How To Set Up A Home Office That Inspires Productivity
April 3, 2020When working from home, you’re in your own comfort space. And though that maybe heaven to some, it comes with its own set of challenges, especially for first-timers. First of all, there are distractions. And then, there’s the difficulty of switching on and off between home mode and work mode. That’s why a home office that makes you want to get things done is important.
Aside from self-discipline, a great home office could help you master working from home in no time. If you’re wondering what the perfect home office is, it’s one that is comfortable but not too comfortable. And no, the couch doesn’t count. It should be a dedicated space that gets you in the right state of mind to inspire productivity. Luckily, creating the perfect home office space doesn’t need tearing the house apart. You also likely have everything you need right now. All you need is a little bit of guidance and creativity. So, here are some tips to help you set up your perfect home office.
Pick the Right Spot
You’ll be spending a lot of time in your home office. So, make sure that you’re setting up shop somewhere you enjoy being in. With that, you’ll likely be able to sit and concentrate on your tasks longer. As for distractions, one good rule is to define what bothers you. Is it the dirty dishes? Is it the street noise? Knowing these would help you find just the right spot.
Unfortunately, not all of us have an extra room to spare. But, don’t worry one bit. You can transform plenty of nooks and odd corners into a workable home office. For instance, you can simply remove the clothes rod in an empty closet and set up an extension wire. Or you can push a small table into that empty wall corner. And you’re good to go.
Plan What You Need
To make you more efficient, plan ahead and make sure you have everything you’ll need nearby. Make sure your workspace is near a power outlet or an extension cord. Ensure you have proper lighting and temperature. If you’re expecting video calls, make sure that your background is decent. Also, don’t forget to test how well the Wi-Fi connection is in your spot and make sure it’s as strong as possible.
Set Up Proper Lighting
Good lighting is not only for the ambiance of your space. More so, it’s for you to avoid eye strain. Setting up in a sunny spot near a window is great. And if your overhead lights aren’t enough, borrow a floor lamp or table lamp from the other room to create a well-lit space. Also, don’t forget to place your PC at a good, comfortable distance to avoid squinting. If your eyes still continue to feel overly tired after working for the day, that’s a sign you need to update your lighting. Add another source of light or adjust your current lighting situation.
Try To Make It As Ergonomic As Possible
YIf you can’t purchase that ergonomic office furniture right now, you can still find solutions in your home. For instance, you can prop up your laptop on books or other flat and sturdy objects to create your own standing desk. You can also try matching up a chair to your desk that makes you comfortable but doesn’t have you hunching over.
Don’t Forget Storage
Messes and clutter are notorious for stressing out the mind and preventing you from concentrating. Don’t let it take over your space by setting up any form of storage near your working station. It can be a file cabinet, a drawer, or even a small storage box that you push underneath your desk at the end of the day. Just have a clear space for all the stuff you don’t always need on your desk.
Keep Your Space Organized
Less is more. That’s a good rule to go by to keep your home office neat and organized. Reserve your desk for supplies that you need every day. And keep other stuff on floating shelves or other corners of the space for you to have a clear working space. Corralling loose wires, cords, and other devices into a box can also help keep the space look cleaner and help you have easy access to them.
Don’t Forget To Decorate
Temporary or not, your workspace is still your space and adding personality to it will make it much more pleasant to work there. Add a splash of color through pictures, wall decor, textiles and such. You can even hang up artworks that inspire you. And you can also bring in some good old plants to liven up your home office.
