Improving Your Work From Home Setup

Amber RandhawaUncategorized

Have you been working from home for awhile and found that your setup isn’t working for you like it should? If you are facing additional weeks of working from home, or more importantly, if you will now be working remote on a permanent basis, it’s worth your time to make sure your home office space is as comfortable and functional as possible. Whether you’ve carved out a corner of your bedroom or you have a room that can be dedicated to your work, there are likely some additional measures you can take to make your working time run more smoothly.


Space Saving Tips

Maximizing space is especially important if you do not have an entire room to use as a home office. If you are instead working with a corner in your master bedroom, guest bedroom, den or the like, you will want to use your limited space wisely. Here are some tips:

  • Go vertical. Wall shelves surrounding your desk or workstation will get more items off your floor, desk and tables. Make maximum use of space with shelves, overheads and towers, nesting pedestals and tables.
  • Look for dual use products. A rolling file cabinet or small writing table that can also become a visitor’s seat with the addition of a cushion will save more space than adding an additional desk chair.
  • File laterally. Using a lateral filing cabinet as opposed to a standard vertical cabinet saves space because lateral cabinets hold more files.
  • Move older items to storage. If you are keeping certain files due to occupational regulations, box them up and store them in another location. Make sure each box is clearly labeled with its contents and the date the files can be permanently removed.
  • Store extras as well. Many of us buy in bulk, whether for the discount or so that we never run out of the things we need. Keep your extra office supplies stored away in another location, such as closet or under-the-bed storage bin, so as not to have too much clutter on your desk.
  • Declutter regularly. Set aside one morning or afternoon each month to do a full decluttering of your home office. File things that are completed, take stock of any items you may be running low in, and organize everything.

Personalize Your Work Area

The items you surround yourself with can have a big effect on how you work and how you feel. Here are some considerations to take when deciding how you want to fill your work space:

  • Plants and foliage. The act of daily watering and taking care of a plant is a great way to train your brain to establish a routine.
  • Post-it notes. Too many notes scattered around your workspace can be overwhelming. Try to avoid “decorating” in this manner.
  • Time is on your side. Psychologists say that clock lovers are usually thorough and hardworking. Add an attractive wall clock to your decor to inspire this trait.

A Few More Decorating Tips 

Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes will see something in your setup that you are not seeing. Ask your spouse, a neighbor or friend to look “step into your office” and ask what their impressions are. Also, don’t forget the personal touches that fit your personality. Just because you won’t be meeting coworkers in the office common areas doesn’t mean you can have a whimisical poster, personalized mug or funny nameplate for your desk. Small touches like these can give you a mental boost right when you need it.