Updated: This post about working from home tips has been updated on October 2020 with new and relevant information.
Working From Home Tips
Working from home can be a real treat.
But it can get tiring if the work space aspect of it is neglected and you are made to feel physically uncomfortable.
If the workspace you are working in is not comfy, you can face a lot of issues in the near future.
Backaches and achy legs, are a common signs of issues experiences amongst many home workers.
Let’s take a look at some tips you can implement in your home work space.
Adjusting To Working From Home And Working From Home Tips For Success
If you don’t already know, I work from home and have been doing so for the past 2 years now. I decided to work from home shortly after I had my 1st born which made me realise I didn’t want to go back into work.
Look back at my posts to see my previous work from home jobs and work that you can also do also without any experience.
With many job roles now offering working from home opportunities, mostly due to the Covid-19 pandemic – it’s now a great time to start looking around what and what you may not require.
How To Work From Home Productively
Firstly, to set up an office in your home you will need, ideally a spare room. I remember when I first started out working from home, my office was my living room.
I literally would sit on the sofa and put my laptop on my lap, along with a small side coffee table which had my phone and head set sitting on.
NOT ideal let me tell you! I slowly realized that if I was to be working from home for long term, I need a proper set up and not something flimsy.
Ofcourse there are no real rules that you need to have a spare office room but it is definitely essential if you wish to work long term from home and work comfortably too.
Most homes if not all have a small box room as a spare bedroom. That size is perfect to form into an office space.
Best Tips To Work From Home
Start Your Day Early
When working in an office, your morning routine is slightly different then it would be if working from home.
You would wake up early, get ready, have breakfast and set off for your commute.
At home, however, the transition from your pillow to your computer can be much more daunting.
Try and wake up early, so you can get some time to make yourself a coffee.
This will help freshen you up a little.
After working for a while, when you feel the need for a break, have your breakfast which will wake you up even more.
Get Dressed Up Like Your Going To The Office
Although, you will only be travelling from your bedroom to your office room, it helps a lot when you not in your pj’s.
Structure Your Work Day
Just like you would do in the office, plan your home day just like you would in the office.
Plan your breaks and lunch times and organize your work folder to be as productive as you can.
Take A Break
Don’t be seated in one place for your whole shift.
Try to move around as much as possible.
You can even take your laptop out into the garden or take your laptop into a coffee shop, where there is wifi enabled.
A differnt scene in your working routine can give you a boost.
I once remember taking my laptop and my 4G enabled dongle to the runway airport restaurant. I spent 8 hours of my shift working and watching planes fly by.
Avoid Getting Distracted
As much as it’s super easy to get distracted when working from home, try not to!
Avoid using social media or any other browsing sites which are not work related during your shift.
This will only slow you down and make you panic and over work when you don’t have to.
Try and do more in less time so you can finish your shift on time feeling satisfied.
More Working From Home Tips Include:
- Commit yourself to do more, especially when your most productive.
- Save calls for the afternoon. No one is available in the mornings mostly.
- Plan out your schedule ahead of time.
- Stay connected with your peers using technology provided.
- Use calming music to get you in the mood of work.
- Interact with people around you. Whether that’s your baby, partner, friend or even dog. You don’t have to be isolated alone for your whole shift.
- Prepare your meals beforehand (night before is best), so your not wasting your lunch break making the food instead of eating it.
- Try finishing on time just as you would do in the office.
Essentials Required To Work From Home
1. A laptop
Obviously the first thing to invest in is a laptop, otherwise, how are you going to work from home hey!
You can use any laptop or computer from home as long as it runs the latest Windows versions and is up to speed.
Most company’s ask for those 2 major points and if you have that then Wa-lah! you can begin your work from home search.
2. Internet Connection
Without internet, does this world even exist?
Most if not all work from home jobs will require internet, whether your skype calling a meeting from home, googling something, selling, researching, online teaching etc, they all require internet!
You probably will require to do some broadband speed tests if you decide to work for a company from home.
3. A Computer Desk
I never had a computer desk to begin with.
Like I said I used my lap as the desk.
Not ideal as the rays of the laptop’s heat are not safe for the skin and legs and can cause harmful effects, some even ranging from skin burns to skin cancers.
Invest in a small computer desk, even if it’s a small board which can rest the laptop or computer on. As long as the laptop is not having skin contact with you, it’s all safe.
TIP: To save space in your room, you could invest in a small chest of drawers.
This is what I did 2nd time round. A small 3 draw chest of draws is perfect to keep the computer/laptop on the top and store all your storage in the drawers provided below.
That way you can have a computer desk as well as storage space.
If you have a large room you could invest in a large wooden corner desk.
These are great if you wish to have all your equipment on the desk.
This can include: a laptop, second monitor screen, printer and stationary pots etc.
Best place to shop around is on sites such as amazon and eBay. They have a wide range of styles to choose from.
– Mouse, Keyboard, Computer Chair, Spare screen monitor (if required for bigger projects) and Stationary.
4. Accessories
These are extra essentials needed to make working from home life easier.
Look around on selling platforms such as Facebook market place, Gumtree, Shpock for cheap deals where people even sell their new unwanted stuff at a fraction of the RRP price.
I got my brand new computer chair from Facebook market place just for a tenner. I was well chuffed.
Other than that, you just need a comfortable surrounding.
Make the room you will be working in as comfy and pretty as you like it.
Grab some candles, picture frames, scents, cushions etc. to make your working environment feel cozy, if you like it that way.
Check out these ideas on how you can style your work from home space.
Do you work from home and manage your own finances? Then check out this great company who offer FREE financial advice. Along with that they also provide a FREE financial knowledge checker on their website. – Leblon Blue
I have been working from home for over 5 years and only now am I considering getting a desk! My posture is seriously suffering without one! It’s time to get serious about my work space so thank you for the tips!
Yes hunny, it sure is. Glad the post could help xxx
Nice blog and content, I really excited, thanks for share!
Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It’s the little changes which will make the biggest changes. Many thanks for sharing!