When it comes to working a 9-5, you’ll want your office to be as spacious and comfortable as possible. For those operating in small offices, it may even be tempting to relocate your business. However, with commercial rent prices rising and a whole host of new challenges, is this really the best option? While you may work in a cramped or restricted area, there’s plenty of handy tips and tricks you can utilise to maximise your existing office space. From optimising natural lighting to investing in clever storage options, read on to find out everything you need to know.
The importance of working in a comfortable and safe environment
A messy, cluttered workspace can create a chaotic, unproductive atmosphere. Not only can it take you longer to find what you need (whether that’s an important document or a rogue pair of scissors) but it can also make you ill – the accumulation of dirt and grime can trigger allergies or even harbour disease-causing germs. Furthermore, a cramped and disorganised workplace can also make you feel stressed, claustrophobic and unmotivated to work.
This is why it’s important to keep your workspace as clean and tidy as you can, while also doing what you can to maximise office space.
Top tips to maximise office space
Luckily, there’s plenty of things you can do to make your small office space seem much bigger:
Declutter your office
Maintaining premises that are clean and tidy guarantees a more stress-free, relaxed atmosphere. Rather than operating in a state of chaos, workers can find objects and documents more easily – this tends to boost productivity and help operations run more smoothly. You’ll also free up a lot of space, which will make the room appear much bigger.
Here’s a few things you can to declutter your office:
- You should encourage employees to regularly clean and organise their desks and workstations. Make sure tools and equipment are packed away at the end of the day and there is nothing left lying around to cause trips and slips.
- It’s a good idea to create different work zones – consider segmenting areas into a computer work station and a non-computer based work space. This will minimise mess and distractions while opening up more space.
- When it comes to arranging items and documents in offices and workstations, this should be done practically, on the basis of how regularly they are used. Try to place your most frequently used items in the top shelves and desk drawers (such as chargers and notebooks), where access is quick and easy. Keep your least used items furthest away from you.
- It’s worth establishing an effective waste management system – ensure recyclable and non-recyclable items are placed in the correct bins and that rubbish is collected regularly.
- Make the most of storage boxes and containers – these can be stored under desks and in cupboards to clear up available space.
- Digitise your notes and documents. This is a great way to reduce paper-based clutter; documents can easily be scanned and converted to digital files.
- Clear away office cables. Not only do offices overrun by tangled cables look messy, but they also pose health and safety risks. You could even connect your computers and devices using wi-fi to remove the need for cables entirely. A cable management box can also help. A cable management solution will often feature double directional outlets for USB cords, chargers, HDMI cords and beyond.
Invest in clever storage
The right storage can make a huge difference when it comes to maximising space in the workplace. You’ve got limitless options on this front, and the range of storage solutions available will be able to revolutionise your office. Here’s a few things you can do to make your office space more manageable:
- Acquire some storage bins – the easiest way to declutter your workspace is to acquire several storage bins and containers to store stationery, documents and anything else you may need. You could incorporate labels so you’re able to find things in a dash – it’s also a good idea to select boxes with handles for easier access.
- Invest in a bookcase – increase storage space from above by adding an elevated bookcase to your office. You can utilise this for practical purposes, such as stacking storage boxes, books and documents, or even for a decorative element. Include framed photos, art and ornaments to add a personal touch.
- Install wall organisation racks – it’s easy for letters, loose paper and other documents to quickly pile up in your office. A great solution to prevent this is to opt for a mounted paper organiser – simply place your paper in this storage rack to free up space.
- Purchase a mobile filing cabinet – for heavy duty gear such as laptops, printers and scanners, you’ll need a sturdy storage solution. A mobile filing cabinet offers security, manoeuvrability and plenty of space – with deep, inbuilt shelves, you’ll feel more organised than ever.
- Add desktop utensil holders – these can be used to store pens, pencils, scissors, sticky-notes, highlighters and other items you may need.
- Consider drawer organiser- desk drawers can often accumulate junk if you’re not careful. Therefore, drawer dividers and organisers are a handy solution. These often come in an assortment of shapes, sizes and depths, making them a versatile choice. It’s best to opt for a clear set – this will make it easier to grab what you need.
Consider hot-desking
Hot-desking involves personal desks being removed to save space. Instead of using a traditional desk that workers sit at each day, large communal desks and other spaces are assigned on a first come first served basis. What’s more, hot-desking additionally involves creativity between workers that wouldn’t normally find themselves together and can thus lead to enhanced team morale and productivity.
Optimise natural light
Optimising natural lighting in the workplace is a guaranteed way to create a more peaceful environment and even create the illusion of more space. Office workers will spend most of their time indoors so an airy, well-lit environment will be welcomed by your employees. To project a feeling of extra space, remove items from window sills and get rid of any other light blockages.
Even if your office only has a limited amount of light during the day, you can still maximise your existing options.Try rearranging desks so they are positioned closer to windows. You could also use LED lighting to brighten up dark office spaces.
Opt for smart seating options
When it comes to making spaces look bigger, furniture choices definitely matter. In most cases, you should try to avoid heavy furniture – this looks dated and is less flexible than other choices. While a dark, mahogany desk may look high-quality, they are difficult to move and take up a lot of space. Instead, you should switch these items with furniture that appears lighter in terms of colour and weight.
Smaller chairs and stools are also good for freeing up space – they can also be easily moved and stored away.
Think about multipurpose spaces
Multipurpose spaces will accommodate everything. From group meetings to catch up with clients, these are versatile areas that can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, in an open plan office a meeting pod offers a private space and also doubles up as a semi-permanent working area or meeting room.
Store files offsite or online
As previously mentioned, a great way to free up space in the office is to store files offsite or move them online. Rather than working in an office cluttered with files, to-do lists and post-it notes, you should consider sharing to-do lists in a central place such as a spreadsheet or on a whiteboard and storing files on a cloud-based system.
Source your essential office furniture from Corporate Spec
At Corporate Spec, we stock everything you need to create the office space of your dreams. From chairs and sofas to visitor seating, we’ve got your workplace furniture needs covered. Contact us today to find out more about our fantastic products.
