If you feel you aren’t as productive at home as you are at the office, you’re not alone. For the most part, workplaces work hard to create a quiet environment that can be hard to replicate at home, especially if you don’t live alone. That being said, we have a few tips to help you create a productive home office.
Focus on Peace & Quiet
It’s hard to focus when all you can hear is the TV at full volume, people banging around in the kitchen and the dog barking at the door. This is why finding a quiet corner in the house is the number one most important tip when looking to create a home office.
You may not have a designated workspace at home and that’s okay. If this is the case, we recommend moving into the quietest room you can find and using whatever you have handy as a desk. Whether it’s a dresser, vanity or night table, peace and quiet should be your #1 priority.
Declutter Often
A productive space is not a space with old coffee cups, stacks of useless papers and half-read books lying around. Get rid of everything that does not have a purpose and we guarantee you will feel calmer and more productive.
Find Storage
The rule “a place for everything and everything in its place” is very relevant when it comes to creating a functional and productive workspace. Having a clean and organized office will relieve stress and allow you to focus on what is important. Plan out your storage spaces thoughtfully and think a little outside the box. You may not have built-in shelving, but anything from bookcases to plastic containers will do the trick.
Add Lighting
When creating your home office, try and find a space that is near a window. Natural light is better for your eyes and mental functioning. For nights and cloudy days, it’s best if your office has general and task lighting. A desk lamp with exposure over your entire desk will help keep your eyes sharp and your head clear.
Consider Colour
The psychology of colour is indeed a real thing and it has been proven time and time again. Greens and blues are known to create a relaxing atmosphere. Research has found that green can foster concentration and adds a sense of vitality to a space, making it an ideal colour for your home office. While you may not have time to paint right now, consider moving succulents or plants into your space as colourful accents.
Make it Personal
Finally, it’s important that you enjoy your office space. Though you want to limit distractions, it’s important you feel connected to family and friends if you’re going to be stuck at a desk for hours. Photographs, art, plants, decor can all help create a more personalized space.
At the end of the day, your home office doesn’t need to be anything fancy. A desk in a quiet place with some storage, a good lamp and a few personal items are all you need. Trust us when we say these little touches will go a long way to creating a productive workspace.
Updated March 19, 2020.
