Transitioning Home-Space to Work-Space.
For many of us, starting today, we get to work at home! Okay, so maybe you are being forced to work at home due to Social Distancing, but either way, home is where it will happen. I know at first many will be very excited about this, but after a few days, things begin to get a bit murky.
Simple tasks that no longer have accountability pieces put in place seem difficult. Like…what time will you wake up in the morning? Do you set an alarm since you no longer have to drive to work? Do you shower before starting the day? When do you have coffee?
Those are all important details in being the most effective and efficient you can be, but before you can work on that, you simply need to set up a workable home/office space.
Here are your top five priorities:
Choosing Your Space.
If you have limited space available, you may need to get creative! Pinterest can be very helpful but to start, look at each room carefully and see if there are some spaces that don’t get used or that are being taken up by things you don’t use. A sofa table with some inexpensive plastic lifts can act as a great make-shift desk. They are normally long and not as wide, and might even fit under a window in your bedroom. Maybe there is a closet that has been used for things that no one uses anymore. Consider boxing it up and putting it in the garage or giving it away to a thrift shop. Even small walk in closets with the right lighting can hold a desk, chair and some shelves. A dining room or guest room can be useful especially if there is a dresser or armoire that can be used for office supplies, etc.
Make a Plan.
Make a list of all the things you will need to access easily. Simple things like paper, paper clips, pens, pencils, post its, etc. If your budget is an issue, places like Walmart and Target have many plastic organizational pieces of all sizes. Rolling carts are wonderful for larger items like paper, folders, and books and can be moved each day if you are in a shared room in the house.
Your Writing Space.
The writing surface you choose will be the most important piece of furniture. Need something quick and simple? Two filing cabinets under a piece of wood will do the trick! If you need storage, choose a filing cabinet on one side and then some drawers on the other. If you have the space, adding shelves behind the desk or writing surface will make it easy to access what you need.
Lights. Camera. Action.
Lighting is so important. In order to reduce eye strain you will want to make sure there is proper lighting. If you are able to buy a portable light, there are many that have several functions. Desk lamps that act as a phone charger, or container for utensils is also really helpful!
Less Is More.
Do your best to only have what you need. After years of being at the same desk we tend to accumulate things that we just don’t use, creating unnecessary clutter and distraction. To help keep yourself focused and efficient, keep the items you don’t use as often in another spot in your home or in a container you can store in a closet.
At this urgent time of Social Distancing, we don’t really know how long we will have to be at this new space, so design it in a way that suits you. Be creative with color or some personal items that remind you to stay positive and on task. Even the scent of a nice candle in your new space can help!
Keep Calm & Carry On.