Many of us work from home at some point during the week. If you are switching from the office to a home study, or you’re setting up a new business, it’s wise to create a checklist. By doing this, you can make sure that you have everything you need to get straight down to business.
Before you begin
Before you start buying new pieces or switching furniture from one room to another, decide where your office will be located. Are you converting a spare room or building a new study in an outhouse? If the room is ready, then you can start working your way through the checklist immediately. If you need to do some DIY and painting, look for inspiration online. The style you choose may reflect the nature of your work. If you have a creative job, you may be looking for inspiration from your workspace. If you are focused on facts and figures, you may go for something a little more formal.
Your home office checklist
Furniture
This is perhaps the most important buy. Think about what you need first. Once you’ve sorted the basics, you can add anything, which you feel may make life easier or more comfortable. The best place to start is a desk and office chair. There is a vast range of computer chairs on offer and it’s best to try some out and see which you find most comfortable. If you spend long periods of time sat down, it’s essential to have a supportive, adjustable chair. Poor posture is one of the leading causes of back pain. Choose products, which complement the style of your office. Leather chairs and solid wood desks work well for modern loft-style offices.
Storage
Storage is essential for a well-organised office space. If you have reams of papers, invest in a filing cabinet. Put up chrome shelves on the walls to hold magazines and books. Use smaller units to house computer accessories, paper and stationary. Look out for innovative solutions online for smaller spaces.
Technology
Many of us are heavily dependent on technology. You may already have everything you need to start working immediately. However, if you don’t, it’s worth doing some research. Look into home office gadgets, which will save you time and money, and read reviews online. If you’re likely to spend most of your time typing at a desk, you may wish to invest in a desktop computer. Ensure you have all the programmes you need before you start work. Some people like to listen to music while they work. Add a dock to your desk or hook up your home office to a multi-audio system.
Working from home has its advantages, but you may find that you miss the efficiency of the office. Before you start working, ensure that you have everything you need to hand. Scurrying around trying to find files will waste time. Set up your office in advance, tick off your checklist, and you’ll be raring to go when it comes to Monday morning.
