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Whether you started working from home because of the pandemic or are a freelancer with the freedom to go remote, you have to have a workplace that fits your lifestyle. But how, exactly, do you integrate home and work without letting the two overly intermingle? Read on for tips.
The Perfect Place
If your current home doesn’t have a spare room, it may be time for a personal/professional relocation. When buying a house with work in mind, look for flex space. This may be anything from an extra bedroom to a dedicated office or even an extra large walk-in closet with a window and access to power. Talk to The Home Owners Listing Teamto let them know what, exactly, you want in a new house. They know the market and can walk you through the thought processes and may have suggestions that help you find the right house quicker.
During your home search, you’ll want to keep budget, location, and amenities in mind. It’s also a good idea to bring the family with you so that your spouse and children can offer their input. Keep in mind, however, that your pets should stay at home with a sitter; as much as you love them, the current homeowner may have allergies and your pet’s presence may be the only reason that your offer gets rejected.
Home Office Haven
When you have a place to work, whether that’s in your current house or a new one, you have to set up a home office/workspace. We’ve already mentioned that this should be in a dedicated area but do also try to ensure that it is as far away from the main hub of your home as possible.
When it is time to outfit your workspace, Computerworld suggests paying close attention to your work surface. It should be comfortable and allow you to type unencumbered. Look for monitors that are large enough to see from a distance of 20 to 40 inches, which OSHA asserts is the preferred viewing distance. Your office chair should be comfortable and come equipped with lumbar support. If possible, put a small stool underneath your desk so that you can adjust your leg angle as needed during the day.
Digital Security
When you work from home, your devices may be a bit more vulnerable to hackers than they would be if they were safe and secure behind your company’s firewall. Unfortunately, remote work opens up a greater possibility that hackers will infiltrate your systems. It’s a smart idea to become acquainted with digital security measures that can keep your and your company’s information and data safe. You can find tons of articles about identity theft and cyber security online. If you work for a larger company, your IT department will also likely set you up so that you can work securely.
No Office?
If you could not move or afford a home with the extra space, do not despair. You may still be able to find a solution to your work-at-home conundrum. Don’t let any usable space slip by your consideration. Under the stairs, the garage, or even an attic are all excellent locations for a small home office. If you have a freestanding shed with access to electrical and internet, don’t be afraid to furnish this with a desk, chair, and air-conditioner.
Working from home comes with a host of benefits, including a zero-minute commute. But it does require that you sacrifice some of your personal space for your professional endeavors. Whether you’re buying a new home or working with what you’ve got, the above tips serve as a great reminder of what you need to get the job done.
