Working from home is very much a reality for many workers in this day and age. Growing technology and the ability to log in from anywhere in the world has presented a lot of power for employees, so why shouldn’t you build a comfortable but functional home office to work from? Aside from a home office providing you with a great place to work, it also adds value to your property, so it’s a win-win for both your work and home life.
Are you wondering how to work from home and create a beautiful but functional home office? Wonder no more.
Plan the room out
Don’t buy any equipment until you have planned out the room and know where everything is going. The last thing you want is to end up buying equipment that doesn’t fit in the office or suit your needs. Instead, plan a dedicated area for your main desk and where you will spend most of your time and see whether the light is right or if it is comfortable. For instance, you will want to face the door but have enough natural light, as this can impact your mental and physical wellbeing.
Ask the following questions before you make a start:
- How much desktop space do you need?
- How much storage do you need?
- Do you need space to store your gadgets?
- Are there enough plug sockets?
- Do you have clients coming to your premises?
What’s more, you should always plan your office with technology in mind, as this is an essential element in today’s technological landscape.
Invest in a good, sturdy desk and comfy chair
You will most likely be sat at your desk for most of your workday, which is why investing in a good quality desk and chair will save you from back pain and poor quality furniture that’ll need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Select a desk that is large enough for your needs but not so comically large that it’ll swamp the room and make it seem small. Ideally, your desk should be able to hold your computer screens, notepads, stationery and an office phone. A smaller desk will save you from the temptation of overcrowding it and creating clutter.
Choosing the right office chair is important, too, if you want to save yourself from a lot of pain. When it comes to buying your office chair, look for:
- Lumbar support
- Adjustability
- A suitable wheelbase
- Breathable fabric
Add more power points
Add more sockets if you can, so that you don’t have to swap out electronics. This can cause issues later on, such as a phone without much charge because you forgot you swapped out the charger for another one. Streamline device charging by adding USB outlets so that you can charge your technology effortlessly. USB outlets remove the need to seek out an adapter and allow you to plug your device in the wall, which is a saving grace considering that many devices only require a USB cable nowadays.
Keep personal life separate
Don’t make the mistake of having your personal life invade your work environment. While you may want to have a photo of you and your family, don’t allow yourself to bring in any toys or bits and bobs from other rooms in the house. You could even have a coffee machine in your office if you are worried about getting distracted in the kitchen, although it is nice to stretch your legs every now and then.
Also, don’t forget to set up a business bank account so that you don’t dip into or rely on your personal finances. Personal and business expenses are very different, and when it comes to tax time, keeping such accounts separate will be very beneficial.
Don’t forget the time
We all lose track of time when we’re fully invested in a task, but when you have deadlines and meetings to abide by, you don’t want to risk forgetting about them. The time on your desktop and on your smartphone isn’t always enough, so have a large wall clock hanging in a prominent place in your office. You can also set alarms on your phone every couple of hours to keep you on time.
Have a garden office
If you have the money and time to build an office in your garden, do so. Not only does this keep your work more separate from your home life, but it looks more professional and allows you to create a space that’s completely dedicated to your career and craft.
Ensure your garden office has:
- Heating
- Power
- Natural light
- A small seating area (for clients)
Of course, there are many other ways to have an office space, such as converting your garage or building an extension. This can save you from losing a bedroom.
Working from home can be a wonderful way to work, but there is the risk of becoming easily distracted. Avoid distractions by having a dedicated space to work in, and see your proficiency skyrocket.
