Remote working is now a reality for many — and if you’re reading this, chances are that it is for you, too. And with the COVID-19 pandemic still forcing many countries into lockdowns and restrictive measures, working from home might become your new normal.
If you are already panicking because you aren’t among those lucky few who can count on extra rooms in their homes to transform into snazzy offices, then fear not. Creating a small home office is not only possible but surprisingly easier than you’d expect.
Would you like to find out how to pick the right corner of your home and turn it into the most productive and eye-pleasing workspace? Then keep on reading as we’ll give you all the ideas you need to achieve this.
Set up the Tech Side of Things
First things first, to be able to work remotely, you’ve got to take care of some basic tech stuff. For example, is your internet connection fast and reliable, and does it support your workload? If not, then have a look at some better providers that can guarantee faster speed.
Once your internet is sorted out, you’ll want to take a look at your current tech gear. What do you have, what can you use, and what do you need to throw in the trash and buy brand new?
Some jobs literally just require a laptop and nothing else. Others need a bit more equipment, such as a mic, a printer/scanner, and extra monitors. Have a thorough think about this, review the state of what you currently use, and plan any necessary purchases, such as these amazing Lenovo laptop.
Pick the Best Space in Your Home
As we mentioned, you don’t necessarily need an entire room if you want to create a great home office space. However, you absolutely need to select the right area in your home. To do this, you have to consider quite a few aspects.
For example, you’ll want your home office to be in a fairly private, or at least quiet, part of your house. Whether it’s in a less cluttered corner of your lounge or by your bedroom window, it’s entirely up to you. Just make sure you can sit there comfortably and perform your duties with the necessary peace and quiet.
Think About the Furniture
While we are not suggesting that you start buying lots of new furniture, you will need to consider that a home office does require a few bits and pieces that you might not have lying around your home. An office chair, for example, is an essential item that you might want to spend a bit more money on.
Think about it—you were probably used to a super-comfy, ergonomic chair in your office, so you’ll want to replicate the same situation at home. The benefits of this are twofold. On the one hand, a great-quality office chair will support your back, neck, and shoulders, preventing you from developing annoying (or even painful) ailments.
Also, you need to keep in mind the psychological aspect. By swapping your regular dining chair for a professional-looking office one, you will automatically feel more motivated and productive when working from home.
How About Something to Please the Eye?
Sturdy, good-quality furniture is important for your home office, but have you thought about adding some personal touches to this space, too? Yes, we’re talking about photo frames, paintings, some beautiful lighting, and, why not, a plant or two.
Go back with your mind to what your workstation used to look like, back when you could go to the office every day. Did you have a particular photo right by your computer that brought a smile to your face each time? Or perhaps a framed print of your favorite quote next to your printer?
Try and recreate a similar environment at home, using objects that can give your mood a boost and ramp up your productivity. Don’t overdo it, though, or you’ll get the opposite result. Your home office needs to be, first of all, a space that you devote to working and performing at your best.
Organization and Tidiness Are Key
So, you are making headway with the creation of your home office—well done! Make sure you remember another crucial element: storage. The last thing you want is for your home office to become a dumping ground, so you’ve got to keep all your work-related files, items, and paperwork tidy and well-organized.
Add some storage solutions to your to-buy list, and get creative with them, too. Look for something that not only helps you to banish all clutter, keep everything in place and organized, and find whatever you need in a flash, but that’s also fun and nice to look at.
Remind Yourself to Take Breaks
Working from home can often extend into the late hours of the day, as well as begin very early in the morning. Lunchtime is often either skipped or rustled together thoughtlessly, and you can’t seem to remember the last time you exercised or even went for a walk.
Does any of this sound familiar to you? Well, then you’re going to want to slow down a bit and put some things in place to help remind you of something very important to your work life: taking breaks. This can be achieved in many ways, and we’re going to give you some ideas.
You could start by buying a nice, big wall clock to hang right where you can’t help but see it. Setting regular alarms on your phones can also help to remind you that it’s time for some time off. As a rule of thumb, try to aim for a five to ten-minute break every hour or so.
Stand up from your chair, stretch your legs, get yourself a drink, play a song, or give a friend a call.
And don’t forget about your lunch break, which definitely needs to take more than five or ten minutes. If you can, prepare something in advance (or even in batches) so that you only have to reheat or eat it straight from the fridge. This can save you a lot of time, allowing you to take advantage of your lunch break to do other things, including going for a short walk or working out.
Negotiating Time and Space With Other People
Because most people have started working from home, you might find yourself struggling for space and time in a house where you’re not the only remote worker. If that’s the case, then be reassured: there are things you can do to make life (and work) easier for everyone.
Choosing a space that’s yours and yours alone is an excellent (and necessary) first step. Whether you are juggling a busy work schedule with a roommate or a spouse, you’ll need to be clear with them that that is your very own office area, and you’d be grateful if they left it untouched and not use it when you’re not working.
In addition to this, you might have little ones roaming around the house, and that presents another big challenge. Try to negotiate times of the day when you can look after the kids, and your other half can go on with their work, and vice-versa. Because so many people are now working remotely, companies also tend to be a lot more flexible, especially if you have a family to look after, too.
Speak to your manager about finding ways to make your remote work easier for everyone, whether it be starting to work earlier or finishing later. Once you have an agreement in place, you can discuss it with your partner and come up with a schedule that works for the whole family.
Creating a Small Home Office: Easy, Fun, and Definitely Possible
If you follow our easy tips, you’ll soon realize that creating a small home office if you don’t have a dedicated room is still possible and can even be fun.
Alongside the essentials that you’ll need to bear in mind, such as connectivity and comfortable furniture, you’ll also want to take care of other aspects that might not be necessarily work-related. For instance, a productive home office can benefit from personalized decor, lighting, and even a touch of greenery.
Remember that taking breaks is vital for your performance, both in the office and at home, so get yourself into the habit of scheduling regular time off the screen.
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