There are many advantages to working from home: reduced transport costs, no dress code (unless you host meetings), constant access to home comforts and those are just for starters. However, it is important that you consider the environment in which you work. Continue reading for five easy ways to improve your home office space.
- Create a dedicated space
It is not unheard of for people to work at the dining room table or simply sitting on the sofa with a laptop. This is certainly not an approach that we advocate for many reasons. If possible, clear some space within your home to use as an office. Look for spare room ideas or consider adding a dedicated building in any outdoor space you may have. There are pros and cons to both approaches, so choose whichever best suits you.
- Embrace natural light
Natural light is important for our health and wellbeing. If you are stuck working in a room with only artificial light, the chances are that you will eventually begin to feel glum as a result. Furthermore, artificial light bounces back off screens causing glare which is also bad for your eyesight. There are some lighting solutions which emulate sunlight and ought to be considered if natural light is almost impossible in your home office space.
- Invest in storage
Not only is storage a necessity for ensuring you do not have paperwork strewn everywhere, it is also imperative to maintain the privacy of your clientele. Knowing that their personal details are locked away in a filing cabinet somewhere rather than being accessible to anyone who visits your office is an important consideration for many potential customers. Of course, filing cabinets are not the most aesthetically pleasing items of furniture. However, they are functional and reasonably priced. Be sure to check out alternatives, but ensuring they are lockable is important. A decent-sized bookcase can also be a great option for you to display any books you refer to frequently as well as housing a selection of folders.
- Consider comfort
If you are going to be confined to your office for long periods at a time, it is vital to ensure you have a good level of comfort. Desks which can rise and fall are a great option to ensure you are not sitting for prolonged lengths. They can really help to avoid back problems. Furthermore, try out plenty of office chairs to ensure they work for your height, build and other requirements. Wrist pads for your keyboard could also be a great addition.
- Hide unsightly cables
No one likes to see cables strewn across a room. However, more often than not, with an abundance of electrical equipment, it is almost a certainty that this will happen. Consider investing in a power strip to run behind your desk to allow you to plug everything in in the same place. Cable tidies are also a good option as they make everything look that little bit neater.