Over the past few decades, many more people are finding themselves in need of an efficient home office. Some of them work from home full time, while others have launched a part time business. Either way, they often face the challenge of establishing a functional work area in what is frequently the least spacious room in the home. Fortunately, however, it is possible to increase functionality by maximizing available space.

A small room may not have adequate floor space for everything that is needed. Rather than waste it on a bookcase, you might consider placing shelves on the wall. One excellent type has metal braces that you attach to studs in the wall. These braces have numerous slots, into which you insert brackets, that allow you to adjust the space between the shelves to suit your needs. Shelves span the brackets to hold books or a lamp, fax, or small printer.

You can gain usable space with a corner computer workstation. Shaped like a triangle, these fit snugly into the corner and can hold all the equipment you need. Some of them may be a little longer, diagonally, than a rectangular style, but the depth is usually much less.

Many home offices are set up by those who use the Internet to make money online. The hours spent at a computer make a good chair essential to avoid pain or stiffness in your back. If you have a small office, though, there probably is not enough space for a large chair. You could use a kneeling stool, which is very compact, part of the time. By alternating between it and your regular chair, you may find that back and neck strain is lessened.

Keeping your workstation desk clean and organized is critical in a small work environment. Use plastic baskets to hold small items such as your stapler, spare pens, and note pads. You can store them on the wall shelves or on your desk. When it is time to dust or clean, you need only move a basket or two rather than each individual item.

Utilize the closet in novel ways. If possible, remove the rod for hanging clothes. You can build shelves along the sides of the closet to store supplies. You could also place a file cabinet, preferably on casters, or a bookcase inside the closet to free up floor space. A stereo and speakers can find a home on a shelf if you can leave the door open while it is playing.

Working from home can be rewarding, but it can also present unique problems. Creating a work environment that does not feel cramped can do much to prevent the stress that can accompany it. By using what is available in ways that optimize space, you can increase your productivity and lift your spirits at the same time.

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