Remote working used to be something reserved for a select few, but ever since the pandemic, it’s become a permanent way of life for many people. Creating a dedicated workspace at home doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. With the right planning and furniture, you can build the ultimate work-from-home office that’s perfectly suited to your needs and preferences.
With the increasing popularity of remote working, a home office has become so much more than just finding a spare corner in the house where you can get some work done. Having a dedicated space where you can work will have a positive impact on your overall productivity. However, creating a home office doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank, especially when you can use good quality second hand office furniture to fill the space.
The ultimate home office starts with choosing the right location and then using a combination of ergonomics, smart storage and good lighting to keep you focused and motivated while you work.
Location Location Location
The first step to building your home office should be choosing the right location. Ideally, it should be a space that’s free from distractions and separate from the areas where you would normally sleep or relax. Having this dedicated, clearly defined space for work will help your brain switch into work mode more easily and encourage you to stay disciplined and remain focused during working hours.
The environment of your home office is very important. You should try and find a space that has natural light and is isolated from the noises of daily life. You should also try to find somewhere that isn’t prone to extreme temperatures, like uninsulated attics or spaces over garages. These areas tend to be either too hot or too cold for you to be able to work comfortably in them.
A dedicated spare room is normally your best bet when it comes to loactions but, if that isn’t an option for you, an underutilized nook can work just as well. This can be somewhere like a wide hallway, the corner of a guest bedroom or even a converted closet.
The Ergonomic Foundation
Your furniture should support your body while you work, not cause you unnecessary discomfort or inconveniences. A good place to start would be with a height-adjustable motorized desk. This will allow you to easily switch between sitting and standing in order to maintain your energy and reduce the strain on your back.
Try to find an ergonomic office chair that:
- Supports your lower back
- Has adjustable height/arms
- Fits your body shape
A good office chair will make long workdays a lot more comfortable.
When situating your electronics, try to position your monitor so that the top of the monitor is either at or just slightly below eye-level. You should be able to keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle while you work.
Why Second-Hand Office Furniture Makes Sense
Buying quality, used office furniture is probably one of the best ways to invest in your home office space. Many used pieces of furniture come from commercial environments that are built to last and you can often find premium brands for a fraction of the cost.
Pre-owned desks and chairs, for example, are often up to 80% cheaper than they’d be if you bought them new, which frees up some of your budget to invest in other essentials. Reusing furniture can also have a positive environmental impact, as it reduces waste and the demand for manufacturing, helping you build an eco-friendly office space.
Used furniture is also a great way to add some personality and charm to your space, helping you veer away from that cookie-cutter feel of mass-produced new furniture.
Smart Storage Solutions
A cluttered space is a sure-fire way to kill your productivity. A well-organized office will help you stay focused and begin each day with a clear mind. Shelving, cupboards and desk drawers are all great ways to keep your workspace looking organized and free from clutter.
The 3-P Rule
The 3-P rule should be your go-to for maximizing organization and minimizing chaos. It helps you maintain a clean desk by implementing 3 rules:
- Plan
- Protect
- Pick
This rule states that you should only keep active project tools on the surface of your desk and everything else needs to be stored away.
Setting up some anchored shelving units, making use of the drawers under your desk, getting some filing cabinets or baskets and taming cords with cable ties are all good examples of ways you can keep your space looking neat while you work.
Lighting and Ambience
For the ideal home office lighting, you need a combination of ambient lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. These together will reduce the strain on your eyes from staring at a screen all day. You should also use smart bulbs that shift from cool lighting during the day to warm lighting in the evening to help protect your circadian rhythm.
Setting Yourself Up For Success
Working from home is better when you’re not curled up on the couch with a blanket and attempting to get work done. A dedicated home office is a great way to mentally prepare your brain for work and keep you focused and productive during your allocated work hours.
