Figure C Figure A Figure B

Organizational expert Louise Kurzeka offers tips for setting up a perfectly organized home office (figure A).

• Make sure to consider the space of your future home office. Is it part of a room that has other functions, like a guest bedroom, a den, or a playroom? How much of your work will you want to "hide" when you're done for the day/evening?

• Does the space have enough electrical outlets and phone jacks? Are they conveniently located? If possible, have additional wiring or phone lines installed. If using power bars, try to make them as accessible as possible (at waist height, for example ) so you don't have to go through an obstacle course to get to them.
  
  
• What kind of storage space will you need? In addition to paper files, computer disks and compact discs, remember that you'll likely be storing office supplies and possibly photos, cameras (video as well) and binoculars.

• When you design your workplace, assess the types of equipment you will need--filing cabinets, letter-writing supplies, pens, staples, etc. You should be able to perform multiple tasks within reasonable reach.