You’ve got the pleasure of being able to work from home. No worrying about traffic jams or long commutes, no one telling you what to do, and no more working on projects that don’t fill you with purpose. As convenient as being a remote worker can be, however, it’s not without its downsides. One of the biggest is staying motivated and productive throughout the day.
When you don’t have anyone monitoring your work and you’re in the midst of a ton of distractions, it’s easy to get sidetracked. The only way to fix this problem is to set up a home office. Not just any home office either. One that inspires you to be productive every day.
Design a Functional Layout
Layout must be considered regardless of where you decide to set up your home office. When deciding where your desk, shelves, cabinets, and office equipment should go, keep your daily tasks in mind. Which things do you use most often? Those items should be located near each other so that you can access them without having to get up from your desk and walk across the room.
Plenty of Outlets
Most home offices will require electrical equipment to operate efficiently. You’re constantly using things like your laptop, tablet, smartphone, printer, and other devices. However, if you don’t have enough energy sources to use, then you can’t plug in everything in that you’ll need to perform. If the room you’ve opted to set up your home office in doesn’t have many outlets, then you can have an electrician install some for you. Once this is done, acquire some desk power outlets so that you can easily plug in your most used devices without worrying about having a sea of messy cords all over the floor.
Natural Light
You need proper lighting to ensure that you can clearly see what you’re doing. The right light also reduces possible eye strain injuries, improves mood, and inspires creativity. The best form of light is always natural light. So, if the room has windows, consider investing in window treatments that allow you to make the most of the sunlight. Blinds, shades, or sheer curtains are ideal.
Adequate Storage
A cluttered office leads to a cluttered mind and does nothing for your productivity levels. When designing your home office, be sure to have enough storage to reduce the amount of clutter piled up on or around your desk. Filing cabinets, shelves, and decorative storage containers can help you to minimize your stuff.
Comfortable Furniture
How can you get anything done if you’re sitting in a chair that causes back pain and are working from a desk that only has three good legs? Sure, the average entrepreneur needs to be frugal when first starting their business, but skimping on comfort could backfire. Look for a used office chair that has comfortable cushions, back, and neck support.. As for your desk, opt for a desk that’s tall enough to support your posture when at the computer.
Desk Organizers
Your desk is the core of your workspace. When it’s filled with files, books, paper, pens, binder clips, and whatever else, it makes it hard for you to get your job done. Fortunately, there are desk organizers that are inexpensive but are a great help. There are several types so choose ones that provide you with the most storage space.
Get Rid of Distractions
The final step to designing a productive home office is getting rid of the distractions. If there’s a television in the room, for example, it’s best to remove it so you’re not tempted to turn it on and binge watch your favorite show. Your house phone should also be located elsewhere so that you’re not distracted by personal calls during business hours.
Whether you are a freelance writer or you just launched your video production company, the environment in which you work has a major impact on your level of productivity. Though it may seem like your home is the coolest place to make a living from, it’s important to set it up in a manner that encourages you to be productive on a regular basis. Use the tips above to create a workspace that motivates you to succeed.