Tips For Setting Up Your Home Office & How To Get Things Done

Working from home means having your office wherever you are. That might mean in your bedroom, on the kitchen table or even in the garage. It doesn’t need to be formal – just functional. There are so many ways to set up your home office and make it a place that inspires rather than drains you. Here are some handy tips on how to set up your home office, whether it’s in a spare room or redecorating to make your home work better.

1. Identify Your Working Style

The first step toward setting up your home office is to figure out how you will work. Do you prefer to sit at a desk or stand up? Are you a laptop user or do you prefer the comfort of a desktop computer? Do you do better with a wooden desk or a glass top? Your choices of office setup will be influenced by all of these factors, which can help you create a suitable working environment.

2. Choose A Desk And Chair You Love

A desk and chair are arguably the most significant components of your home office. A desk should be solid and robust enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Glass tops are great if you like to see what’s on your desk and are careful with your belongings, but may be a challenge if you have small kids, pets, or work with items that could scratch the surface. A wooden top may be a better choice if you have energetic children and pets. For a chair, make sure it’s the right height for you and that the seat and back are comfortable. You may also want to consider armrests and wheels, depending on what your home office space looks like. In addition, it’s important to think about how a desk and chair will work together. Are they of similar color to each other and to the room they’re in? Or do they clash and detract from your work?

3. Color Matters – And So Does Lighting

Once you’ve selected your desk and chair, you’ll need to think about the other parts of the office. What color combination works best with your desk and chair? Is your office warm and cozy or bright and modern? Do you have a window that lets in plenty of natural light or does it seem like a cave? Color can have a major impact on mood, productivity and creativity. Select a color scheme that helps you relax, feel confident, and accomplish your best. As for lighting, you want to be able to see what you’re doing without your office being too bright. Too much light can cause headaches, affect sleep and make you feel unproductive.

4. Create A Storage Area For Easy Access

Whether you have a dedicated office or a home-based workspace, you’ll need a space to store your computer and other equipment. There are many ways to do this, including using a special cabinet or an open shelving system. You may also want to store items such as books, paper and pens in drawers or in containers that are easily accessible. Make sure to designate a special area for business cards, marketing materials, your website address, etc. Once you’ve got everything in place, make sure you keep it tidy. If you get into the habit of putting things back where they belong, it will help keep your office organized and efficient.

5. Have A Place To Relax And Reset

There are differences between working from home and working in an office. It is natural to need a break from time to time. In order to avoid overworking, you may need to set a timer or work at certain times of the day. Your home office should have a dedicated area for relaxing and recharging. You might want a comfy chair, a footstool, yoga mat, coloring books and crayons, a sound system, or a scented candle. It’s your place to relax, recharge, and refocus.

6. Don’t Forget The Essentials

There are a few things you need in any office, home or otherwise: a coffee machine, a place to put your water bottle, some way of shutting out noise and a good ergonomic chair. Make sure you have those essentials and you’ll find you work more efficiently. Don’t forget to decorate your office and show off your style. It doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant, but even a touch of personal flair will make you feel more at home and inspire you.