5 Tips For Setting Up A Productive Home Office

Guest Blog #85, Entry #536, May 27, 2011

If you are like many homeowners, your home office gets more attention than other rooms of your home. Whether its because of the use of the internet, and paying bills, or your occupation demands you have a place to work from home. Either way, setting up a productive home office can always be a challenge. Today’s Guest Blogger give 5 tips for helping you make your home office perfect for your home lifestyle.

How productive is your current home office?

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When initially setting up a home office, one can take a few steps to ensure that the home office is efficient and emanates an energetic vibe that creates a productive home office.
Space is no obstacle. Whether you are dedicating a corner of a spare bedroom to your home office or you have a full basement that is awaiting transformation into your next home office, the following tips will help you get started with a solid foundation.

1. Proper furnishings are essential

When first creating a home office, it is tempting to use an old table that has been unused in the garage for a few years or a comfortable lounge chair that seems inviting. Resist that temptation, and acquire proper office furnishings. An ergonomic setting is ideal, and affords suitability for long workdays. Purchase a desk that is appropriate for your particular use. If extra storage is anticipated, search for a desk that has adequate drawer space. If your line of work does not require the need for drawers, but you do require a large flat surface for viewing plats, documents, or drawings, then eliminate those desks with storage that will not be necessary.

Ergonomic seating is critical to your productivity as well. Choose an office chair that fits your posture and preferences.

Proper furnishings can make your home office functional

2. Efficient equipment

Utilizing equipment that is efficient and effective will enhance your productivity immensely. Consider utilizing ìall-in-oneî devices. For example, an all-in-one printer allows you to scan, copy, print, and fax documents. Ensure that the computer that you are using is operating optimally. If not, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. The time that you will save in the end is beyond measure. When you have a client waiting for an urgent response on that proposal, you cannot afford to have a computer that takes 10-minutes to display such a pdf document. In addition, by using a laptop, your home office is now mobile in a sense because you can work while you are away from your home office.

3. Effective and efficient set-up

The amount of space is not as critical to your productivity as is the actual setup of your contents. Maximize the space that you do have allotted for your home office. Use wall-mountable bookshelves above your desk. If file cabinets are necessary, utilize the top of the cabinet as well. Position your phone, and computer within close proximity of each other. As well as any necessary filing cabinets and office supplies. Storing necessary files in the basement is not efficient if your home office is located on the third floor. Keep everything close by. Possibly invest in a wireless headset for your phone. This enhances the ability to multi-task throughout the day.

Decorate comfortably in your home office

4. Decorate comfortably

Use comfortable hues in your home office. Painting the walls is not a necessity. Simply bringing in a lively piece of art to hang adjacent to your workspace is sufficient. Place live plants throughout your home office. Place pictures of your family, pets, and loved ones throughout your office. Ultimately, bringing a sense of security, and comfort into your home office will enhance productivity. Ensure proper lighting. If windows are available, be sure to keep them unobstructed. Let the light shine through.

5. Schedule adherence

Once settled into your home office, create a daily schedule and focus on adhering to it. Do a weekly recap of your tasks of the following week. This entails clearing the desk on a weekly basis, and effectively transitioning into future tasks. Beginning a new week with a clear desk allows you to start the week with a renewed outlook.

On the lookout for cheap ink cartridges, Tom Walker is usually at work reviewing and testing Epson ink and other printing supplies.

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