Are you a solopreneur or small business owner looking for the perfect home office setup? Are you in the market for a new home or planning some home renovations to accommodate your company’s needs? Then read on for clever ideas to help you design your ideal workspace:
Buying a New Home
Have a Separate Entry
If you’re looking to buy a new property and you’re planning on running your business from home, look for a house with a separate entry for your office space. This will allow you to meet with vendors, partners, and clients in a more private manner, away from the hubbub of family life. Make sure there’s plenty of parking in front if you’re going to have frequent visitors or delivery trucks stopping by. And have your house number clearly visible from the street so your business is easy to find.
Consider Your Electrical Needs
Older homes on the market may not have enough outlets per room, and running your business equipment (computer, printer, etc.) while your family is using electricity in other parts of the house may lead to an overloaded electrical circuit and fuses getting blown. Another thing to look into is the kind of Wifi signal you’ll be getting in your new home: as more and more business is conducted online, it’s important that you get the fastest internet speed available in your area. And consider your lighting needs as well, since you’ll be spending a lot of time working at home.
Renovating Your Current Home
Find the Right Spot
You can turn your existing house into a place fit for receiving clients and conducting business meetings with a few renovations and upgrades. Some entrepreneurs choose to turn their garage into a home office; others use a spare bedroom or the attic to set up their workspace. If you share your home with family members, especially kids, make sure you can turn your space into a distraction-free zone, where you can discuss with clients over the phone without extra noise or interruptions and make your office look professional and uncluttered for your video conference calls.
Repair Your HVAC System
Once you’ve found the perfect spot in your house to set up your workspace, make sure you’ll be comfortable there year-round. If your heating and cooling system aren’t working properly, look for online sites designed to help find HVAC service in your area. Simply answer a few questions about your project, and you’ll get matched with professionals. Then compare quotes and choose the best one for your budget. Make sure to schedule regular preventive maintenance of your HVAC system to prevent costly repairs and reduce your energy bills, as well as to improve the air quality in your home.
Redesigning Your Current Office
Add Some Green to Your Space
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in your home office, make your workspace comfortable with an ergonomic chair and desk, and think about adding plants to your decor: not only will they beautify the room, but they may also help you be more productive and reduce your blood pressure. They are also great at purifying the air and improving humidity levels in the home.
Declutter and Organize
There are many essentials you can’t do without in your home office, so invest in storage solutions that will help tame and corral your supplies while keeping your workstation looking clean and organized, especially if you have to share the space with other people in your home. You’ll be more focused, less distracted, and even less stressed when everything is in its place. Keep the supplies you need the most within easy reach, and stash seldom-used or seasonal stuff on higher shelves.
When designing your perfect home office, make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly to improve comfort and air quality. Keep your space clutter-free and distractions at bay. You’ll be more productive, and your small business will thrive.
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