​7 Tips for Setting up a Productive Home Office

​Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many things have changed. And even though we are gradually returning to some sort of normalcy, some aspects will probably never go back to the way they were. Among the changes that we have witnessed is an increase in the number of people working from home, which also heightened the need for a productive home office for many. 

This trend started as a necessity, particularly for large companies, but it gradually became a choice for many. Regardless of which category you fit into, working from home might seem less stressful. Nevertheless, it can become a bit too relaxing at times since you only need a laptop and you can work from your bed. So, if you just moved into your new home and intend to work from there, here are seven tips on setting up a productive home office.
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​Tip no. 1: Choose the right location

When you move into a new place, you have the luxury of choosing where to set up your office. Of course, if it's a small apartment, you won't have too many options, but if it's a house, you do. In any case, it's important not to make a rash decision.  To have a productive work-from-home experience, you need a quiet place separate from the areas where the family’s daily activities occur.

​However, some people can't concentrate in complete silence, so if that's you, play some music while you work. However, if having a separate room is impossible because there’s not enough space, then you can always design a multi-purpose area in your living room.
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Tip no. 2: Lighting is essential

If you have this option, set up your office in the vicinity of a window to have as much natural light as possible. Not only is this good for your eyesight, but studies have shown that some artificial lights can even cause headaches. Now, even if you can’t have natural light all day, don't use dim lights because you might fall asleep instead of being productive.

Natural light is essential for setting up a productive home office

​Tip no. 3: Make sure you have fresh air and plants

Once again, having a window nearby would be perfect, because then you can air your office whenever you begin to feel tired. Fresh air stimulates your brain and makes you more productive. However, even if you don’t have this option or it’s simply too cold outside to open the window, you can at least get a plant. Plants help filter the air and generate oxygen, which in turn help you stay focused.
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​Tip no. 4: Choose the colors carefully

The colors you choose for your home office are critical because they can influence your mood and, thus, your productivity. You have two options here: paint your walls or buy colorful office furniture. Either way, it's effective. According to the research, blues and greens are the colors that inspire the most productivity. Of course, this is not a rule; you can choose whatever color makes you feel good.

Choose colors that stimulate your productivity

Tip no. 5: Design based on your work needs

Before you even start thinking about the furniture and other office supplies, you need to have a clear image of what type of business you’ll be conducting from your home office. This is important because it will help you figure out what you need to be productive. For example, if you require two monitors to do your job, you will need a larger desk. Would that fit in your office? Or maybe you need a whiteboard to make diagrams and plans, for which you will need an empty wall. These details should be well-thought-out before you start filling up the place.
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Tip no. 6: Make sure you have the appropriate office equipment

If you just moved into your new home, it's essential to check the state of the office equipment you already have because if you were not careful while preparing for the move, you might find some broken items in your boxes. Usually, these devices are fragile and expensive to replace, so you should use appropriate packing supplies, do your best to avoid some common packing mistakes, and maybe even transport them yourself.
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Once you know what you have and what you still need, don't rush to buy the first thing you see or like. Do some market research first and take into consideration the following elements that can boost your productivity:
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• A good chair. This is an essential element because you need to feel comfortable when you spend your entire day working at a desk. So, invest in a good, ergonomic chair, even if it's more expensive. It will not only make you more productive but will also prevent you from developing back problems.

• A desk that fits everything. First, think about all the items you need, such as a laptop or multiple monitors, a printer, a scanner, speakers, etc. Then look for a desk that can fit all of that or has special compartments for some of the equipment. If you want something to help your back, you can invest in an adjustable standing desk. This allows you to stand and sit for various periods.

It's essential to have a comfortable chair and a desk that fits all your office equipment

Tip no. 7: Keep it clean and well-organized

Having a lot of clutter around is usually very distracting. Therefore, you must find ways to keep your office clean and well-organized. For this purpose, you can use file cabinets and desk drawers. But don't just throw everything inside them, because then you will waste a lot of time searching through them. Imagine that your home office is the same as any other office where clients and work colleagues pass by. So tidy it up throughout the day or at least at the end of every workday.
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Conclusion

​Working from home has become the new normal for many people. Therefore, setting up a productive home office is crucial. So keep in mind these tips when you move into your new home and have the option to design your workspace. The main idea is to make it both comfortable and practical.

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