10 Tips to Better Your At Home Office

1.   Even if you already have a home office, consider whether there may be a better place for it. Two important questions to ask are: Will you actually work in this space? (Steer clear of bedrooms which our minds associate with rest.) And will there be few distractions? (Laundry hampers, kitchen sinks, and anything else that might compete for your attention should be out of sight.)

2.     On her popular blog WorkingNaked.com, author and home office expert Lisa Kanarek shares advice on all aspects of working from home. Click through to read her top tips on designing the perfect home office space, one that not only meets your specific needs, but also inspires your work.

3.   Assess your electrical needs. Are there enough electrical outlets? Is it possible to run a phone line and/or internet connection into the room? Of course, if you rely on a cell phone and already have wireless internet, no room is off limits!

4.                Choose a place that is comfortable year-round. A sunroom might be lovely in the spring and summer, but having to pack everything up and move inside when the seasons change will not be efficient.

5.  Be sure you have room for everything that is essential to the work that you do. If your work area is small, take advantage of vertical space by installing shelves above your desk or putting tall bookcases adjacent. Opt for furniture that can serve double duty (e.g., an ottoman that opens for extra storage). An all-in-one machine—with printer, copier, scanner, fax—can also be a great space-saver.

6.    By no means is a window a must, but a nice view and some natural light can help you work better. For overcast days and work in the evening, a bright desk lamp is essential.

7.    Surround yourself with colors that inspire and motivate you. Pressed for ideas? Identify a favorite hue from a rug, throw pillow, or piece of art, match that shade to a paint color, and put it up on your walls.

8.    Limit what you keep on your desk to the items you use most often. Decorative or sentimental objects are fine in a home office, but it's usually best to place them on a shelf that's out of the way.

9.        Never underestimate the importance of a good chair: Proper seating can mean the difference between productive work and an unproductive trip to your chiropractor! Ergonomic design doesn't have to be expensive; shop around for a quality chair that suits your budget.

10.   Invest in an external hard drive or some other effective means of backing up your data. You can always replace hardware, but not data.

11.    Make sure the home office space is your own. For instance, the computer used here should be for your personal use only. If the kids download a game with a virus, you could be out of business for several days.

               

Article & Photos Sourced From:  Yahoo!Homes.com