Though running a business from home comes with many advantages, it won’t pan out unless you’re able to consistently manage your tasks with productivity and efficiency. This can be challenging when you’re working in the same space that you live in.
In order to minimize distractions and run your home-based business effectively on a daily basis, it’s essential to create an office space that fosters creativity and focus. If you’re ready to start designing your new home office, consider these factors throughout the process:
Buying a New Home
First of all, make sure your home has the space to accommodate your business. If you don’t think you will be able to build an adequate home office with the space you have, or if a home office will diminish your comfort of living, you might need to consider buying a new home.
This will require you to follow some critical steps, such as choosing the right real estate agent, figuring out how much you can afford, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, going to open houses, hiring a home inspector, and negotiating repairs with the seller. Skipping steps like these can result in a bad investment that affects both your life and your business.
Separating Work and Home Life
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is keeping your work and home life separate. But unless you do, you won’t be as productive as you want to be. If possible, put your office in a physically separate room from your main living areas (e.g., living room, bedroom, etc.). If you have a garage, consider outfitting it to be your office.
Also, consider using a different phone line than your cell or home phone, and as FlexJobs recommends, establish concrete office hours. Make sure everyone in your family understands that these work hours are set in stone just as much as if you were working in a conventional office away from home.
Creating the Right Atmosphere
Much of your home office comes down to the atmosphere. Choose a color scheme for the walls that will facilitate the characteristics you need most. It’s hard to go wrong with bright neutral colors like white and light gray, but you also may want to add a splash of more vibrant color.
For example, if you need help staying energized and alert, go with orange. If you’re looking for something to keep you calm amid stressful tasks, opt for a deep blue. If you want to invoke nature within the space, add a forest green and light brown to the mix.
Along with colors, make sure your office has the lighting you need to be productive. Natural light is best, so take advantage of any sunlight coming through the windows. However, it’s also essential to get a good desk lamp and any additional lighting that can improve visibility. While you’re at it, put out a plant or two to add refreshing decor and potential health benefits to the workspace.
Equipping the Space
Finally, it’s essential to have all the equipment you need. This means getting a nice desk and chair that allow you to comfortably work for hours on end. Chances are, you use a computer to work. So make sure you have an up-to-date desktop computer and/or laptop, and consider getting a second monitor to help with multitasking and efficiency. And don’t forget to outfit your office for the internet, whether that means extending your home’s Wi-Fi or going another route.
If you run a home-based business, one of your primary goals should be to build an office that facilitates productivity and efficiency. Remember not to skip any steps if you’re purchasing a new home, and work hard to keep your work and home life separate. Also, be sure to design your office with atmosphere in mind, and invest in all the equipment necessary for your business operations. Having a great home office will help you reap all the benefits of working from home while minimizing the challenges.
