If you’ve recently started a home-based business, your house might be cluttered with office supplies, product prototypes, and to-do lists. You require a home office where you can organize your belongings and enjoy peace and quiet while you work during the day! You don’t need the eye of an interior designer to establish a functional home office with personal, creative flair. Here’s how to choose comfortable furniture, keep your documents and information secure, and decorate your office to suit your tastes.
Find Your Space
Where is the best place in your house for your home office? Perhaps you have a guest bedroom that has gone unused or an unfinished basement where you could set up shop. Or maybe you’re interested in rolling up your sleeves and building a custom outdoor shed for your work space.
If you’ve been thinking about relocating, you may want to look for a larger home where you’ll have plenty of space for your home office and all the supplies you’ll need to store. To find the perfect property, start researching local home prices to determine your budget (e.g., Wilmington home sales have averaged $250,000). You should also get in touch with a skilled and experienced real estate agent from the Spotlight Real Estate Group who understands your personal and professional needs.
Furniture and Storage Tools
Once you’ve chosen your space, it’s time to make your shopping list! Start with a sizable desk and a supportive chair (ergonomic chairs can be purchased for under $100) that will still feel comfortable at the end of a long workday.
You’ll also want to purchase a filing cabinet to keep all your documents in order. The Balance recommends spending a little extra on materials for a labeling system. You could also upload your documents to a digital filing system to save space. In addition, grab a few small containers to store small items like pens, paperclips, and Post-It notes on your desk.
The Right Tech
If you’re ready to upgrade your technology, now is the time to invest in new devices so that you have the most up-to-date equipment for your office. For instance, you may want to purchase a new monitor or printer. You should also block off some time to set up the WiFi system for your office. Double check to make sure that you get a strong signal because you don’t want your Internet to disconnect while you’re in the middle of an important task.
Secure Your Office
When designing your home office, you don’t want to overlook the importance of security! Make sure to install a lock on the door, and if you have any documents that contain sensitive details, you may want to purchase a safe for peace of mind. Furthermore, you can’t forget about cybersecurity! Neglecting cybersecurity could result in confidential information being leaked. You could also become a victim of identity theft. Take steps to ensure that your digital information is protected.
A Creative Touch
Now, you’re free to spruce up your office in any way you like! Maybe you have a DIY project in mind, or perhaps you just want to frame a few photos of your loved ones for your desk. Picking up a couple of houseplants from your local garden center is a great way to give your space a natural aesthetic. Choose plants that do not require much tending and can thrive indoors. Home Depot recommends spider plants, snake plants, or succulents. On busy days, you’ll love having a reminder of the great outdoors right in your office.
When you’re working from home, and you don’t have a designated cubicle of your own, it’s easy to become disorganized. As you grow your home-based business, you want to make sure that you have a space where you can work productively and store everything you need in a tidy fashion. Once you settle into your home office, you’ll see the quality of your work improve!
*Photos via Pexels