How to Organize Your Home Office – Archive Files
April 29, 2013
My last entry showed you how to better organize your appointments by giving you tips on how to make the best use of your calendar. The next area of your home office that I will help you with is your files. Given that you recently filed your taxes, I am going to focus on archiving files.
There are three main categories of files: reference, action, and archived. Archived files are reference files that you no longer need to access on a regular basis, but you need to keep for tax, legal or historical purposes. These files should be stored separately from your reference files to avoid using your “prime real estate” on documents that are seldom accessed. If you have enough file storage space in your office, you can dedicate a drawer or set of drawers to your archived files. Often times, the best location to store them is your basement. My favorite storage solution is the clear stackable plastic file box. These are inexpensive, portable, and stackable. Put your hanging files in and label the outside with ‘Archived Files’ and the subject. They can be stored in a closet, on a shelf, or even stacked on the ground. Most homes would only need one or two of these.
Past tax papers are the most common type of file archived in homes. In this example, the IRS recommends that you keep seven years of supporting documentation. Each year after you file your taxes, add the new file to your archived file box and remove the oldest file. In the event of an audit, you will be so happy that you know right where to find all the information you need. Archiving files will also maximize your file space in your home office.
Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc
Home Office Shelves for Remote Commuting
April 29, 2013
One trend that has started to see a lot of momentum is working from home. There are many advantages that come with working remotely. These advantages can be seen for both the employer and employee. One thing that is important for those that work remotely is organization. Home office shelves and other organizational items are definitely a must-have for anyone that plans to work from their home.
People choose to work from home for a variety of reasons. Some do it to avoid a heinous commute, other to avoid a costly and inconvenient relocation. Others still find their job is easier to complete from home. Employers save on office space, utility costs and see other benefits from remote workers.
However, the ability to work from home comes crashing down if you do not have the proper organizational accessories in your home. Desktop organizers such as mail bins and stationary holders are important for keeping the desk organized. Home office shelves and file cabinets are essential for keeping paperwork in order.
Furniture is usually picked according to utility when being used in the office. Aesthetics are secondary to functionality. For the home-office though, I find that aesthetics are something that needs to be kept in mind. In fact, it may even be equally important.
Home office shelves are not all you need for the perfect remote workstation
It is also important to select a desk that will fit your utilities. As a blogger, I don’t find myself with a ton of extra paperwork, so the home office shelves suffice for storage. I do need lots of desktop space to plan out my posts, so having a simple but spacious desk is very important.
Other professionals may find their field requires a lot more paperwork, and therefore, a lot more storage. If this is the case, then a desk with cabinets or shelves may be more appropriate for your needs.
I would recommend working from home for anyone who believes it may be possible for their position. Not only does it save time, it can save you a great deal on commuting costs!
Cedar Shoe Racks Alert! The Ideal Shoe Storage
April 27, 2013
Shoe lovers around the world, this is an important message for you! There are all-new cedar shoe racks available from Household Essentials!
Those that love shoes as much as I do will know how important proper shoe storage can be. Without a proper storage system, shoes get mismatched, scuffed and even lost! Losing shoes is pretty much a no-can-do, so make sure your shoe storage is up to date.
The first pair of shoe racks from Household Essentials I would like to highlight is the 4-tier and 2-tier cedar racks. These cedar shoe racks are a cut above most because not only are they made from solid wood, but that wood is cedar! Cedar wood provides a wonderful scent, which is perfect for covering up my stinky shoes. The 4-tier shoe storage rack can hold up to 12 shoes, while the 2-tier can hold six pairs of shoes.
However, There’s More to Life Than Cedar Shoe Racks
For your boot storage, I would recommend a boot tree. The boot tree that is now being offered has 12 hooks and six plastic “boot-shapers”. The “boot-shapers” are designed to hang from the 12 hooks, and keep your boots’ shape while they are in storage. I’ve never seen a boot tree with such a unique design.
That boot rack and those cedar racks remind me – One of the most important components of looking your best is keeping the shape of any shoe. A shoe that loses its shape often just looks pathetic and can make even a fashionista like you look sloppy.
That is why I would recommend that every stylish person get a couple pairs of shoe shapers. These cedar wood shoe storage accessories keep your shoes looking as perky as they did when you first purchased them. No more sagging and dragging ugly looking shoes in your closet!