CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Whether you work full-time from home or need to get some things done from home, you should have a home office designed to help get the job done. According to The Nest, a home office that’s well-designed has a direct impact on the quality and quantity of the work your produce.
Even if all you need is your laptop and phone, an office environment can help you get into the right mindset for work without needing to leave home. Here are some ways you can turn an otherwise unused space, like your garage, into the home office of your dreams.
Decide If A Space Will Work
Not every home has a garage, and some garages might not end up making the cut as an office space. Maybe you don’t like the idea of a co-working space either. In these situations, you could consider building a small space of your own.
Building a structure to function as your home office is a great solution for some, and you can spend as little or as much money and time as you’d like on it depending on how long you plan to use it. Starting with the materials, wood and steel structures offer varying solutions and problems during the construction phase.
Wood structures require skill to get just right, and they’re more susceptible to problems caused by pests and weather. Steel structures can come ready to piece together in light, easy to handle packages, and these can last much longer than wood structures. But, make sure that you seal and insulate your steel structure since moisture can easily corrode it.
Decide what will work best for you before beginning any moving, purchasing or construction. If you’re lucky enough to have the garage space, you’re ahead of the game and can quickly get to work.
Reduce Distractions
Before you move your office supplies into the garage, take the time to prep the space and remove any distractions. Every office space needs to be one where you can focus on what you’re doing, so jumpstart the transformation by decluttering and clearing out the garage.
After clearing out the junk and clutter you’ve accumulated, there will be some items you’ll have to keep in the garage, like lawnmowers and tools. Organize the stuff that you must keep, and invest in shelves to maximize space. This should give you ample room to set up your office.
The next step is insulating the garage. Insulation will help reduce outside noise that can distract you from the task at hand. Plus, the added layer will keep temperature fluctuations to a minimum inside while the seasons change outside. If you’re too cold to type or sweating in place, your work could suffer from the distraction. It’s all about making room for your work and maximizing comfort at this stage.
Make Yourself Comfortable
With the climate in your garage somewhat controlled, spend time making the rest of the space as comfortable as possible. That is, as comfortable as an office should be.
Switch out fluorescent lighting with bright, warm lighting and try to maximize any natural light you have coming into the garage. Natural light is great for your overall health, and you can easily arrange mirrors to reflect it throughout your space.
Take your workspace up another level by adding rugs or carpeting which can combat the cold and echo sensations associated with a cement floor. This can also be accomplished with some greenery. Adding plants to your home office will not only purify the atmosphere, but it will also decrease humidity, a real issue in unfinished spaces lacking adequate ventilation.
Tap into your style and give the space a fresh look by repainting the walls with a neutral color. Once the paint dries, move in. Layout your desk, chair and storage in a way that doesn’t make you feel cramped or claustrophobic. Invest in a good chair and enough storage to keep the office organized and professional.
Working from home doesn’t mean you have to work from the kitchen table. When it’s done right, you can make the most of this extra space and boost your productivity while you’re at it.
Image courtesy of Pixabay.