Working from home can sound like a dream, but without the proper space to focus it can quickly shape into a daytime nightmare. During times like this, you or your family must maintain a productive routine. This is why we’re sharing some best practices for this new reality. Here are five ways to enhance your work from home space to help maintain a balance between work and family life, while all in one place.
Separate Workspace from Home Space
Create a specific area for you or your children to work that is dedicated to productivity. Having that separate area will psychologically tell your brain that this space is for work only. You can do this by working on a desk, or if you don’t have space, a foldable table. This will also come in handy when work is done at the end of the day. You can keep your job relegated to that space and enjoy relaxing with family in your home.
Avoid Distractions
When creating this separate space, you want to make it as distraction-free as possible. Make sure your desk is not facing the TV. Face a blank wall if you need to. Now, if you have lots of family or kids running around, communicating with them on when not to disturb is very important. You can do this by creating a visual “Do not Disturb” cue. Some examples of this include installing smart hue lights that indicate when you are busy, closing your doors, or putting on headphones. Plan and talk with your family on how best they can respect your time.
Add Shelving
When arranging your home, you might not have planned on needing a home office, leaving little square footage for it. Taking a tip from New York City, if you can’t build out then build up. Installing shelves over your workspace will allow you to fit more work items and give you more options to stay organized. You can add bins for documents, hooks for chargers, or containers for supplies. You can also get creative and install boards for notes or place décor to spruce up the blank wall you are staring at.
Install a Door
This option does in fact incur a cost, however, it also adds value to your home. If you have created a work space but desperately need a quiet area to concentrate or take calls, adding a door to that space is a great way to accomplish that goal. While French doors are beautiful and let in light, they may not provide enough privacy if there are other family members around. On the other hand, if members of your household aren’t the type to stand at the door, staring at you through the glass, or mouthing words to you like a bad game of Charades, installing French doors to an area can create the perfect work-from-home space you need. As an alternative, a pocket door, that tucks neatly into the wall may be the right solution for converting a smaller area of your home to an ideal work space.
Hire a Professional
Another way to get your home acclimated for spending more time at home and accommodating all of the newness we’ve adjusted to, is by hiring a professional. Whether you’re looking to convert a bedroom into an office, hang up shelves, install doors, or finish your basement, getting the right person for the job is critical in making the space work for you and your situation.
If you follow these tips, you will have a home office that works for you in your home. Not only will it make that morning commute from the bedroom a lot more pleasant, but it will also provide a comfortable space for you to focus during work hours along with the ability to separate yourself physically and mentally from work during your off hours.
Fix It!® can take any of these tasks off your to-do list. That way, you have more time to enjoy the lovely summer weather in Massachusetts. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.