Currently, 3.7 million people are working from home at least half the time. So, the need for home office space is evergrowing.
The average person doesn’t know what it takes to create a home office space that promotes joy, hard work, and comfort at the same time.
So, you’re fortunate to have us around to help you out! Keep reading and we’ll share some valuable tips on how to set up a home office with a small amount of effort.
How to Set Up a Home Office
Whether working from your home office every once in a while is a perk from your job or you always work from your place, you need to set up a home office that makes you feel cozy and productive at the same time. Your office might be an extension you’ve added to your home or a spare bedroom.
But how can you achieve both coziness and productiveness without confusing yourself about whether it’s time for work or relaxation? Well, a great start is to follow these steps!
1. Figure Out What Types of Tech You’ll Need
Most offices aren’t operating without a computer these days, so that’s a given. But you still need to think about the other types of equipment that are available for you to purchase versus what you truly need.
For instance, having a printer is nice, but unless you will use it frequently, it may not be worth the money or the space it will take up. If your primary want for a printer is to print and sign contracts, keep in mind that you can avoid the clutter of an extra piece of equipment by signing up for an e-signature service.
And the same rule applies for faxing. You won’t have to waste precious desk space for a fax machine if you purchase a Google fax number.
Make a list of your tech needs versus wants and narrow it down as much as possible.
2. Choose Comfy, Yet Attractive Furniture
A huge benefit of working from home is that you get to personalize every single aspect of your home office, including its comfort level and appearance!
No more windowless cubicles with boring gray walls and a squeaky overused chair. You can decorate the entire space in your favorite colors and styles while making your comfort a priority.
Follow all the ergonomic rules to achieve a comfortable, yet productive workspace. Here are a few rules to keep in mind:
- Get a chair that you can adjust for your feet to rest of the floor or a footrest
- Focus the top of your computer screen to eye level or slightly below it
- Make sure your keyboard is set up in a way that makes your forearms parallel to the floor
These small tweaks can keep you from getting tired and eliminate or prevent neck and back pain.
3. Give Yourself Some Natural Light
Set up your home office in an area where you have access to a window and sunlight.
Why are we emphasizing natural light? Well, we took these stats into consideration:
- 47% of employees feel tired because of the absence of natural light in their office
- 78% of say that natural light improves their well-being
- 70% say natural light has improved their performance
Placing your office in a room that gets loads of sunshine will be doing yourself a huge favor.
4. You’ll Still Need a Couple of Lamps Though
Yes, we just sold you on the importance of natural light, but you will need more lighting if you’re going to work during dark hours and on cloudy, stormy days. Try a couple of lamps that have a soft glow and not super bright, fluorescent lighting.
Also, don’t forget, they make lamps that mimic sunlight.
5. Weigh Your Options for Storage
Standard file cabinets aren’t visually pleasing at all, but they do serve a purpose. Try to find more creative and attractive ways to store your paperwork.
Some examples include display shelves like you’ll find in the kid’s section of a library, magazine racks, and wall mounted shelves with colorful folders and baskets.
6. Give Yourself Space for Breaks
Utilize your desk for the times you are actively working. But give yourself an area where you can relax your mind in between tasks.
This can be something as simple as a comfortable recliner with an ottoman and throw blanket.
7. Practice Strategic Personalization
Yes, most people like having photos of their friends, significant others, or family close by on their desks. But you can become numb to those precious photos if they aren’t moved around or swapped out often, meaning they lose their power to make you smile or be mindful.
Rotate your photos in your home office. Also, include cartoons and memes that make you laugh and mementos that remind you of your goals and past successes. A scented candle or diffuser you love will make the office happier too.
8. Stock Up on Supplies
It may sound a bit silly, but leaving your office several times in a day to gather supplies from other areas in your home can remind you that you’re home. This can distract you from a work day you have yet to complete.
Keep your office area stocked up with all the supplies you need so that you’re only leaving during your lunch break, just as you would if you were working on-site.
9. Add Plants
Plants can improve your concentration and productivity by 15%. They can also lower your stress levels and make you feel happier.
So, why not add them to your home office? While you’re at it, add a couple to your basic living spaces too!
10. Hide Eye Sores
Your office is bound to have tons of cords running through it. But you can hide those by placing a power strip in an area that doesn’t stand out to you, like behind your desk.
Also, if there’s a piece of office equipment you aren’t in love with, toss it in a closet or an attractive bin.
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If you’re going to work from home, you should know it takes a great amount of discipline and time management. Also, knowing how to set up a home office isn’t just about finding a sale on a great desk and chair.
Your office should be a space that motivates you to work hard, makes you feel happy, and helps you focus.
Also, for even more amazing home and work tips, don’t forget to follow our blog!
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