Over the past few years, more and more people have started working from home – especially since the pandemic began. For some, working from home is easy and doesn't require many modifications. However, everyone has different personalities and needs that must be met to be productive. One person may be perfectly comfortable working on a laptop from the couch or dining room table, while another needs a dedicated space or room to get into the proper mind space to work all day.
You are not alone if you struggle to stay productive outside an office building. It is a common challenge for many people who work from home—especially if it is a new change. Even with a designated home office, it can be challenging to set it up in a way that promotes productivity and comfort at the same time. Check out some of our favorite ideas for upgrading a home office.
Tip #1: Create a Comfortable Space
Your home office needs to be a place where you are highly productive, but there is no reason you should not be comfortable while you work. In fact, a supportive and comfortable chair is good for both productivity and health. An ergonomically designed chair is meant to help you maintain good posture and protect your spinal health and comfort. If you have ever stood up from sitting and experienced low back pain, you were likely sitting in a chair that did not support you properly. A well-designed chair may be more expensive, but it will be worth the investment.
If your work does not always require sitting at a computer desk, consider adding other comfortable seating in your office where you can catch up on necessary reading or phone calls. This can be whatever you are most comfortable in—a recliner, loveseat, or even a beanbag chair or indoor hammock! If there isn’t a reason to spend your entire day in an office chair, why should you?
Tip #2: Keep Your Office Separate
One of the most common problems people experience when working from home is being distracted. This can be particularly challenging if your workspace and home space are too similar. If you can, keep your "home things" out of your office. For instance, don't use your office area to store or hide things away from the living areas. It is hard to be productive if you are staring at baskets of unfolded laundry or bins of toys that need to be sorted for donation.
Tip #3: Paint the Walls a Different Color
If you know you will work from home long-term, consider painting the walls differently from the rest of your house. This will help you mentally differentiate the office area from the rest of the house. Choose a vibrant color that will make you feel happy to enter the space daily. If you are unsure which color to choose, let the experts at Elle Decor help. They have put together a helpful list using information derived from color psychology studies.
Tip #4: Use Good Lighting
Natural light is a great way to get good lighting in your home office. Exposure to natural light during the day can positively affect your mood, mental health, cognitive performance, and even help you sleep better at night. However, if your home office does not get enough natural light, you can make good choices for supplemental lighting. For example, you can use warm, gentle ambient light in the office and use task lighting like an adjustable lamp over your workspace.
Tip #5: Use a Good Desk
Get a desk that works best for your regular duties if you can. At the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, finding a desk for sale was difficult because so many people suddenly found themselves working from home. However, availability is no longer an issue, so you can ensure you have a desk in your office that gives you the space and functionality needed for your daily tasks. You can even check websites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist if you would prefer to purchase a used desk to cut down on costs.
Tip #6: Use Good Storage
Your office needs to be as functional and efficient as possible. This means you need proper storage and furniture. If you need to keep and store papers—make sure you have a good filing cabinet and system. If you need reference books—invest in bookshelves to keep your books and binders organized and easily accessible. A messy office is a distraction and can hinder your work performance, as it can be challenging to work in a space that feels cluttered.
Tip #7: Reduce Stress
And finally, add items to your office that reduces your stress. Everyone has things they know that help them feel calm and productive. For some people, houseplants make them feel peaceful while they work. Maybe for you, it is a beautiful piece of art on the wall or pictures of your family. Others may enjoy scents from a candle, a wax burner, or a specific playlist of upbeat and energetic sounds or songs. Whatever helps you reduce stress while you work should be a permanent addition to your home office.
Zippy Shell Is Here for You
We hope these tips are helpful as you design or tweak your home office to work for you and your needs. Zippy Shell is here for you if you have a local or long-distance move or need temporary or long-term storage. We offer a multitude of flexible moving and storage solutions to choose from. So whether you need temporary storage for a home office renovation or help to move your stuff across the country, Zippy Shell has a solution for you. Give us a call at 888-947-7974 or contact us online. We are standing by to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate. We look forward to hearing from you!