So you have you found yourself working from home. Do you need tips to setup your home office? – of course you do!
In this post you’ll find key tips that will help you maximise your work space to create a practical and quick setup in your home.
HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO SET UP YOUR HOME OFFICE QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY?
WITH THESE TIPS YOU’LL CREATE THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE!
As a designer I see my fair share of pretty awful spaces that are thrown together without too much thought of function or aesthetics. In this time of change and uncertainty you’re probably in the same boat – having to quickly throw together your new home office… am I right? So, I want to give you some tips to create a comfortable and functional home office that can work as your new normal (for who knows how long) quickly and efficiently.
I have been working from home for the past few years and have created a space that works for me so with my tips I hope you’ll be able to create a practical and flexible home office for you!
TIP ONE – WHERE TO SETUP YOUR DESK
First let’s decide on an area in your home to place your desk. This is so important so don’t rush into this… consider these tips:
Ensure your desk has a window view of outside! Try to avoid placing your computer desk directly in front of the window as you’ll get shadowing on your computer screen… if this can’t be helped a light filtering roller blind will do the trick. If you are drawing or reading papers then a desk in front of a window is great as you’ll get natural light and won’t need to turn on overhead lighting during the day.
Locate your desk away from the wall… What? I hear you say! I know it seems like the desk will take up too much floor space but trust me – give it a go. If you can float your desk off a wall (the short end of the desk against the wall but the other 3 sides open) you’ll feel a better sense of space, give you a better view and help flow around the desk. You could also setup behind the sofa in your living room. Try placing your desk up against the back of the sofa facing the TV – then you can check what the kids are watching while you work #winning.
TIP TWO – WHAT SUPPLIES DO YOU NEED?
What supplies do you need to work from home? Write a list and prioritise the important items (no you don’t need that fluffy oversized glitter pen). If you’re on a tight time frame or budget; you can easily work with the basics. This may include (apart from a computer/laptop) a separate monitor, mouse, printer, and relevant office supplies (pens, paper etc).
Do you have a wardrobe that you could clear out some space? Put all your supplies and messy stuff in there then close the door! Having all the mess behind doors will help you ‘turn-off’ and walk away from work in the evening when you could be chilling with the kids. Boom!
If you use more than just a laptop, make sure you have access to power nearby (avoid cables as tripping hazards!). Go wireless wherever possible so you don’t have too many cables lying around. Invest in a wireless keyboard and/or laptop stand to ensure you’re not staring down at your screen. Over time this can severely affect your neck, and nobody wants a hunchback! Don’t forget you can increase your computer text size if you need! CTRL SCROLL.
You’ve got to have a comfy chair or consider a standing desk with a pivot stool. I personally have a standing desk and I love it! No moans and groans every time I get up for a snack! Ergonomics are so important especially since the masseuse is also in isolation, so you won’t be able to get an emergency alignment! Listen to your body, check in with your posture and your computer screen eye line.
TIP THREE – DISTRACTIONS
Distractions! Are you reading this blog as a distraction? Wait don’t go 😊 This is a tough one but experiment with what works for you. When I worked in a shared office, I couldn’t wear ear plugs as I was constantly moving around attending to more than computer work. Now that it’s just me at home I have the music/podcast playing out loud but If you have family nearby at home this can be the perfect ‘mummy/daddy’s working – see they’ve got ear plugs in’.
TIP FOUR – LOVE YOUR HOME OFFICE
Do you love your desk? Really do you LOVE your desk. Yes, you can make it functional and look cool even for the dudes! Indoor plants are very popular and great to ‘ground’ you. A humidifier with essential oils is a great way to keep calm and healthy. Try to avoid too many items ON your desk, mount pictures on walls or hang plants from the ceiling. Desk top clutter will overwhelm you and affect your concentration. Keep it minimal.
Consider heating and cooling; does your desk get a good dose of it from the A/C? Will you be comfortable? Can you get some cross breeze, or a desk fan/heater to help with air flow?
TIP FIVE – CREATE AN IDEAL DAY
Create an IDEAL DAY plan and try to stick to it. Trust me you’ll break this almost everyday but don’t beat yourself up about it. Just remember that every moment is just a moment – it will pass. Don’t throw the rest of the day out the window because you broke the plan. This plan must also include your daily exercise and lunch break etc. Try to keep the same daily routine but don’t expect perfection.
On the accounting side of things, as soon as you start working from home keep track of all your expenses and receipts. This might include new supplies or equipment, bills (electricity, internet and mobile phone). When you do your tax return you can claim these expenses or talk to your employer about how this works.
Don’t start exploring new apps or different online resources unless your office needs it to communicate/function. Yes, a video conference app like Zoom or Skype may be necessary but other new apps are not essential right now (even though they might be screaming at you on social media ads).
This is not the time to add more to your plate, do what you would normally do in the office and spend the rest of the time connecting with your kids and partner, or walking the dog. We expect so much from ourselves and at this uncertain time over extending will ultimately lead to burn out. Look after yourself and spend quality time with your family as they need you more than you might realise right now.
