Published on August 22nd, 2022

Last updated on February 6th, 2023

How To Set Up A Home Office: WFH Space Organizing

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
woman is setting up home office

Are you working from home? If so, congratulations! Working from home has many benefits, including flexible hours and a more relaxed atmosphere. 

In addition, many people have switched to working from home due to the covid that shocked the whole world in 2019. However, the reason for switching to remote work was not entirely joyful. However, working from home was comfortable, economical, and less productive. The last point should be considered separately since home productivity is not always guaranteed.

Before you can start enjoying the perks of working from home, you must set up your office space. Here are some tips for setting up a home office that will make you productive and comfortable. In this article, you will find practical tips and life hacks to help you create an exceptionally productive workplace. 

But first things first, let’s start from reasons wy one should set up home office.

Reasons To Set Up Home Office

man is watching into notebook and talking on the phone

There are plenty of them, but the most significant are: 

  • Consumption is much lower. You either cut costs or benefit from monetary savings by working from home. This is because you no longer spend money on expensive lunches, taxis or other means of transport. However, if you’ve taken home-cooked meals to work and cycled there, your case may be more harmful than positive, as your home’s energy bills may rise;
  • Accessibility increases – and becomes more convenient. From this point of view, you will get more comfortable. You no longer need to wear uncomfortable pants and a shirt in the summer heat. A snack is literally in the next room. However, there is also a drawback. After work, you at least moved a little when you walked home. Now you have nowhere to rush;
  • Significantly expanded options for customization and improvement. Your workplace now belongs only to you. You can customize it the way you want. No one will judge you for a cute toy on your desk or a mess in your workplace. You are only responsible for yourself;
  • Discipline and motivation are being tested. On the one hand, this is a positive; on the other – a negative. By setting up an office for working from home, you can better control your discipline on your own, as no one will be able to monitor you. However, on the other hand, the home atmosphere rarely sets you in a working mood. Therefore, creating a working environment in your room is vital to achieving maximum productivity.

Common Mistakes When Setting Up Your Home Office

When setting up a home office, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes leading to a less productive workspace. Some of these mistakes include:

  • Lack of light. Your office at home should have quality lighting. This helps to avoid eye strain and headaches during work, as you will need increased concentration. An excellent solution for home office lighting would be the addition of lamps or well-mounted ceiling lighting;
  • Poor ergonomics. It is important to set up your home office in an ergonomic fashion to avoid pain and discomfort while working. Ensure you set up the desk and chair at the proper height in your home office and that you have adequate space to move around;
  • Too much noise. Many people already understand that noise greatly affects how you work. Exceeding the permissible noise value can be very distracting and interfere with work. When making a home office, it is best to prefer the room located the furthest from the kitchen or other noisy rooms. You can independently isolate it with a foam pad if there is none. If the noise is forced, such as neighbors doing renovations, you can use noise-canceling headphones so that you can not be distracted from work;
  • Not enough storage. A cluttered home office can be very distracting. Ensure you have adequate storage space for your office supplies and paperwork. Invest in a few storage containers or shelves to help keep your office organized;
  • Don’t forget about the cleanliness and smell of your house. Bad smells can distract from a work routine.

Things To Keep In Mind When Organizing Home Office

If you analyze all mistakes above and draw conclusions, you can avoid problems when setting up your own office at home. This means that you will spend less money on installation and other aspects. Now let’s proceed with things you want to consider when organizing your WFH space.

#1: Choose A Quiet And Roomy Space In Your Home

woman is working in small home office

The first step to setting up your best home office is choosing a space you can dedicate to work. This space should be separate from any other areas in your home so that you can mentally and physically separate your work life from the rest of your routine.

If you don’t have an extra room that you can use for your office, try to create a dedicated workspace in a quiet corner of your home. Set up physical barriers between your workspace and the rest of the room to minimize distractions when you need to focus on work.

#2: Decorate The Space To Make It Feel Like Your Own Personal Oasis

woman is decorating her home work space

Whether you have a dedicated room or are working from a corner in your living room, making the space feel like your own is important. After all, this is where you’ll spend most of your time! Here are some tips for how to set up an office at home that will make you feel inspired and productive:

  • Choose a calming color palette. Paint the walls a soothing color or hang some calming artwork to help you stay focused;
  • Bring in some nature. Add a few plants or flowers to your desk area to help purify the air and boost your mood;
  • Make it comfortable. Invest in a good chair and desk so you can sit comfortably and work efficiently;
  • Add some personal touches. Include photos or mementos that make you happy and remind you of your goals.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to setting up a home office that’s both stylish and functional!

#3: Invest In Your Comfort

asian woman is working on computer and look at the camera

Choose furniture for your home office. Once you’ve chosen space for your home office, it’s time to start thinking about furniture. The most crucial piece of furniture in your office will be your desk.

In addition to a desk, you may also want to consider adding a comfortable chair and a set of shelves or cabinets to store all your work-related materials.

Set up your home office equipment. Now that you have furniture for your home office, it’s time to set up your equipment. If you plan on using a computer for work, you’ll need to set up a desktop or laptop in your office. Make sure to position your computer so the screen is at eye level and you have enough space to use the keyboard and mouse comfortably.

If you need to print documents or access the internet while working, you’ll also need to set up a printer and router in your office.

Home Office Desk Setup

The first step is to set up a comfortable and functional working surface. This means finding a desk or table that is the right height for you to work at and that has enough space for all of your necessary materials. If you don’t have a lot of space to spare, consider getting a small desk or using a table in another room as your primary working surface. You may also want to invest in a comfortable office chair to help you stay productive and comfortable while working.

Seating

You’ll spend a lot of time in your home office, so you need a comfortable chair and a functional desk. You don’t need the most expensive furniture, but it should be sturdy and support your back and legs. 

Lighting

Lighting. Good lighting is essential if you want to work from a home office, so set up plenty of light to see what you’re doing and avoid eye strain. Consider adding an adjustable lamp to your desk to control the light level.

Buy a Printer/Scanner 

Technology. To be productive, you’ll need to set up some basic technology in your home office. This includes a computer, printer, and internet connection. Ensure that your office has everything you need to work effectively.

Storage

Once your working surface is set up, it’s time to consider storage. You’ll need somewhere to keep your materials organized to find what you need when you need it. Invest in shelves or cabinets for your home office to keep everything neat. Keep all of your office supplies in one place. 

These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when setting up a home office. By setting up your space correctly, you can create a comfortable and productive environment that will help you get the most out of working from home.

#4: Finish With Creating Work Atmosphere For Better Productivity

woman is looking at the document and talking on the phone

Once you have all of your furniture and equipment set up, it’s time to start organizing your home office:

  1. Begin by creating a system for storing all of your work-related materials, such as files, documents, and books. You may want to invest in filing cabinets or storage bins to help keep your office organized;
  2. Next, create a work schedule for yourself and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting distracted. Make sure to take breaks when you need them, and set aside time each day for personal errands or tasks so that you can focus on work during your designated work hours;
  3. Finally, set some ground rules with family and friends about when you are working and available to talk or socialize. This will help you avoid distractions and stay focused on your work. This is a fundamental principle since relatives do not always understand that you can be busy if you are at home, and your strong relationship does not mean you can be disturbed for any reason.

By following these tips, you can set up the best home office that is both comfortable and productive. With some planning and effort, you can create a space to help you get the most out of working from home.

Bottom Line

woman is working from home

If you’re going to set up a home office, there are a few key things you need to do to set yourself up for success. Here is a short pocket list for you to remember what you need to do to make a great home office:

  • Find a dedicated space in your home to use as your office. This space should be quiet and free from distractions;
  • Make sure your office is well-lit and comfortable. You don’t want to be working in an uncomfortable or dark space;
  • Invest in the right office furniture and equipment. A comfortable chair, a desk of the right height, and good lighting are all crucial factors in creating a productive work environment;
  • Set up a system for organizing your work materials. This will help you stay on top of your work and be more efficient;
  • Make sure you have a good internet connection. Set up a stable internet to effectively work from a home office.

By following these tips, you will be well on setting up a productive and comfortable home office.

The Modern Home Office Setup

FAQ

How can I make my home office more energy efficient?

Set your computer to “sleep” or “hibernate” when you’re not using it for extended periods, unplug any electronics that aren’t in use, and invest in a power strip so you can quickly turn off all your devices at once and take advantage of natural light by opening blinds or curtains.

How can I make my home office more comfortable?

Set up your desk so that it is at a comfortable height to sit up straight in your chair, ensure you have good lighting, and invest in a comfortable chair. Ensure you have a chair that is comfortable and supports your back.

How can I avoid distractions when working from my home office?

Choose a quiet location for your office, away from any high-traffic areas in your home, set up a comfortable workspace with everything you need within easy reach, and ensure you have a good set of noise-canceling headphones.

What are some common mistakes people make when setting up their home offices?

Some of these mistakes include:
Not having enough light. A home office should be well-lit to avoid eye strain and headaches. 
Poor ergonomics. Ensure your desk and chair are at the proper height.
Too much noise. Noise can be a significant distraction when trying to work.
Not enough storage. A cluttered home office can be very distracting.