6 Home Office Must-Haves to Make Working From Home Work for You
Whether you work from home one day a week, every day, or if you’re just starting to turn your home office into the dream it’s meant to be, there are some must-haves that will make the process much easier and much more comfortable. If you’re ready to turn your home office into the dream workplace that it should be, consider these 6 home office must-haves.
1) Working space
Choosing the space where you’ll be spending most of your time can go a long way in making your working from home experience more productive and enjoyable. The best option is a room with windows, but if natural light isn’t available, consider investing in artificial lights that mimic natural sunlight.
2) Storage and Organization
You’ll need a designated place to store all your paperwork and supplies. If it’s possible, try and get an office with built-in storage cabinets, bookshelves and drawers. If that’s not available, then find a large table or desk (preferably one you can move around) and make sure there is plenty of room for everything. Another option is a rolling cart on wheels which can be pushed out of the way when not in use.
3) Lighting
Lighting is a key component of the home office and can have a significant impact on your ability to concentrate and stay productive throughout the day. One of the most important things that you should consider when selecting a light source, is whether it has sufficient brightness. When selecting a lamp or overhead light, be sure that it produces at least 300 lumens (a measure of brightness) per square foot.
4) Comfort
You want your workspace to be comfortable. Make sure it’s well lit, has a good desk and chair, and is ergonomically designed. You also want it to have a nice view of the outdoors or some sort of decoration that makes the space feel like yours. I can’t imagine trying to work in an all white room with no windows. It would be so boring!
5) Cleanliness
Clean your space regularly. Dust and vacuum at least once a week to keep allergies at bay and prevent dust mites from proliferating.
6) No Distractions
It’s easy to get distracted when you’re not in a traditional office environment and it can take a toll on your productivity. Make sure that your desk is clear of clutter and that there are no TV or other electronic devices nearby. If anything needs your attention, have it close at hand, but not where you’ll be tempted by it. The last thing you want is the TV blaring in the background while trying to wrap up an important project.
