Whether you work remotely for an employer or you’re self-employed, having a well-designed home office is important for productivity and overall well-being. It can be tricky finding space at home to create an ideal work space: somewhere without distractions so you can focus, or where you can store all the office equipment you need.

Maybe you’re just setting up, or maybe you need to make some improvements in your current setup. Whichever, one or two of these tips might help get you thinking along more productive lines.

Location Matters

Choosing the right location for your home office is the first step. Ideally, it should be a quiet space away from distractions. Natural light is also a significant plus, as it can boost your mood and reduce eye strain. Position your desk so that you have a pleasant view if possible. However, ensure your workspace doesn’t receive too much direct sunlight, as it can create glare on your screen.

If you can organise things so you have your own office room, that’s even better. You might have to sacrifice the guest bedroom, but it’s possible to rent storage units quite reasonably where you could save your extra beds or wardrobes for when you want to convert back.

Ergonomic Essentials

Investing in ergonomic furniture is a great idea for your long-term health and productivity, especially if you spend long hours at the computer. Look for a chair and desk that supports good posture, such as a chair with lumbar support and adjustable height. Your feet should rest comfortably on the floor or a footrest, and your computer monitor should be at eye level to reduce neck strain. You could also invest in a standing desk so you can alternate through the day between sitting and standing. Sitting for long periods can cause all kinds of health problems. 

Organise and Declutter

 Whether it’s a room or a corner of a room, a cluttered workspace tends to clutter up your mind, too, stifling creativity and even creating a barrier to getting work started. Keep your home office organised by investing in storage solutions like shelves, drawers, and filing cabinets. Use cable management tools to keep cords out of the way. If you’re creating a home office in your living room and don’t want, especially ‘officey’ type furnishings, look for multifunction domestic storage furnishings to help your work area blend in.

If you’re maintaining a paper record of your business dealings, consider looking for a storage unit to rent so you can keep those important documents safe but out of your home storage systems. Similarly, if your business involves retail or online sales, business storage units are ideal for stock storage. Storage facilities can be very welcoming to business users.

Personalised Space

Your home office should reflect your personality and make you feel comfortable. Decorate with items that inspire you, whether it’s artwork, plants, or meaningful quotes. Just be mindful not to overdo it so you end up re-cluttering the space you worked hard to clear. Personalisation can be incredibly motivating. Try framing achievement certificates, letters of commendation or recommendation, previously completed artistic pieces, or designs and ideas for new ones. These can spur you on when inspiration runs dry.

Quality Equipment

Invest in reliable technology and equipment and keep your software up to date. A fast and stable internet connection is non-negotiable. Consider getting noise-cancelling headphones to block out background noise during video calls or when you need to concentrate. Keep your important devices, equipment or reference materials close to hand so you don’t have to break your chain of thought or action when you need them.

Good Lighting

If natural light isn’t great in your office area, invest in good-quality task lighting. Adjustable desk lamps with warm, white light are ideal for providing adequate illumination without causing glare on screens.

Establish Boundaries

When working from home, it’s easy for the lines between work and personal life to blur. Set clear boundaries by defining your work hours and sticking to them. Communicate your schedule to family members or housemates to minimise interruptions during your workday, and try not to constantly check on work communications when you’re off. Everybody needs downtime, and you can still stay flexible while making sure you’re not working 24/7.

Don’t forget to take regular breaks to stretch, walk around, and recharge. The Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break, is an effective way to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Creating the perfect home office often involves lots of compromises since you’re regularly balancing your work needs with the domestic needs of other family members. It can help to have a family chat so everyone knows what you need and are planning. Sometimes, just getting the family on board makes the process much easier, and, you never know, they might have some good ideas to help.