How to create the perfect home office
With more of us working from home for the foreseeable future, having a home office that is functional and allows you to get work done is essential. With the larger homes and blocks in Melbourne’s west, being able to set up a great home office is completely feasible.
The good news is that you don’t even need to have a spare room to be able to set up an office space. We’ve got some
For most people, being able to work from home was a dream come true, until reality set in about where they were going to set up their workspaces. Kitchen tables became office benches, phone calls were taken walking around the backyard; as much as it sounds good, it really isn’t feasible long term. Not only is it a distraction to everyone else in the family, without a proper office space, you just don’t get as much work done.
So how to set up the perfect home office?
The first thing you need to do is to work out what you really need in your office space, and how to lay out the space. There are home office layout planners you can use, or you can simply draw it up on a notepad.
Lighting and fresh air
When you’re at your office, you’re either working with plenty of natural light coming in through the windows, or the artificial lighting is set to replicate natural light. That isn’t so easy to do at home, but finding a space where you can have plenty of natural light has its benefits, including:
- Helping you feel more energised and active
- Boosting vitamin D levels
- Reducing energy consumption
- Allowing fresh air to flow if there is a window or sliding door that can be opened.
Peace and quiet
Let’s be honest – open plan desks might work in the office, but at home you need your own space to focus, participate in conference calls and so on. Generally, there are plenty of places where you won’t be interrupted as much as if you set yourself up at the kitchen table.
Think about places you can get some quiet – a spare room, a space in your bedroom, or perhaps even in the garage. If it is just yourself and your partner at home, setting up a small dedicated office space along a hallway might be possible.
Choosing ergonomic furniture
You might not realise it, but in many workplaces a lot of thought has gone into the ergonomics of workspaces. Choosing ergonomic furniture that is comfortable isn’t a luxury buy – it’s an essential. You’re going to be spending a fair amount of time at your desk, so being comfortable and not putting yourself at risk from injury is essential.
Our tips for setting up an ergonomic workspace include:
- If using a desktop, ensure the monitor is set at an arm’s length away and set at a height where your eyes sit level with the top ⅓ of the screen.
- If using a laptop, raise the laptop up and utilise an external keyboard and mouse.
- An ergonomic adjustable chair is preferred, but using a hard kitchen chair with some cushions can also work.
- Ensure your mouse is close enough that your arm doesn’t need to be stretched out to use it. It should stay at the side of your keyboard.
Finding smart storage solutions
Another issue that regularly pops up for those working from home is having enough storage space. If you are already working with a small workspace, the last thing you need is to have paperwork all over your desk.
If you only need something small, a standalone storage trolley may help you keep some things off your desk. If you have the space, utilising a bookshelf and folders is a great way to help add some additional space to your office.
Ensuring you have sufficient space is important – a messy workspace can have a real impact on efficiency.
Working from home is now normal for many; setting up a workspace where you can get your work done efficiently is important, and it allows you to be more productive with your day.
Are you looking for a new home with plenty of space to set up a home office? Our experienced team can help you find a house suitable to your needs. Call today to set up an appointment with one of our friendly sales team members, and let us help you get into your new home.
