Working from home is becoming more and more common, setting up a home office is a crucial step to make sure you get work done in a space you love. Whether you work from home full-time or only occasionally, having a designated workspace can help you focus, reduce distractions, and improve your overall work-life balance.
In my job as a university professor, I spend most days working from home, but because our home is so small, we don’t have a designated home office space. I work on the couch, bed, or sometimes the dining table in the kitchen. It is really not working out.
We are planning on renovating our dining room into a library/ home office this summer. So setting up a home office has been on my mind a lot, and I wanted to come up with a guide to share on the blog!
In this post, I will guide you through some essential steps and provide helpful ideas to create a functional and comfortable home office.
Step 1: Find the Ideal Spot for Your Home Office
The first step in setting up a home office is to choose the right location. Ideally, you want a space that is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. If you have a spare room, that would be ideal. However, not everyone has the luxury of extra space (don’t I know it), so you may need to get creative. A corner of your living room, a guest bedroom, or a converted closet can all work as a home office.
Ideally, your home office should have plenty of natural light. Natural light is not only good for your eyes but also helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, which can improve your sleep and overall health.
Also, choose a location that is quiet or has minimal noise distractions. If you live in a busy household, you may need to invest in noise-canceling headphones or soundproofing materials.
Your workspace should be big enough to accommodate your equipment, supplies, and any other items you need for work. It should also provide enough space for you to move around comfortably (but I’ve seen many cloffice spaces that are cozy and efficient).
Step 2: Find the Right Furniture for Your WFH Area
Once you have chosen the location for your home office, the next step is to choose the right furniture. A comfortable and ergonomic workspace can help prevent back pain, eye strain, and other physical discomforts associated with long hours of sitting.
Your desk should be large enough to accommodate your computer, keyboard, mouse, and other necessary items. Choose a desk that is sturdy and adjustable so that you can adjust the height to your liking. Honestly, I don’t think anyone can beat Ikea’s desk options. Not only does Ikea have a variety of sizes, colors and materials, but they are often customizable or able to attach to a wall for extra space-saving goodness.
I believe that your chair is the most crucial piece of furniture in your home office. Maybe I say that because I wrote my master’s thesis and dissertation on a bed! Choose an ergonomic chair that supports your back and promotes good posture. A comfortable chair will help you stay focused and productive throughout the day.
Don’t forget that depending on your job, you may need storage space for files, paperwork, and office supplies. Consider investing in a filing cabinet, bookshelf, or desk with built-in storage.
Step 3: Set Up Your Home Office Equipment
Once you have your furniture in place, the next step is to set up your computer and technology equipment.
Consider choosing a computer that is powerful enough to handle your work demands. If you work with graphic design, video editing, or other resource-intensive tasks, you may need a high-end computer with a dedicated graphics card. Also, a large monitor can help improve your productivity and reduce eye strain.
Investing in a monitor with a high resolution and adjustable stand may be worth it. I’m also discovering how important it is to choose a keyboard and mouse that are comfortable and ergonomic. Another tip: a wireless keyboard and mouse can help reduce cable clutter and improve your workspace’s aesthetics.
Finally, it goes without saying that a reliable internet connection is essential tech for remote work. Consider investing in a high-speed internet plan and a modem or router that can handle your workload. In out last place, we needed 2 routers because our apartment was so lengthy!
Step 4: Personalize Your Workspace
Now that you have your equipment set up, it’s time to personalize your workspace. A workspace that reflects your personality and preferences can help you feel more comfortable and motivated to work.
For example, hang up some artwork, posters, or photographs that inspire you or make you happy. Also, plants can help improve the air quality in your workspace and create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Choose plants that are easy to care for and thrive in low light conditions, such as spider plants, pothos, or snake plants.
Don’t forget that you may need to add additional lighting to your workspace, such as a desk lamp or floor lamp. Another option is an overhead hanging pendant light (HERE are some great budget options). Lighting can also help improve your mood and reduce eye strain.
And choose a color scheme that appeals to you and promotes productivity. Blue is a calming color that can help reduce stress, while green can help promote creativity and focus.
Step 5: Organize Your Work Station Supplies
An organized workspace can help you work more efficiently and reduce stress. Here are some tips for organizing your supplies:
First, categorize your supplies. Group your supplies into categories, such as pens, paper, and office equipment. This will help you find what you need quickly and easily.
Next, label your supplies and storage containers to avoid confusion and ensure that everything has its place. And use storage containers, such as boxes, baskets, and drawer organizers, to keep your supplies neat and tidy.
Step 6: Make Your At-Home-Office Functional
Finally, make sure your home office is functional and meets your work needs. Here are some ideas:
Create a schedule. Not just for you, but for anyone who may be using the office, like kids and your partner. Set a schedule for your workday to help you stay on track and manage your time effectively. On that note, make sure everyone knows to clean the workspace regularly to help reduce stress and create a more pleasant working environment.
Invest in a good headset is also a functional consideration. If you frequently participate in video conferences or phone calls, invest in a good quality headset to improve audio quality and reduce background noise.
Make the Most of the Current Situation
Finally, I want to share that not everyone has the time, money, or room to create a truly dedicated home office space.
Maybe you do have to continue working on your bed, but you can find a great bookshelf at a thrift store to better organize your supplies. Perhaps you can establish a schedule for the dining room table so that you and your family can use the space for work more efficiently.
At the end of the day, we can find a small corner, a flat surface, and an internet connection to get the job done, but perhaps these tips helped you look at your own space differently.
What are your tips for setting up a home office? Where do you get inspiration to create the best space for work and creativity while also being at home? Let me know in the comments!