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Create more space where there is none: "Go Vertical"
Chicago BizNews, Issue 23, July 23, 2004
Before I started shopping at Ikea, (No, unfortunately I don't get any perks for the mention.) it
never occurred to me to use the vertical space in my home and office. I never had enough
work space and constantly rearranged the furniture and supplies to free up more space. You
only need to look at Ikea's online catalog to get an idea of how their designers use every
inch of vertical space to create a clutter free room.
Here's how to get started on this fun, space-saving project.
Begin by sorting through the things you currently store on the floor.
Dispose of, donate or place seldom used items in long term storage.
Measure walls for shelves and cabinetry.
If you don't know what items you might store vertically, keep reading and you'll find some
suggestions.
Additionally, you'll want to put off purchasing your shelving or cabinetry until after you've
sorted through items, purged and measured your available space. Remember, shopping for
containers and shelving is your last step!
How long is this going to take? Getting organized takes time and you'll need to plan. But
think of it like going to the gym; you're never sorry when you're done.
If you're doing the project yourself, it'd be safe to say it would take roughly a day of your
weekend, or less if you have staff and/or can delegate tasks.
Sorting, purging and measuring - (1-3 hours based on minimal to moderate clutter)
Shopping - (2-3 hours, less if you start the selection process by surfing the internet)
Installation - (2-3 hours, more time for cabinets)
Putting things away in your new organized space (1 hour or less)
Things to Consider
What types of hardware, shelving or cabinetry are appropriate for your walls?
Decorative or functional?
Plastic, wood, modular or coated wire? Browsing the internet is a great way to get some
ideas of what's out there.
Do you want the contents of your shelves to be visible or hidden?
There many different shelving and cabinetry options available:
Custom cabinetry - most expensive option, but well worth the investment. Along with
custom installation your options include see-through doors, lighting, choices of color,
materials and finishes to match your decor.
Off-the-shelf cabinetry - a fraction of the cost of custom and you can take the ala carte
method of selecting features as well. Choose to pay for installation or do it yourself. You
have some of the same choices as with custom cabinetry though you may have a limited
number of colors to choose from. But you can always purchase cabinets unfinished and
finish them to suit your taste.
Shelving - finished, unfinished, wire, plastic - The price range varies from expensive for
finished wood to economically priced wire.
If you decide on shelving to store supplies you'll maintain an uncluttered look by using
vertical shelf dividers to keep paper and supplies neatly stacked.
Accessibility - Consider your height.
Gaining additional storage space over your desk or work table is a good thing, but not if you
can't reach what you need.
(If accessibility is an issue, use the space over your desk strictly for photographs, awards,
collectibles, etc.; things you won't need to access often.)
The balance of your shelving should also be placed within reasonable reach.
Bonus Benefit: If "reaching things" is an issue - with the floor space gained you'll have
room for one of those cool step stools with the wheels on the base.
Peg Board or Hooks
These organizing tools are better suited for garages and (brightly painted) in children's
rooms rather than in an office where a more aesthetic solution might be preferable. But they
may be appropriate for instance, in the office of an interior designer (paint/fabric samples),
architect (drafting tools, molding samples), or a real estate agent or building manager
(keys).
Bonus Idea: Spray paint a peg board with "chalkboard surfacing" (found in local hardware
stores) for erasable labeling that changes with your needs.
Items in your office that "live" well on the wall:
Above your desk
software and CD music collections
hand held device and cradle
cell phone and cradle
speakers
reference books
photographs
awards
collectibles
lighting
plants
clock
business cards
Above computer peripherals (printer, fax, scanner)
paper
office supplies - neatly stacked, if not hidden
additional USB ports, small network hubs
product manuals
ink cartridges
power cords, neatly coiled, in zip-lock bags, labeled
General
product
brochures
stationery
radio
television, stereo - consider your walls and the weight of these items when deciding
Other ways to "Go Vertical" - Flimsy Walls?
On top of work tables
Use see-through, stackable containers for drafting supplies, brochures, paper, art supplies,
etc.
Bookcases
A three-sided bookcase with adjustable shelves is a multi-functional way of using your
vertical space.
For example, use the very top of the case for a photo or two or collectibles, the next shelf
down for reference materials, use the "arms length reach" shelf for things you need every
day like your printer or scanner or see-through stackable containers with office supplies.
Bonus: The great thing about using bookcases is that they can also serve as room
dividers for your office. They create a sense of privacy and act as a great sound shield!
Things to Remember
Make sure your walls can bear the weight and that you or a professional select the
appropriate hardware.
Be sure to disperse the weight of items evenly
Remove copy paper and other weighty items from their boxes
Shelves or cabinets should be within reach or reachable with a step stool
Be sure to attractively label so you can find things in a snap
You're on your way to creating a new sense of usability and comfort in your work space. So,
let's roll up our sleeves and get started!
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