Are you planning to create a home-based business, or have you been working from home recently. Perhaps you can no longer afford the time associated with the commute or you are attracted with the low overhead associated with a home-based venture. Either way, you are certainly not alone. According to a survey conducted by Forbes, there are more than 2.7 million home-based businesses throughout the United Kingdom and this figure is expected to grow well into the future. This is why it is always a good idea to take a look at some preliminary steps to embrace if you are curious to learn how to set up a domestic workplace. Let’s break this subject down into a handful of sections so that you can start off in the right direction.
All About Location and Space
Location, location, location. This is arguably one of the most important variables to address when creating a home office. Ideally, it should be found away from frequently traveled areas of the home such as hallways, kitchens and dining rooms. This will help you to avoid any possible distractions during the average workday.
Space is king in regards to working from home. As the experts at QuickBooks note, space is important for comfort as well as expenses. Larger dimensions tend to cost more over time; not the best scenario if you happen to be on a limited budget. You still need an ample amount of room in order to move around and to embrace a more dynamic mindset. Let’s also not fail to mention that there may be times when you need to have a face-to-face meeting. Be sure to take these variables into account when determining the exact amount of space that you require.
Creature Comforts
Never confuse pragmatism with efficiency. One of the best ways to make a smooth transition into the home-based work environment involves creature comforts. Carefully consider any furniture that you may wish to repurpose and whether or not it could be a good idea to purchase newer alternatives. Above all, it is crucial to invest in a comfortable chair. As the chances are high that you may very well be sitting for hours at a time, ergonomics are key. This is also important from a psychological perspective, as an unaccommodating home office can be associated with lower levels of motivation. So, always invest in your own physical comfort.
Green in Good
The chances are high that you are not dealing with dozens of metres of floor space or countless bay windows facing the afternoon sun. However, this does not necessarily signify that you have to remain trapped within a decidedly morose environment. Purchase a few plants in order to add an organic touch to the office. Species such as aloe are especially worthwhile, as they actually cleanse the air due to transpiration. When possible, open up an nearby windows in order to enjoy a fresh breeze as well as to air out a potentially stagnant atmosphere (especially if the office is carpeted).
The Technical Aspects
It is just as important to ensure that your home office is outfitted with all of the prerequisite technology in order to expedite communications with your clients. Here are some essential accessories to consider in advance:
- A quality smart speaker
- A flat-screen television connected to a laptop computer
- An ergonomic keyboard to avoid issues such as wrist pain
- A speaker phone that can be used for conference calls
- A dedicated VoIP system
- A multi-functional printer
As we can see, a bit of budgeting may be required so that you can determine these expenses. It might also be possible to prioritise specific elements in the beginning. These can then be augmented by other devices as your business grows. Adopting a fiscally conservative approach will enable you to adhere to your initial financial considerations.
Embracing the Home-Based Office Mentality
On a final note, a successful home-based office will also require the correct mentality. Be sure to remain realistic with your goals. Determine how many hours you will work each day and stick to this routine. Avoid any distractions. If you have a family, be sure to let them know when you cannot be disturbed. Above all, try to remain highly motivated. While working from home is associated with its own set of challenges, the fact of the matter is that the associated rewards are well worth your initial efforts.