Working from home? Want to create an office space that’s as inspiring as it is efficient? Apart from the obvious things like a desk and computer, here are a few essentials you’ll need…
Plenty of storage
A lot of people who work from home underestimate the amount of paperwork, reference books, files and stationery they will need, which means they often don’t invest in very much storage. This is a mistake. The more organised your space is, the more organised you will be and the more productive your hours in the office will be. So, invest in filing cabinets, shelving units and maybe a desk with lots of drawers so you can keep the clutter — physical and mental — at bay.
A landline phone
You might think that landlines are an anacronym in the modern world. But it’s good to have a landline phone in the home office as a backup just in case your mobile network is down and clients need to get in touch with you fast. Line rental is cheap and usually bundled with your internet service anyway, so find a reliable cordless phone and keep it in your office. If your job involves a lot of voice and video communication, consider investing in affordable, high-quality teleconferencing tools for smoother transmission. These tools are ideal for people who work as customer service representatives, virtual assistants, project managers, and other positions that spend a lot of time coordinating between different teams and parties.
Pretty plants
You may be wondering whether plants are really a home office essential; I’d say that they definitely are. Why? Because not only are they great at brightening up the place and filtering the air, which makes for a more pleasant environment, but they have also been sown to boost productivity and increase happiness levels significantly — that’s exactly the kind of thing you need in your home office.
Natural light
If you are able to, let as much natural light into your home office as possible. You could do this by installing bigger windows, having a skylight fitted, or simply removing the drape for a clearer view outdoors. If you absolutely can’t get any more natural light into the space, invest in bulbs that mimic sunlight. Why should you do this? Because natural light causes less strain on your eyes. It can also boost motivation and productivity levels by helping you to concentrate more.
A comfortable chair
Chances are you’ll be spending a lot of time at your desk, so you’re going to want a comfy chair to sit in, right? Ergonomic desk chairs are great for lumbar support. But if you want something a bit prettier, a sturdy armchair could be just as good — just make sure it offers plenty of back support and isn’t too soft or you could end up with lots of aches and pains.
Art
Art may seem frivolous, but hanging a few of your favourite pieces in your home office will not only spruce up the space, but it will also inspire you when you need inspiration and make the space truly feel like your own.
A weekly planner
A pretty weekly planner on your desk will be a constant reminder to note down those appointments so you don’t miss them. It will also add a nice decorative touch to your home office space.
Time to start decorating!
