There are different needs for a home office. Whether you are studying, balancing the books for the household or business, or using it for contract work, a functional home office is a must. Check out these helpful hints to create the perfect space for your office.
Pick the Right Furnishings
There are a few key furnishings you will need to set up a functional and beautiful home office. A good desk is the base from which you will work, so purchase the largest one you can accommodate in your office. Check out a retailer for affordable desks, which can be complemented by a supportive office chair. Remember that you will be using the chair for a few hours at a time, so spending a bit more money is worth it.
Invest in the Gadgets that Make Your Office More Functional
If you rely on a number of electrical items for work, a surge protector is a must-have for your home office. You should have a webcam for video conferencing needs. If your laptop doesn’t have a built-in one, they can be purchased separately. Other gadgets that can make your home office run more efficiently include chargers for your phone or tablet, a wireless mouse, printer and scanner. You can also pick up USB fridges or cup warmers for a little extra comfort.
Make an Inspiration Board
If you work in an artistic industry, an inspiration board can help get those creative juices flowing. Also known as a ‘vision board’, it can help keep your desk clear and ideas right in front of you. They can help you visualise a project and keep designs on-track. Your inspiration board doesn’t have to be pretty or organised. It doesn’t even have to make sense. It is a way of keeping your ideas and plans altogether, which can help when your creativity is in a slump.
Update Your Technology
Trying to work on a computer overloaded with documents and running slowly causes unnecessary frustration. Updating your programs and moving to online storage reduces the time you spend waiting for your computer to boot up, or your files to open. A good quality internet connection is essential, so if your Wi-Fi constantly drops in and out, replace it with an Ethernet cable connection.
Write Down Your Goals
Much like the inspiration board, a list of goals can keep you on track. It’s easy to be distracted when you work from home; a list of tasks gives you an end goal to strive for. Each day, write down the tasks you want to complete. Ticking each of them off gives you a sense of achievement and keeps you motivated.
Remove Your Distractions
The perfect home office is free from non-work related distractions. Don’t keep magazines, a TV or games in the office. The less temptation there is to take a break, the more likely you are to get your work done. Aim to work normal office hours from home. Set your clock and stick to short breaks. Don’t try to complete household chores during your work day – before you know it, you will be cleaning the bathroom and have wasted two hours of your work time.
As more people take work home with them, a functional office is a necessity. Do you work from home? What steps have you taken to create the perfect home office?
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