Did you know that China is the country that exports the most?
The first thing you need to do is decide where your home office is going to be located. Make sure to take into consideration space, foot traffic, and potential distractions.
It’s very difficult to work in a space that’s either blazing hot in the summer or freezing cold in the winter. Choose a space that is temperature-controlled so that you can focus.
Just as hard as working in a hot or cold office is working in a stuffy office. Make sure the space is well-ventilated. If it’s not, you may want to invest in an air filter.
Natural light not only makes us feel better, but it also makes us work harder! Natural lighting is shown to improve productivity, which is important for a home office.
If you don’t have any windows, or if you simply don’t have a lot of daylight, use ambient lighting in your office. You can also add in a high-quality lamp as well.
Make sure you create space for jotting down ideas, whether that means a corkboard on the wall or space for some notebooks.
Colors have a real impact on how we feel in a space. You can paint your office an inviting neutral and boost it with some accents, or pick a non-intrusive color that won't distract you.
Clutter can not only be distracting, but it can also waste your time as you’re looking for items you need. Make sure that everything has a place, so you can go through your day in an organized fashion.
Mixing the pleasure and the personal can make things hard to distinguish. If you can afford it, consider getting a computer only for work-related activities. That way you’re not tempted to watch a little Netflix before your daily meeting.
The best desk is not just one that you like, it’s the one that’s most functional in your space. Find a desk that is the appropriate size (so it doesn’t take up half the room), has enough space for all different facets of your work, and allows you to sit comfortably.
Once again, this is not only about looks. The best office chair may have something to do with your decor, but it should mostly be a comfortable chair that supports you throughout the day.
Bring the outside in with some plants. Putting a few strategically placed plants around your office can reduce your stress and improve your mood.
This is one of the best parts of having a home office. If the space allows for it, get a comfortable chair or perhaps a couch. This will let you read or brainstorm in comfort, and no one will know if you take a quick little catnap during your lunch break!
A must-have in the digital age, a high-speed Internet connection not only means that we can get things done faster, but also that we’re less likely to get distracted.
It’s hard to get work done with constant interruptions. Make sure you have a way of creating privacy, whether that’s merely shutting/locking the door or...
This is a great way to ensure privacy if you’re at home with family, especially if you have kids. Get a sign that indicates when it’s okay for you to be disturbed, and when you need absolute silence.
When you’re in an office, there’s an observable ebb and flow. You can see when most people are going to lunch, or when people are headed out for the day, so it reminds you to do that as well. But at home, we’re likely to overwork, so put up a clock and keep track of your work time as well as your much-needed breaks.
Nothing screws up productivity like trying to work in a dirty area. Not only should you make sure that everything has its place, you also want to ensure that it’s cleaned regularly. This may mean cleaning it yourself once a week, or hiring someone to do it for you.
You will be the one paying the electricity in a home office, so that gives you an added incentive to go green.
Follow ergonomic rules to ensure that you do the least amount of damage to your body while sitting all day. Take into account the height of your chair, desk, screen, and even keyboard.
If you’re working at home with others, you want to make sure that there’s enough Internet to go around. Investing in a network router will ensure that one person’s pastime won’t affect your work time.
Put in books, photos, or anything else that you feel inspires you. It’s always good to be reminded of what you’re working towards.
Not every space is easy to make into a home office. If you have a particularly small (or oddly shaped) room or area that you’d like to use as a home office, consider getting custom furniture to make it work.
Whether it’s a calendar, a white board, or a corkboard, get something that you can always see to display important deadlines and reminders.
The great thing about your office is that you can personalize it. Add in some pieces of decor that will make you feel at home. Just don’t overdo it.
You don’t want to be running out every week for more printer paper or pens. Make sure you have a good stock at home, because there’s no office manager to provide you with those things.
You likely don’t want to have one decor style throughout your home only to be completely thrown off by one room. Decorate as you please, but try not to go too far out of left field.
Separating the personal from the professional is even more important in a home office. If you can, it’s a good idea to invest in a work phone if you frequently make or receive calls, whether it’s a cell phone or a landline.
Figure out what machines you’ll need to have nearby due to frequent use. You don’t want to clutter your office with cool gadgets that are only gathering dust and taking up space.
Maybe you're looking to start your own business, or maybe your company has switched to remote work. Whatever the reason, you now need to create your very own home office. But where to begin?
Creating a home office isn't just about finding space for your laptop and charger. If you're going to consistently work from home, you need a space that allows you to stay focused throughout the day, relax when necessary, and be the perfect hub for all your workplace needs. Click through the following gallery to find out tips and tricks to create your perfect home office.
Tips and tricks for making your perfect home office
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LIFESTYLE Work from home
Maybe you're looking to start your own business, or maybe your company has switched to remote work. Whatever the reason, you now need to create your very own home office. But where to begin?
Creating a home office isn't just about finding space for your laptop and charger. If you're going to consistently work from home, you need a space that allows you to stay focused throughout the day, relax when necessary, and be the perfect hub for all your workplace needs. Click through the following gallery to find out tips and tricks to create your perfect home office.