According to a study, around six in ten workers in the United States say that their work can be done primarily from home. They work from home all or most of the time, even before the Omicron variant started in the country.
There are many advantages to working from home, such as not having to commute, working in your pajamas, and having a greater degree of flexibility with your schedule. However, there are also some challenges, such as distractions from family members and pets and feeling isolated from colleagues. Overall, it seems that more and more people are finding that they can be just as productive at home as they can in an office.
If you’re one of the many people who are now working from home, here are a few tips:
Choose the Right Room
When choosing a room, the most crucial factor is how much space you have available. Other factors to consider are natural light, noise levels, and whether the room already has furniture. Because you’ll be spending a lot of time in your home office, you want to ensure it’s a space in which you’re comfortable. It won’t be an ideal place to work if you can hear a loud TV through the walls or if there isn’t any natural light entering your space.
A spare bedroom is usually the best option for setting up a home office. However, if you don’t have an extra room available, don’t worry—there are plenty of other options. A corner of your living room or kitchen can work just as well. If you live in a studio apartment, you can create a makeshift office in your closet by adding a desk and some shelves.
If you’re expecting to share your office space with your spouse, or your children for their schoolwork, then you’ll want to choose a room with enough space for everyone to work comfortably. Living in a smaller home might mean getting creative with your office layout and using easily moveable furniture. Moreover, it’s vital to delineate your office space to remain focused while you’re working.
Declutter and Organize
Start with a clean and organized space if you want to be productive in your home office. That means removing distractions and clearing off your desk, so you have plenty of room to work. It also helps to have everything you need within reach, so you don’t waste time looking for things.
One way to declutter your space is to use a catch-all tray for all of your small items. You should also create a system for organizing your files and papers to help you stay focused and on track.
Add Office Furniture and Supplies
If you’re looking to create an office space in your house, the best way to start is by adding some office furniture and supplies. It will give you a functional, comfortable place to work, and it can also help to motivate you to get things done. When selecting office furniture, it’s important to choose pieces that fit the style of your home.
A sleek desk will be a good choice if you have a modern home. An antique desk or hutch might be more appropriate for a more traditional space. But if you want an overall consistent look, you can buy office furniture sets. They can even help you save money, as they usually come at a discount compared to buying individual pieces. Some used office sets are available if you want to save even more. Whatever style you choose, make sure that the furniture is comfortable and ergonomic, as you’ll spend a lot of time working in your new office.
Add Personal Touches
Although you’re trying to recreate your typical office environment, it’s still part of your home. So add touches that reflect your personality, making the experience even more comfortable and inviting.
Some ideas for personalizing your home office include adding family photos or other sentimental items that make you happy. You can also hang artwork that inspires you and put green plants around the room to boost your mood and purify the air. You can add a small bookshelf with some of your favorite books or a comfy chair or throw blanket to make the space cozier.
Now that you know how to turn any room in your house into an office, it’s time to get to work! Whether you go with a home office or designate a specific area, take the time to set up your space for productivity and discover what works best for you and your family.
