Ask a Business Expert

A: The way you arrange your office is a very personal decision that must be made based on your specific needs and styles. But here are a few areas to consider before you spend the time rearranging.

Put things where you use them. If you answer your telephone with your left hand, put your phone on the left side of your desk. If you're always spending time walking across the room to retrieve a file folder, put your filing cabinet right behind your desk so you can swivel around and retrieve a file without having to get up.

Consider the amount of light in your room. You would not want your computer facing the window if the light causes a lot of glare on the screen.

If you position your desk so that you're looking outside of your office, rather than at the wall, you'll be able to see if visitors are standing at your door waiting to speak with you, rather than having to crank your neck around if you suspect someone is there.

Before you begin arranging, make a list of your needs. Then lay out some possibilities on graph paper. When making your diagrams, keep in mind that some furniture requires extra room for opening drawers, and doors that swing out.

Once you do this, you should be able to see if your new arrangement allows enough space for you to comfortably get around the room, and if it will be easy for your office visitors. You're basically looking for a layout that will be comfortable, allow you easy access to the items you use each day, and is aesthetically tasteful to you.