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Choose an appropriate workspace -

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.

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Temperature-controlled -

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.

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Well-ventilated -

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.

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Natural light -

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.

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Ambient lighting -

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.

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Leave space for brainstorming -

Make sure you create space for jotting down ideas, whether that means a corkboard on the wall or space for some notebooks.

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Paint it an inviting color -

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.

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Sufficient storage -

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.

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Get an office computer -

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.

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Pick the best desk -

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.

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Pick the best office chair -

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.

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Add a few plants -

Bring the outside in with some plants. Putting a few strategically placed plants around your office can reduce your stress and improve your mood.

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Add a comfort zone -

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!

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High-speed Internet -

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.

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Hide the cords - Electrical cords are unsightly and often annoying to work around. Find a way to hide all your cords away behind your desk so you don’t have to deal with them on a daily basis. You can also label them so you know what goes to what.

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Privacy -

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...

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Get a sign -

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.

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Get something to track your time -

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.

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Keep it clean -

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.

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Stay eco-friendly -

You will be the one paying the electricity in a home office, so that gives you an added incentive to go green.

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Don’t forget the ergonomics -

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.

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Network router -

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.

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Add inspirational items -

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.

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Consider going custom -

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.

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Get a board for reminders -

Whether it’s a calendar, a white board, or a corkboard, get something that you can always see to display important deadlines and reminders.

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Decorate -

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.

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Get lots of office materials -

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.

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Decor should somewhat match your home -

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.

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Get a work phone -

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.

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Define your machine requirements -

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.

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30 practical ideas for organizing your home office - Once you've created your home office, find out how to best organize it with these 30 practical ideas!

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