Planning to set up a spare room into a home office? Working from home gives you the flexibility to set your own schedule, as well as save time and money by getting rid of a daily commute.
To be successful, you need to set up your home office in an environment which promotes productivity and efficiency. Here are the best tips for how to set up a home office.
1. Make A List Of Your Office Needs
Rather than just putting a desk in the corner of a room, and saying its a home office, you should first come up with a list of your essential items.
This varies on the type of work that you do.
At the very least, you most likely will need a desk, chair, computer, phone, and printer. Perhaps you also need a filing cabinet or an extra-large desk for more workspace.
Will you have clients coming to meet with you in person? If so, you’ll also need space to meet with them.
2. Choose A Dedicated Space For Your Office
Now you should have an idea of how much space you need, and it’s time to set aside some dedicated space in your home. You should ideally try to have your office in a quiet area, which is even more essential if you have a partner, children, or live with housemates.
It’s best to use a spare room with a closing door, that way you can cut out the noise, and work uninterrupted. It’s also suitable for when you need to take client calls.
If you need to meet with clients in person, consider choosing a room near the front of the home.
Also, try and keep your professional space separate from the rest of the house. This will help you to relax when not working, and also to go into ‘work mode’ as soon as you step into your home office.
3. Utilise Space
It’s quite common that you have a limited amount of space to work with. Filling your room with just a desk and chair can even feel like you are cramped. To find a solution may require you getting create a space which has a big enough work area along with storage space.
For the desk, you can use filing cabinets or shelves as the base, and then get a countertop to put on top. Ikea has many great customisable and affordable desk solutions.
4. Take Advantage of Natural Light
Try to find an area for your home office that takes advantage of natural light. If this is not possible, then make sure to enhance the area by using direct lighting. First, add some overhead lights, then add desk and floor lamps, which cover a specific working area.
Whatever type of lighting you use, make sure that you position your computer screen so that it eliminates any glare on the screen.
Your aim should be to create balanced lighting, which will work to minimise eye strain from occurring.
5. Make an Investment In The Right Home Office Equipment
To get your home office set up, you first need to have the right equipment. Usually, it can be tempting to splurge on office decor, but not to spend much on necessary office equipment.
Make sure to invest in a suitable and sturdy desk with a large enough workspace. Also, get a comfortable chair with back support, and either a desktop computer or laptop with sufficient memory and storage space. Make sure to also invest in any industry-specific software which you need, as well as any specialist tools or equipment you may need.
Setting up a new home office is an exciting time, and marks the start of a new journey. Whether you are moving to a new home, or just buying your home furniture for your spare room,
Next Level Removals are here to help. Our professional and experienced movers offer affordable rates and treat your belongings as if they were our own. Call 1300 005 400 or get a free quote online today.