If there’s something we know about here at Jim’s, it’s storage. And if there’s something that has changed about how so many people work in this new Covid-19 world, it’s the switch to setting up an office at home. So we thought it was the perfect opportunity to answer one of the most commonly asked questions asked by those setting up home offices: Where to put all of that stuff? The perfect place to start is right here, with our brilliant home office storage ideas.

Working from home can be liberating – but that doesn’t mean your home is big enough, or well enough equipped, to cope with all of that extra stuff you’ll need to be as productive as you need to be. As well as the office furniture, there will be piles of sky-high paper, all of those necessary office supplies – and you may even need the space to serve as a spare or playroom, too.

So it’s going to be necessary to be super-smart with your home office storage ideas. Get started with these top gems from your trusted western Melbourne self storage team:

1. Be flexible

As we mentioned, your office space may need to double-up as a spare bedroom or kid’s playroom, so the keyword here is flexibility. That’s why we think your setup should be highly adaptable, such as ensuring your home office shelving is fully adjustable. That way, your office setup can quickly adapt to its purpose and always be maximising the limited space.

2. Go modular

While on the topic of office shelving ideas, here’s a good one: Go modular! Better still, make your highly flexible modular storage wall stretch all the way from the floor to the ceiling. And it’s not just about office storage shelves, we’re also talking about ideas like pegboard panels, or drawers within the modular wall setup.

3. Use the walls

While you’re thinking about your home office walls, don’t forget: It’s basically free space within your limited area. So put up a big magnetic board, for all of those reminders and notes and bills and scrawled ideas, and then add some magnetic hooks that you can hang other items on as well like earphones or your keys.

4. Use boxes

And what should you put on that flexible home office shelving? How about super-adaptable storage boxes, which is the perfect way to quickly file things in a proper place during a busy workday while maintaining the sort of order and tidiness necessary for full productivity. And to maintain order within those boxes, simply use labels.

5. Store it on wheels

Another brilliant idea we’ve seen in the modern home office is a storage solution that is on wheels. We think this is one of the best home office storage ideas of them all: A unit that combines box shelves and drawers, with a flat desktop … and all of it’s on wheels! That means you can use it at work during the day, and then wheel it into a corner or another room afterwards. Genius!

6. Digital Decluttering

In today’s increasingly online world, our virtual workspace can sometimes become as cluttered as our physical one. It’s not just about organising that pile of papers on your desk; it’s about taming the horde of files on your desktop. Try setting up dedicated folders for projects and regularly backing up to cloud storage. And just as you wouldn’t let your pens and pencils scatter everywhere, don’t let those stray files and emails clutter your workspace. Schedule regular digital clean-up days where you organise and delete old files, ensuring your computer runs faster and your mind works more efficiently in a clean digital space.

7. Cable Commanders

In the modern age, with our essential gadgets and their accompanying cords, cables have a knack for turning any office area into a tangled mess. But, you can reign supreme over this wired chaos! Consider adopting cable clips, ties, or even a stylish cable box to keep those pesky cords in check. When your charging cables, laptop cords, and headphone wires are all neatly arranged, not only does it enhance the aesthetics, but it also saves time — no more untangling or searching for the right cord.

8. Zoning in on Productivity

A cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind. But, what if you could delineate your office space just as cities zone out their regions? It’s all about compartmentalising. Have a dedicated ‘work zone’ where the magic happens, stocked with your computer, files, and stationery. Create a ‘relax zone’, perhaps a comfy chair with a side table, for those coffee breaks or reading moments. And don’t forget the ‘supply zone’, a corner or a cupboard housing your printer, spare stationery, and miscellaneous items. By setting up zones, you not only have clear boundaries but also mentally shift gears as you move from one zone to the next, ensuring each activity, be it work or relaxation, gets its due focus.

Is your storage overflowing?

Working from home can mean limited space, especially when you’re trying to organise stock and seasonal items. It can get overwhelming being buried in boxes! You could stuff your garage full and leave the car on the street, or better yet – A local self storage unit could be an affordable answer. Use our handy self storage space calculator to find out more.

We’d love to hear your home office storage wisdom!

With some really clever home office storage ideas like these, it really is possible to be highly productive with your work whilst still feeling ‘at home’ once you’re done. We’ve also seen home office desks tucked away in nooks behind doors; end-of-bed Ottomans fully kitted-out as a mini-office within a bedroom; home offices brilliantly doubling-up as baby nurseries – and so much more.

Have we missed a great home office storage idea that really works for you? Here at Jim’s Self Storage, we’re all about sharing the storage wisdom to make life just a little bit easier and more productive for everyone.

Need help with storage? We can also help you with all your storage needs from personal storage, business storage and everything in between, so we’d absolutely love to hear from you!