Tips to Set Up a Home Office

There is nothing worse than having your movers set up your office only to find that it really does not work for you. This is even more frustrating if you just spent all day putting together a new desk and set up everything yourself. The layout of your workspace will reflect in your productivity levels, so you need the area free of distractions and comfortable enough to spend some time in, but not so comfortable that you want to take a nap.

Analyze the Space

Whether you already live there or if you are moving into a new place and will have movers carrying a desk and other items in, you should spend a little time analyzing the space. Where are the electrical outlets? Do you prefer to sit facing a window, or will that become a distraction? Will it drive you crazy having your back facing the door? Where are the vents for heating and cooling? Cold air blowing out right on your toes will not feel all that great, even in the middle of summer. Make sure that your sitting position will allow you to feel at ease, but not distracted. If you are not sure where you should sit, read up on a little feng shui advice for productivity.

Invest in Quality

Spending a little extra for a printer that is fast and efficient will be well worth it when you are not sitting there babysitting it all day, when you need to print a lot of documents. Quality pieces in your work space will make you want to actually spend time in there. A tall plastic unit with drawers may save you a little money, but is it sturdy enough to last, or will you be replacing it in a few months anyway?

Write a List

Making a list of everything you need in your space should not be done in one day. Take a few days and really think about what you need to allow you to be more efficient of your time. You may know that you want a filing cabinet, but you need to figure out how many drawers you need and what type of system you intend on using so you can then decide which folders, dividers, etc., that you need. Setting up everything right from the first time is extremely important because there is a small chance that you will actually redo it if it’s not what you want. Most will agree that they would rather just “deal” with it so they don’t have to invest more time.

Choose Ergonomic Pieces

If your back aches from sitting in your chair, or your wrist gets sore from using the mouse all day, your concentration will be poor. Even if you want to focus on work, it’s pretty hard to do when you feel achy. Although ergonomic chairs, keyboards and mouse pads may cost a little more, you will agree that the money was well spent when you can work for hours and not feel sore.

Lighting is Important

Even if the room has an overhead light hanging from the ceiling, you may want to get a desk lamp. Lighting is extremely important in a workspace. When it is dark, your eyes are more relaxed and it is harder to concentrate. You also need to be mindful of your natural light too. Depending on the season, you may find that the sun comes through the window and blinds you or puts a glare on your screen for a few hours during your work day. Therefore, shutters may need to be on your list.

Personalize It

The greatest thing about setting up a home office is that you can personalize it however you want. If you love lime green, but the color does not complement the rest of your home, use it in your office. Don’t be afraid to add art to the walls or a big shaggy rug on the floor. The more inviting the space is, the more you will enjoy your time spent in there.