During the health crisis, working from home became the norm. Many employees embraced this new standard and saw the benefits of having a commute that was a few steps from their bedroom. Currently, there are still people who are either working from home every day or enjoying a hybrid model of being at home several days a week. However you do it, the following article provides some good advice on how to carve out a cozy, comfortable office space that will spark your creativity and motivate your productivity. 

During the pandemic, numerous offices switched to a work-from-home model, either because they were forced into lockdowns or employees weren’t comfortable in the office. Some companies have since adopted a hybrid model that gives employees the benefit of being at home for several days and in the office for the remainder of the workweek. Whatever you do, working from home, once considered uncommon, is now the standard for many people. 

Many of those who have been working from home for an extended period have concluded that the benefits of this model outweigh the drawbacks. Flexibility, cost savings, fewer distractions, and less stress are just a few of the advantages gained when your commute is just a few steps from your bedroom. Being able to do your job from home, however, also comes with some disadvantages.

Seasoned professionals have feelings of isolation being away from bosses and colleagues and have to be more creative to stay engaged and in touch with their co-workers. The interruptions at home differ from those in the workplace. Friends, family members, and especially children can be very demanding of your attention when you’re physically present. It’s important to make it known that when you are working, you cannot be interrupted unless it’s an emergency. 

Working from home takes a lot of self-discipline and dedication. It’s not easy to stay motivated over the long run without giving in to the distractions and losing your drive. Nevertheless, you can have the best of both worlds with a little effort, a lot of good advice, and a safe, affordable self storage unit. 

The following work from home tips will keep you creative and motivated in your work from home adventure.

Work From Home Tips

Use Self Storage to Help You Create a Dedicated Work Space

This is probably the most important step in your work-from-home journey. Sitting at the dining room table, standing at the kitchen counter, or hanging out in the family room is not the best way to stay on task. The family will see you in the dining room and instantly need something, the TV is in the family room where you’ll decide to take a 10-minute break to watch a morning show, and food is in the kitchen – no explanation needed. You’ll be lucky if you get back to work before 3:00.

This is where the right-sized, safe, secure self-storage unit comes into play to help you find the space you need for a home office. Whether you choose a spare bedroom or the room originally designated as an office that’s been turned into a playroom, you need a self-storage solution. You don’t want to get rid of the furniture, but your space at home is exhausted. Self storage gives you the cost-effective option of being able to keep your belongings and set up your new office. Problem solved.

Use Comfortable, Functional Furniture

You’ve gone to the trouble of emptying a space for yourself. Now you need to invest in functional office furniture. If you have the space, buy a large desk, a bookcase or bookshelves, and a comfy office chair. A separate table or cabinet to use as a printer stand and supply area is a good idea. If you’re a person who is sensitive to their surroundings, add wall decor, carpeting, and whatever else you need to make sure that this is an attractive, cozy space. Wayfair has some stylish office pieces that won’t break the bank.

Invest in Quality Technology

Purchase whatever you need to comfortably and effectively do your job. You’ll probably have to purchase a desktop, laptop, or tablet, and depending on the nature of your work, you may need to invest in hardware or software. Working from home may require more than chat messages, so you need a router that will keep up. An outdated router may be prone to common network issues. If you have older but not outdated technology that you want to keep, put it in your storage space for now. You can decide what to do with it later.

Set Realistic Work Hours

Make a commitment to set specific work hours. Sometimes your hours are set by your employer, but, In most cases, working from home allows you flexibility in building your schedule. Whether you need to start after you get the kids off to school or start on their homeschool routine, you should choose your most productive time of day and stick to those constraints. Communicate this schedule to your boss and your team.

Keep Your To-Do List Updated

Without having a boss breathing down your neck, it can be challenging to keep track of your tasks. Set goals and times to complete each task. When you complete a task, cross it off the list. This is a simple, but psychologically fulling technique.

Stick to a Morning Routine

Set an alarm, so that you commit to a regular wake-up time. Shower, eat breakfast, and prepare your lunch, just as you would if you were going to your office. Don’t work in your pajamas. If you get dressed you’re getting yourself in the right mindset for work. You’ll be more alert, focused, and productive. 

Maintain Healthy Habits

Build exercise into your day – maybe an early morning trip to the gym or a lunchtime walk. Do whatever works for your schedule. Exercise will keep you energized and productive. Eat healthy meals and snacks. Don’t keep bags of chips and candy in your office.

Avoid Social Media

Unless you have to engage on approved channels for your job, avoid mindless use of social media. If you aren’t careful, social media can eat into your time and lessen your productivity.

Use Video Chat

Video chat is a great way to stay connected to your team. There are many applications available: Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime, Google Hangouts, and Cospace. Make it a point to chat with coworkers and clients each day.

Respect Your Work-Life Balance

Working from home can creep into your personal life. As mentioned in Tip 4, set specific work hours, and stick to them. At the end of the day, shut down your laptop and shut your office door. You need a break, and your family wants your company. 

Takeaway

Working from home is no longer a novel concept, but it takes more than a high-speed internet connection and video conferencing to do your job effectively. Achieving a work-life balance takes self-discipline. And don’t forget about that self storage unit. If materials and equipment start to consume your space, you have a secure place for the clutter. For more tips and information, check Top 32 Working From Home Tips.