How to Setup a Home Office
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October 2018
Home offices have gone beyond being an afterthought, a space set up solely if there is room at the end of the dining room table. With many people now working from their home as employers offer greater flexibility, home offices are fast becoming major parts of the household. Once upon a time a corner desk in an available space would suffice, however home offices are now taking up entire rooms. Most home offices use computers, scanners, and internet connections, and therefore need more dedicated space. You can convert the guest room (that is rarely used) into an office.
You may be fortunate enough to be granted flexible working conditions by your employers, or perhaps unfortunate enough to frequently need to take work home with you. Or you may be considering renting a space at a co-working facility. A well-organised workspace at home fosters productivity and means you can get as much, if not more, work done at home or at your satellite office than you would in the corporate office. Below are some tips to help you set up an office at home.
Setting Up A Home Office
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Positioning
Your office can be set up virtually anywhere in your home where there is room for a desk and chair. However, you may want to choose specific locations around the house to give the office a more permanent feel and keep relatively exclusive for official purposes. A spare room is the most ideal space, as you can shut the door and close off the rest of the house for a distraction free zone.
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Furniture
Office furniture comes in a variety of styles and sizes that you can match to the décor in your home. Desks with lockable drawers are effective in keeping your accessories secure and handy. Bookshelves and filing cabinets help project a better arrangement of office effects. Your available space may dictate what furniture you can and can’t include.
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Ergonomics
Your sitting posture should be straight, and your feet should rest on the floor when you sit. A chair that provides ample support to the back should be used. After this, adjust the height of your table to the elbow level; this will allow your forearms to rest as parallel to the length of your feet on the floor. Adhering to ergonomic office set up principles will ensure you are in the most comfortable and safe positioning.
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Lighting
The best light for working is the natural light as it is essential for both comfort and mood. Place your desk close to the window and use light blinds that will allow enough light to pass through. A desk lamp can be handy, but you should not rely on this type of lighting alone.
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Make Your Office Space Tidy
It can be quite unappealing to see random cables and wires littering the floor or sticking out of walls. It makes your office space look unorganised. You can strap reusable Velcro under your work-desk to reduce untidiness.
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Decorate
Putting artworks in your office not only beautifies but also inspires creativity. Hanging a painting on the wall, installing wallpapers, or placing accessories on the desk or the window sills will make the room look more personalized.
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Keep Plants
Add a few plants to your home office to bring a sense of peace and bring in a bit of the outdoors. Plants can make your office space feel less stale and sterile.
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Be Organised
Arranging and labelling your files and storage boxes will keep your office well-organised. Your home office should be as organised as your corporate office, with items properly labelled, documented and stored so you can easily find important documents and resources.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Home Office
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Desktop Computers
Desktop computers are the right choice for jobs that involve the usage of heavy software. They have better storage space and processing power than the more portable devices.
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Laptops
A Laptop is most effective for jobs that demand a degree of flexibility. You can easily take a laptop from your home to work, or vice versa. However, ensure that the laptop you buy has a strong battery. You can connect your laptop to a larger monitor to dual screen at home.
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2-in-1 Devices
These offer a level of convenience and portability if your work demands that you move around a lot. Most 2-in-1 devices are actually easier to carry than laptops, and they have touchscreen functionality which is perfect for sharing your work. With a portable keyboard, 2-in-1 devices can perform both the functions of a tablet and a laptop.
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Software
The right software will assist you in maintaining productivity, keeping your files protected and collaborating effectively. In preparing documents, Microsoft Office is the most popular. It is also important you install the latest antivirus software that will protect you against external and online threats.
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Computer Peripherals
Different computer accessories can help protect your documents and equally allow you to work without distraction. A wireless keyboard and mouse can help save your desk from clutter.
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Printers and Scanners
If your home office has a computer system, then it will most likely also require a printer you may want to print out some documents with. Decide on the kinds of printers that are perfect for your kind of work. If you don’t print more than a few letters or invoices every week, an inkjet printer may be appropriate. You may also consider purchasing a scanner, depending on your requirements.
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Internet Network
Every home office needs a reliable internet service provider to thrive in this digital age to prevent network interruption. It is important that you upgrade your router to enable you to download, upload and stream smoothly. However, you can connect automatically without using a router or internet modem if you have a smartphone with tethering capabilities.
When it’s time to set up your home office, you’ll need to source your office furniture and equipment; some of which can be particularly difficult to move! For all your office relocation needs, call John Ryan Removals, the local office removalists in Melbourne.
For more information, get in touch with our friendly team for a free quote!