by Elizabeth Rowe

Created on: October 18, 2008   Last Updated: July 05, 2009

Being in the closet doesn't have to be a bad thing.

The average home closet is actually about the right size for a functional office, and the transformation might be easier than you think. Try these ten steps to change your room from storage to workspace:

1) List the things you actually do in your office. Do you need

~ a place to sit? for how many?

~ A telephone?

~ a computer?

~ Room to write longhand?

~ Storage for mail?

~ Storage for supplies?

~ Storage for files?

~ Storage for books?

~ A printer?

~ Other peripherals and office equipment?

~ Room for other activities-drafting, tarot reading, whatever

2) Determine how much space each activity actually takes. Some dimensions are fixed: portable drafting boards have to fit the standard paper sizes, and so do printers. Others can be minimized or combined: if you have a computer with a modem, you can send and receive faxes without a fax machine, and that takes no space at all.

3) Figure out how to fit that activity into the space you have.

~ "Computer desks," often on wheels, that will roll right into your closet are available from most furniture stores and many discounters. They can hold a computer and printer and usually a few small items.

~ Remember that some things can go on the wall, like the telephone, wastebasket and a bin for mail storage

~ Re-purposing some spaces can add functionality in the same square footage. Your computer keyboard can be moved to make room for writing longhand or setting up a portable drawing board.

~ Your computer may provide some functions in no space at all, like faxing or watching the DVDs you review.

~ Storage can be accommodated on the closet's original shelves, or on added shelves. If yours is a large closet, by all means add cabinets and bookshelves.

~ Don't forget seating!

4) Add any extra receptacles, such as a telephone jack, an electrical outlet or a light fixture. Handy folks in spaces they own may hardwire these; the rest of us will run cables as necessary. Be sure to consider whether you need additional lighting.

5) Prepare the space. You may want to paint, add a carpet or a carpet protector, or hang a prefabricated shelf. You may take down the closet's rod if you choose, although if you foresee a need to hang anything, you may want to leave it. If photographs or certificates are going on the wall, install them now.

7) Install the electronics. Pull the chair and table back out, and put your computer and printer into place. Run the cables from the printer and modem and so forth. Plug your equipment in, and make sure everything works.

6) Install the furnishings. Roll the desk into the office and set your chair in place.

8) Install small objects and stash your supplies. Keep these to a minimum, but include anything you actually need.

9) Try it for size. Sit at the desk and do whatever you normally do in your office. Are you comfortable? Can you reach everything? Are you constantly getting up and down? Do you need more light?

10) Adjust things for convenience. Make sure your chair is at a comfortable height. Move the phone where you can reach it without getting up, and add a lamp if you need one.

And that's it! Enjoy your new office.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Rowe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.