The past few months have seen more of us working from home due to the pandemi but long before the challenges of COVID-19 emerged, companies were increasingly hiring people to work remotely and according to statistics, about 5% Americans work from home full time.
Working from home saves time and money on commuting while helping you create a flexible working schedule that blends in with your other responsibilities such as parenting, being a caregiver, or having the time to pursue your hobbies.
However, to be fully productive while working from home, you need a professional workspace. It’s not always easy to carve out a dedicated space, so we have gathered a few tips to help you out.
1. Get the proper equipment
NPS Home Office experts remind us to start with a comfortable, adjustable chair that you can sit on without getting backaches, a desk that can fit everything you need and leaves enough space for you to work and a filing cabinet, if you have a lot of documents.
If you do a lot of printing and scanning, consider purchasing your own scanner and printer to save time and money.
A phone for your home office is also essential. You don’t want family members to answer your work calls. It does not give a professional impression.
If you plan on seeing clients, create a beautiful area for them to sit.
Remember, when equipping your home office, anything that helps you work in comfort, save money, and complete your work efficiently is an excellent investment.
2. Pick the ideal space to work
A good home office has to be in a quiet, secluded space where you can disassociate from other activities in the home.
For example, a space in your basement, attic, or guest room can work.
Ideally, spare rooms are great because you can close the door to anything happening in other parts of the house but if you have no spare rooms, it’s enough to partition part of a quiet place in the home and make it your home office.
If you have clients coming to see you, a room close to the entrance with its own door leading outside will make it more private.
For people whose work creates noise or leads to the release of toxic substances, a room outside the main house, such as a workshop, is the best option.
Remember, if you have a lot of electronic equipment, your work area has to be in a place with some power outlets and a reliable WIFI signal, if you require to use the internet.
3. Keep your workspace organized
It’s hard to concentrate on work in a cluttered space.
Therefore, try to keep your workspace well organized and tidy. There are many items you can use to organize things in your home office. For example, desk accessories such as a pen holder, a tray for documents, and a charging station are excellent.
If you choose a work desk with some drawers, it will cut down on your desk’s clutter too.
Shelves are another great way to save on space and organize your work items. You could get corner shelves to store your files or fit some cabinets over your desk for easy access to work items.
Try to make the space feel like an office, it will help you get into a productive mood and ready for work. Get a small whiteboard or pin board where you can display daily, weekly or monthly tasks and goals that will give you something to aim for. Anything that will help you keep your space neat and organised will help you focus and get more work done.
4. Use HVAC solutions for comfort
Your home office doesn’t have to be stuffy and cold. You need comfort to work.
A heating and air conditioning in New Jersey expert can advise you on which equipment is suitable for your home and workspace.
If you want to cut down on expenses, install a ductless cooling and heating system that is only used in parts of the home that need it. Why heat up the whole house when you are spending the entire day in the office?
If you receive clients at home, an air purifier will help keep infections at bay. If you suffer from allergies, it will also help clean out any dander, dust, and allergens from the air, allowing you to work without getting ill.
HVAC solutions can be an invaluable addition to your home office.
5. Create an inspiring space
Working from home can be tiring if you have to do it in a dull space. Anything that puts you in a mood to work should be part of the space.
If you need music to concentrate, set up a simple music system, or purchase some noise-canceling headphones and access the music from your computer.
You could also put up some inspiring art or posters. Anything that speaks to your mind and makes the creative juices flow is a plus.
Add some greenery as well. Plants are known to improve our moods and make us more productive.
You should also give your work area some personality by adding things that are a part of you. For example, a picture of your family or pet will add some value.
If you love pleasant smells, a diffuser where you can put some aromatherapy oils that boost your energy or focus will come in handy.
6. Save on Energy
One way to keep your business at home going is by cutting down on expenses. Here are some tips;
- Install energy-efficient ethernet to cut down on the power you use when there is low data activity in your Local Area Network.
- Use a surge protector to protect your office equipment in case of a power surge and help you cut down on wasted phantom Energy.
- Energy-efficient office equipment can help you save as much as 70% of your electricity. When purchasing home equipment, look for those that are energy star certified.
7. Make it tax-deductible
Did you know that your home office can get you a tax deduction? Yes, Self-employed people can get deductions if their home workspace complies with the rules.
However, if you want to get those deductions, the IRS requires your workspace to be used solely for work; therefore, your couch does not qualify.
It’s worth looking at the requirements for home office tax deductions to ensure you set up your home workspace the right way and save money.
Conclusion
Many small businesses started from a small area of the home, and yours can start there too. If commuting to work is a hassle, such an arrangement will also save you a lot of headache. Use these tips, and you’ll have an excellent place in your home to do your work in peace.
Author : Karrie Rodgers
