Whether you’re fully remote, or dividing your time between home and the office, creating a space that supports your productivity (and keeps you sane) is more important than ever. If you’ve been furiously Googling “home office ideas” at 11pm, hoping for a miracle solution between the piles of paperwork and tangled cables, you’re in the right place.
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Home offices matter more than ever today, thanks to the cultural shift that followed the pandemic. Hybrid working has become the new norm in the UK, where 40% of employees work remotely at least for part of the week, according to research by the Office for National Statistics.
Improve your work-life balance
Research by Employee Benefits suggests 52% of UK employees don’t have a good work-life balance, as their job often intrudes on their personal life. When you work from home, the sudden flexibility can be liberating. However, it can be a double edged sword, as with freedom comes the challenge of carving out a productive environment. If you fail to do so, you may feel there’s no escape from the office, because it’s right in front of you 24/7.
Not everyone has a spare room waiting to become a home office. Many remote workers are squeezing their setups into bedrooms, kitchens, or even under the stairs. The result is clutter and distractions. That’s where some smart home office ideas can make all the difference.
How to fix the struggles of working from home
The biggest issues people face when working remotely include a lack of space and a never ending search for calm and focus. You’ve probably experienced it, with papers spread across the dining table, chargers trailing under chairs, and Post-it notes stuck on the fridge.
Studies show that clutter is a major cause of stress and reduced productivity. Here’s the good news: your home office doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be functional, organised and comfortable. Adding smart storage solutions means a return to sanity and a total transformation in how you work.
Researchers at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute have found that physical clutter in our surroundings competes for our attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress. A study by Brother UK found that 31% of respondents suffered increased stress levels due to a messy desk, while 49% reported it negatively impacted their feelings about working in general. The key takeaway is that once your desk is in order, your brain will follow.
Office storage that works and looks good too
If you want more office ideas for home, or smart tips to work without stress, our practical storage solutions will help, no matter how much or little space you have. Let’s start with this absolute gem, Solent Plastics’ 3 x 4-litre plastic drawer tower storage unit. It’s compact, fits easily under or next to your workstation, and keeps everything from paperwork to stationery right where you need it.
The transparent drawers are perfect, because you can see what’s inside at a glance, so no more frantic digging for that missing USB stick. The drawers fit A4, A5 and A6 paper sizes, and can hold up to 500 sheets of A4, which is handy if you’re juggling multiple projects. It comes with removable castors, so you can roll it under your desk, or keep it static. Made from high-quality BPA-free polypropylene, it’s sturdy without looking clunky.
Our clever clear storage boxes with an air control system are a major innovation. Rotate the lid 180 degrees to control ventilation - a game changer if you're storing documents, electronics, or anything sensitive to moisture. They're stackable, space saving and clear, so when you’re trying to organise home office supplies, choosing these boxes is a no brainer.
Last but definitely not least, our medium-size plastic stacking UniBox is ideal for the environmentally conscious, as it’s made from 100% recycled plastic. At 20.5 litres, it’s a great middle ground for bulkier items. With secure stacking capabilities with other sizes from the same range and handgrips for easy lifting, it’s perfect for storing everything from archived files to tech accessories.
Stylish and functional home office storage
If you’re ready to start your DIY home office makeover, the key is to integrate these practical storage items into your decor. Think about colours that match your space, and use labels and dividers to keep things organised. Set up a dedicated storage zone, such as a shelving unit that holds your plastic drawer tower and other boxes neatly, with a few decorative items, like a plant or photo frame, to give it personality.
A study by the University of Exeter has found that workers who have control over the design and layout of their workspace are up to 32% more productive. That’s a big boost, especially when you’re juggling video meetings, deadlines and trying not to forget lunch. Importantly, a well organised, inviting workspace contributes to your mental wellbeing, so you’re more likely to enjoy your day and maintain boundaries between work and home life.