Working from home is an aspiration for many of us. To do this effectively takes effort. A disorganized home office can be just as troublesome as a hectic office. The most disciplined telecommuters will tell you that you need a structured routine and organization. Without these it’s hard to be successful.
Having a designated workspace is one of the most important elements to your success when you make the switch to a home office. Even if you live in a small space, you need to find a balance between home and office. People who work from home often have a difficult time separating their work hours from their non-work hours. It’s so easy to keep at it late into the night. Maintaining a balance and shutting down the computer is important for overall wellbeing.
What are some other must-haves for a successful home office? Here are the top five:
Natural Light – Study upon study shows that natural light is needed to boost productivity and mood. Make sure to set your desk up as close to a window as you can. If being near a window isn’t an option, a natural light lamp is the next best thing. It helps balance your body clock and leaves you feeling rested and refreshed.
To-Do List or Planner – Start each day off by making a to-do list of what needs to get done. Make sure to set a realistic time frame to complete the tasks. As each one is checked off the list you will feel an immense sense of accomplishment.
Storage – If you have a big enough space, put in a large bookshelf where you can organize everything (think storage boxes). It reduces clutter and looks stylish. Using your walls and cabinetry is the most efficient use of space.
Calendar – Many people tend to rely on digital calendars these days because of their convenience. When all of your devices sync together and pop up with reminders, you never have to worry about missing an appointment. However, many people find that it helps to keep a paper calendar handy too so you can easily view your whole month at a glance. Choose which options works best for you by playing with both options, or something in between and see which one lets you be more productive with the least amount of stress.
Space for Inspiration – It doesn’t matter what field you work in, having a source of inspiration in your workspace is essential. Whether it’s a photo of your family, your dream car, or that vacation you’ve been dying to take, having that inspiration right in front of you provides a constant reminder of why you do what you do.
This article originally appeared on the Windermere Blog.
