Many companies are letting employees work from home and only coming into the office one or two days a week. With working from home becoming popular there is a need for a home office. A place that is dedicated to work.
Many people do not have the spare room to dedicate to an office. You do not need an extra room in order to create a home office. Even if you only have a small budget, you can create a space that is all your own. All you need to start is a space. If you do not have an extra room, you can find this space in a variety of places. These places include;
1. A small space in the kitchen
2. A space in the hallway
3. In a corner in the spare room
4. The basement
5. The attic
6. A closet
7. An alcove
When choosing are area make sure that it is free of distractions. You want it to be private away from the television and the kids. Be sure to make everyone understand that this is your office just as if you were going into the office. That you do not want to be disturbed when you are working unless it is an emergency.
With a small space it is advisable to build up. Bookshelves or wall shelves can maximize the square footage. Do not choose any large furniture. Instead, go small. Also, go small with any of the accessories. You may have to experiment with an area you never would have considered as an office space until you have one that suits you. While your space might call for small accessories, you still want to get the correct equipment. While a chair may be on the small size, it should still be comfortable. Do not splurge on office decor and be stingy on your equipment. Instead, you should splurge on equipment and be stingy with office decor. Equipment is a necessity and decor is a luxury.
The proper lighting can also help make the small space seem larger. If you can place your office near a window, the natural light will help stimulate you. Just do not let it me too stimulating as you may spend too much time daydreaming. Fluorescence lighting will be too severe. It can make you feel as if you were working in an industrial office. Instead use desk lamps, standing lamps or table lamps are a great choice.
Color is also an important aspect of the home office. Different colors affect people in different ways. So, choose a color that works for you. Black or the various shades of tan is the opposite of the calming effect most people think it is. In fact, it can sap your energy. You want coloring that will keep you motivated. Blue is a good color. It is soothing and yet motivating. Red can help get your heart rate pumping but do not go too red. White is also good. Green is the best of all colors. Many geniuses have their offices painted green. Maybe that know something no one else does.
With the right amount of time your home offices will feel like Boston office spaces or spaces or anything other professional office.
Before you create your home office make a list of your basic needs. If your area of work has special needs be sure to add this to the list. You may need more than just a desk. You may need a larger worktable and you may even need locking file cabinets. You may need a place to meet clients. Whatever you do be sure to list everything. That way you will be able to create a home office that meets your needs perfectly.
Along with creating your home office you will want to have set hours. By keeping regular office hours your clients will know when you are available. When you establish regular office hours, it keeps distractions to a minimum. It stops friends and family from dropping in while you are working. Once you have decided what your working hours will be hang a clock in your home office. When working from home it is too easy to forget the time and before you realize it you are working long days. Keeping to the schedule will keep you from getting burned out. Once the stopping time has come to leave the office, shut the door and relax.