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Ergonomic Gift Wrapping Worksite Setup

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Counter Top Gift Wrapping Worksite

Counter Top Gift Wrapping Worksite

Chris Adams, 2006, Licensed to About.com
Wrapping at counter height is my favorite. You get to stand up while doing it. This actually helps a lot more than you would think. Have your doubts? Just check out the gift wrapping center at the department store next time you are there. They are almost always standing counter top setups.

Humans are not designed to sit for long periods of time, especially in a kitchen chair. Furthermore, working with large rolls of paper requires a lot of bending and stretching. It is much easier do this from a standing position than a sitting one. The extra height also works to your advantage when dealing with large sheets of paper by letting them hang off the edge.

What You Need

  • A work surface height that will allow you to maintain a good standing . A counter top is a good place to start. For most of us that will mean the kitchen. Clear off a three to five feet wide space all the way to the back splash.
  • A space to hold at arms reach. Some extra counter space will work. Or you could pull out a drawer to the side of your work surface. A chopping board or cookie sheet across the opened drawer will keep your tools and the drawers contents separated.
  • Some good, supportive shoes are next. Do not do this barefoot or in slippers. You need some soul support. I wear my Crocs.
  • An anti-fatigue mat will help as well. Place it directly in front of your worksite.

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