The more things that live on top of your desk, the easier it is for clutter to build up. Stick to the essentials and find a dedicated place for everything else. Doing a quick reset at the end of each day – putting pens back, clearing off paper, closing your laptop – can make your space feel fresh and focused every morning. This may seem redundant if you’re working remotely, but this extra step can go a long way.
Cable Management and Tech Setup
Tech clutter can sneak up fast, so a little cable management goes a long way. Use Velcro straps or zip ties to bundle cords together, and consider mounting a power strip under your desk to keep things off the floor. Label each cord so you’re not guessing what goes where later. For a cleaner look, use a cable box or cord cover to hide everything out of sight. A streamlined setup looks better and makes your workspace easier to use and maintain.
You need cable management so as not to have clutter and reduce safety hazards in your workplace. Unorganized cables not only form a messy space, but they can also lead to tripping disasters or loss of equipment. Using cable clips, trays, or cable boxes will make the place neat, and also, maintenance will be manageable.
– Daniel Vasilevski, Director/Owner, Pro Electrical
If you’re using multiple devices, like a monitor, laptop, phone charger, and external hard drive, look into a simple docking station or USB hub to keep your tech centralized. This not only cuts down on visual clutter but also makes it easier to plug in and go without tangling cords or digging around for ports.
It’s also worth considering your outlet situation. Use a surge protector to protect your gear, especially if you’re running multiple electronics from one area. If your outlets are hard to reach, an extension cord with a flat plug or a wall-mounted surge protector can be a lifesaver.
Finally, keep essential tech like your webcam, mic, or headset readily accessible but neatly stored when not in use. A small drawer organizer or desktop stand can keep things tidy and reduce last-minute scrambling before Zoom calls.
Decorating Your Home Office
Just because your workspace is organized doesn’t mean it has to feel cold or sterile. Decorating a home office is important! Office decor can set the mood, reflect your personality, and even boost productivity. But the key is finding that balance between style and function.
Choosing Functional Decor
Start with a few intentional pieces that make you feel good without crowding your space. A small plant, framed artwork, or motivational print can add life and color to the room without taking up valuable surface area. Wall-mounted shelves are perfect for displaying decor while doubling as storage. If your desk faces a wall, consider adding a bulletin board or vision board to keep you inspired.
Limit Distractions
Keep distractions in check by limiting how much you display. Too many knick-knacks or busy patterns can make your space feel cluttered, even if everything has a place. Choose decor that serves a purpose when possible, like a stylish lamp, decorative storage bins, or even acoustic panels that double as wall art. The goal is to create a home office setup you enjoy spending time in, but that still lets you focus.
Here are some items that could help make your home office more aesthetic and functional:
- Pegboard Wall Organizer
- Floating Shelves
- Desk Lamp with USB Ports
- Corkboard or Magnetic Board
- Colorful Cable Clips or Cord Organizers
- Decorative Storage Boxes or Baskets
- Desktop Whiteboard or Weekly Planner
- Acoustic Wall Panels in Fun Shapes or Colors
- Mini Plant Shelf or Hanging Planters
- Personalized Mousepad or Desk Mat
Soundproofing Your Home Office
Once your office is unpacked and set up, soundproofing is a great finishing touch, especially if you live with roommates, have noisy neighbors, or share your space with kids and pets. While full silence isn’t always realistic, there are plenty of easy, affordable ways to reduce distractions and create a quieter, more focused environment.
Focus on Doors and Windows First
Your door and windows are usually the biggest sources of noise. A fully soundproof door can be pricey, but a solid core door paired with inexpensive door gaskets can block out most household sounds. For windows, upgrading to double-paned glass or using window inserts is effective, but not always budget-friendly. A more affordable option is applying acoustic caulk around the window frame and hanging thick, noise-reducing curtains to help seal out street or yard noise.
Try Acoustic Panels or Tiles
Acoustic panels are a practical and creative way to muffle sound, especially if echo or voice carries in your space. They’re easy to find online, and many come in fun colors or shapes. They help absorb sound and look great in the background during Zoom calls. You can use them behind your desk, on the ceiling, or anywhere sound tends to bounce.
Conclusion
Organizing your home office isn’t just about making it look nice – it’s about creating a space that supports your focus, productivity, and well-being. Whether you’re working remotely from home or just need a quiet corner for the occasional Zoom call, a thoughtful setup can make all the difference.
Start by choosing a space that fits your needs, then take the time to declutter and define how you’ll use that area day to day. Invest in smart storage, manage your cables, and create a layout that minimizes distractions and maximizes efficiency. Don’t be afraid to personalize it – just keep decor functional and intentional. And if outside noise tends to get in your way, a few simple soundproofing upgrades can go a long way in creating a calm, focused environment.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to setting up a perfect home office. Your space should reflect the way you work best. So, whether you’re building out a full spare room or repurposing a closet, remember: an organized office is a powerful tool. When your workspace works for you, everything else becomes a little easier.
FAQ’s
Start by decluttering – get rid of anything you don’t use or need. From there, divide your space into zones (work, supplies, storage), and give everything a designated place. Starting simple makes organizing a home office feel less overwhelming.
Even a small nook or unused corner can become a great home office setup with a little creativity. Use vertical storage, wall-mounted shelves, foldable desks, and mobile carts to save space while keeping things organized.
Use Velcro straps, zip ties, or cable boxes to bundle and hide cords. Label each plug, mount your power strip under your desk, and consider a docking station to reduce tech clutter.
Soundproofing your office is a great finishing touch! Try thick curtains, acoustic panels, or a solid-core door with a door sweep. Acoustic caulk around windows and doors can also help block noise while working remotely from home without breaking the bank.
Limit what stays on your desktop to the items you use every day. Use drawer organizers, label storage bins, and do a quick reset at the end of each workday to keep things in check.
Skylar Sanders is an Atlanta native and earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University in 2022. She is currently a graduate student at GSU studying Communications with a concentration in Digital Media Strategies. In her free time she enjoys being in nature, volunteering, creating digital art, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.
