Pointers for Setting Up Your Home Office
If you work from home, it’s important to have a space that you’re excited to work in that is both comfortable and inspiring. You also want to create a space that is client-ready if indeed you are entertaining customers at your home office.
Here are several pointers for setting up you home office to accommodate the many needs an office setting should accommodate.
Consider lighting.
Very few people like the harsh glow of typical fluorescent office lighting. Consider having soft enough lighting to create a warm and inviting space, but that which is bright enough so that you don’t have to strain your eyes. Look at unique lamp styles to add a creative touch to your office.
Use tasteful artwork and lighting for a creative and personal touch to your home office.
Used office furniture.
If you’re on a budget, it’s not too difficult to find gently used office furniture, which is generally sold at discounted prices. Search sites like Craigslist.org and ArnoldsOfficeFurniture.com for great deals on furniture sold by companies going out of business, or home business owners trying to get rid of some of their excess.
Find furniture that is both comfortable to sit at for focused work, and then another piece or two like a couch or armchair that are more suitable for casual moments. We need both during the day, and customers who visit might also feel more at ease when provided with a less formal and more homey setting that a comfortable couch could inspire the feel of.
Make sure you have the proper technology.
Ensure that you have a printer, a computer, and a phone if you prefer a landline. There’s no need for a fax machine anymore, either, if you have an iPhone – apps like ScannerPro eliminate the expense of this clunky equipment. You’ll also want to set up wireless internet to ensure the fastest internet connection and ultimate efficiency when you work.
Office supplies.
Spruce your office up not just with the necessary items like printer paper, pens, and a stapler. Try heading to a place that has unique office supplies like those sold in The Container Store – here you can find folders and file storage options that have unique designs on them or that can add a colorful punch to an office space. It’s touches like these that can make a space feel more vibrant and full of energy, which will inspire you to feel the same during your workday!
Don’t just use drab old filing cabinets – try to find storage options that pop.
Use artwork but not to the point of distraction.
Artwork and photos can be extremely inspiring in an office environment, but too much of this can be distracting. Pick tasteful artwork and selective photos that make you smile during the day, but won’t distract if a client comes in.
Consider the location in the house carefully.
Is your office near high-traffic areas like the front door or children’s bedrooms? If you have the option to steer clear of these areas, it’s obviously best from a distraction standpoint to do so. This will reduce the likelihood of unwanted interruptions while on business calls or while trying to focus on a task.
When setting up your home office space, do consider location first. You’ll want as much privacy as you can muster. Then look at really making the space an inspiring and comfortable environment to work in, adding personal creative touches with lamps, rugs, and office supplies and accessories.
The right environment can make an otherwise drab day feel that much more interesting, and can make your customers that much more interested in doing in-person meetings!
Cara Aley is a freelance writer who covers a wide variety of topics from health and wellness to online reputation management for sites like Reputation.com.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
Category: Personal Branding
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