Working from is much easier when you have a dedicated office space. Whatever type of business you run, your workspace needs to be comfortable, quiet, and functional. But to achieve the perfect setup, you might need to redesign or renovate a room of your home—or even buy a new one. Here are three strategies for creating the perfect home office.
Buy a New Home
For many professionals, the decision to begin working from home is a thoughtful one. By working from home, regardless of your industry, you can save on office rental space and even storage. If your home is too small—or inconveniently located—however, it might be time to buy.
Keep in mind that the housing market is becoming more competitive, so acting quickly might be in your best interest. You might also find that the process moves just as fast if you’re selling your current property, and Assist2Sell can lend professional and efficient help.
Either way, if buying a new home is in the cards, make sure you know what to expect when scanning listings and touring homes. For example, you should head to viewings alone when possible. That means leaving your furry friend at home or with a pet sitter, since the current residents may have allergies or other pets.
Renovate for Work
Tearing down walls might be the best way to achieve the perfect office space at home. From converting a garage to extending your home’s square footage with an addition, there are tons of ways to make room for a home office.
While you’re renovating the office area, consider things like the positioning of electrical outlets and internet connections. Plenty of accessible outlets and fast internet will be essential for at-home work no matter your industry.
Of course, if the router is too far from your office, there are ways to improve the signal, notes Popular Science—something to consider during the reno.
Using the internet for your business also requires an understanding of cybersecurity, however. Keep digital security in mind and outline an online safety plan, including ways to defend against identity theft. Your business’ reputation—and your clients’ privacy—depends on it.
Don’t Forget Design
You may not need to move or knock down a wall to achieve the ideal office setup. But whether you have an empty room for an office space, or you’ve just moved into a new home (or an addition), you still need to focus on design.
A well-designed office space can help relieve stress, promote productivity, and enhance work-life balance. Start by keeping your office space as far from the rest of the household functions as possible. Keeping your door closed (and your office quiet) can do wonders for maintaining concentration during work hours.
Studies show that the right paint color can help you feel calmer no matter what room you’re in, notes Decorist. Also, natural light can help boost productivity and lighten the mood in offices.
The color of the walls and the proximity of a window aren’t the only important factors. Choosing the right furniture and equipment can also make your office a more desirable space to work. For example, ergonomics impact both your enjoyment of your office and your long-term comfort. Selecting the right chair, desk, monitor, and keyboard-mouse combination can go a long way toward a successful home workspace.
Though working from home presents its own unique challenges, the benefits are well-known. By buying, building, or designing the perfect home office space, you are setting your business up for success. Focusing on these home office setup strategies can help you get ahead when it comes to both productivity and profitability—outside of the traditional corporate structure.
Photo via Rawpixel