Best Practices for Setting Up Your Home Office

by: Kiera Skinner

2021 is fast approaching, and it looks like working from home is still the way to go for the foreseeable future. Our previous article entitled 'Stop Working From Your Couch!' outlined the various considerations that go into setting up a home office, from the size of the space to the kinds of furniture you need. In this post we will cover the best home office practices for entrepreneurs who are starting a home business.

Setting up a home business

Working from home has become the new normal and more people are seeing the benefits of this new setup. This includes new entrepreneurs who require a base of operations for their startups. And with the pandemic making the hiring or buying of office space very difficult, many are choosing to set up at home. The good news for those who are thinking of setting up their own business is that doing this from home is very simple. To make your business official, a post by ZenBusiness notes that registering your home address as your business address is a viable option for entrepreneurs. And because the business registration can easily be done online, all you need to worry about is your business’ operation and the space you will work in. With the initial creative idea moving forward and the registration done, here are some of the best practices for setting up your home office to ensure you are productive.

Start by de-cluttering

This first step is the most important, but is one that many people tend to forget. De-cluttering isn't just moving all your stuff into another corner of the room: you'll want to make sure that everything is in its proper place while also discarding what you don't need. You should also schedule weekly de-cluttering sessions to keep your place spotless. These cleaning sessions can also be a good reminder to step away from the computer and recharge after a particularly busy week.

Paint your walls in a soothing color

Inc. maintains that color has a real effect on our psychology, so be sure to keep this in mind when painting your home office. The right color should be pleasing to the eyes and calming so that you can focus on the tasks at hand. To that end, a grayish beige or a dark blue are both worthwhile options you can consider, especially if you want to veer away from the standard white. Of course, it also helps to have your paint match your decor!

Look at your lighting

In connection to the previous point, your lighting can also affect your productivity. Placing your computer right under a light source can cause glare, which then leads to eyestrain. Natural daylight is still the best option (which is why you might want to set your office up by a window), as you can then supplement it with additional lighting. Having a dimmer in your office can also make it easier for you to stay productive even when the weather becomes erratic.

Get creative with storage

For those who are working in small spaces, a home office is still within your reach. The Spruce recommends relying on built-in storage as a way to maximize whatever space you have. You can also opt to install vertical shelving to help free up desk space. If your desks don't have built-in storage, you can also opt to get your hands dirty and build some slide-out drawers to conceal things like printers and document holders. A cluttered desk can be very distracting, especially if you let it become a dumping ground, so may sure you have plenty of storage space.

These top tips can work for any space, which means there are no barriers between you and the home office of your dreams. Taking the time to set up your home office can get you excited to start your work routine, while constantly returning to these tips can give you a jumping-off point for any future redesigns.