Turning an unused room or space into a home office takes the right plan and the right tools. If you truly want to create a functional home office, then you need to be prepared to make some major changes!
More people than ever are working from home these days. Many people ended up turning to remote work because of the pandemic, and most have decided the benefits outweigh the negatives.
If you’re ready to settle into the remote work life and turn that unused spare room into a true home office, then you’re in the right place! We have practical solutions that will transform your blank space into a fully functional home office!
The first step in creating a functional home office space is removing any distractions from your spare room. This could include furniture you won’t be using, knickknacks, pictures, artwork, etc.
A home office needs to be a space separate from the rest of your home. You want to feel like you just stepped out of your car and walked into work when you enter that room. This doesn’t mean you can’t add any personal touches, but the old artwork from your children’s elementary school days doesn’t belong there anymore.
Keep it professional and simple. Choose a few framed photos or artwork that you really love and hang them on the walls as a little reminder of your life outside of work. Then you can move on to the next step.
The equipment you’ll need in your office will largely depend on the type of work you’ll be doing. But some basic office furniture such as a desk and comfortable chair is pretty much universally needed.
Along with that, you need to make sure you have the right office storage units. Don’t settle for plastic totes and bins just because no one else will see them. Get a real file cabinet if you’ll be dealing with a lot of paperwork and install some proper shelving for your smaller office equipment.
Working from a home office can be challenging, especially if there are other people home and making noise while you work. Don’t worry because we have some tips to help you transform your blank space in a way that will increase your productivity.
A great tip for working parents whose kids are home during the workday is to get a sign you can put on the door to your home office. You can even make one yourself with a piece of paper and a pen if you don’t feel like investing in a real sign.
Simply put the words ‘Do Not Disturb’ on your sign and hang it up or flip it to that side while you’re working. Then, flip the sign over to the blank side or take it down when you’re finished for the day.
It’s a great way to remind others in the home, and yourself, that your workspace is important and you shouldn’t be interrupted.
Whiteboards are awesome because they’re easy to clean and update daily. You can write the date on it each morning and add a list of goals you want to accomplish for that day. Add a line on the board for weekly and monthly goals as well.
This is a great way to help you keep track of your schedule and what needs to get done. Having this reminder when you walk in and out of your office will help you keep yourself accountable for the work that needs to be done, and it feels rewarding to physically erase a task once it’s complete.
You’ll need a solid organizational system to keep yourself focused and efficient. This could include smaller office storage units that you keep right next to or under your desk for items you need in easy reach.
Another great idea is to add some wire or custom shelving along the wall next to your desk. This is the perfect spot to place items you need throughout the day, but don’t want to take up space on your desk.
Whether you’re already in the middle of turning your blank space into a home office or you haven’t gotten started yet, Harkraft can help. We’ll work with you to come up with practical office storage solutions that make your life easier and increase your productivity. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help turn your blank space into a dream home office.
