As home-based businesses become more common, it’s not surprising that home offices are also trending. After all, you need a comfortable and productive workspace, no matter what type of business you’re running. The good news is that no matter your industry, there’s a way to create and set up the perfect home office. Here’s how.
Don’t Settle for What You Have
Say your current home doesn’t have a spare room for an office space or any storage. Do you have to make do while your business grows? Definitely not. One solution to the dilemma of not having enough square footage is to buy a new home with more space. If you know you need more space, research home prices in your area or your desired neighborhood (the median listing price for homes in Dallas is $385,000). Keep an eye on floor plans so you can pick a house that’s perfect for you and your company.
Now that most of us are working remotely, it’s important that our home offices (whatever they look like) provide a safe, healthy place to work. OfficeChairPicks.com just published an article: Everything You Need To Know To Set Up An Ergonomic Home Office which does the best job that I’ve seen at exploring this topic. It starts by defining the term “ergonomics”. Then talks through the decisions you need to consider, such as:
- Which chair to use
- Where to position your laptop and monitor
- How to remain aware of your posture
Office Chair Picks covers why a proper office configuration is important and the health problems that may result if you get it wrong. They offer tips on how you can set up your home office to provide a safe and efficient day at work.
Average Single-Family Home
Although building a home may have been a cost-effective decision in the past, lumber prices have exponentially increased in the past year and a half, causing the price of an average single-family home to increase by $35,872 in 2021. The experts at Bankrate created a resource to explain why lumber prices have increased and what it may mean for the housing market in the near future.
Consider an Expansion
Just like you’re growing your business, sometimes you need to grow your property, too. If buying isn’t an option for whatever reason, investing in home improvements might be. Think about adding onto your property with a garage conversion, spare room, or over-garage apartment—it may even add value to the property. Consult with an expert before knocking down any walls, though, or it could end up costing you much more than necessary. Plenty of factors are at play, but the average room addition runs somewhere between $80 and $200 per square foot.
Know Your Needs (and Priorities)
Every business is different, which means the work environment for yours may stray from the norm. Consider your company’s needs and priorities. Maybe you’re a sole proprietor or freelance professional and only need space for a single desk and computer. Or, you might operate a company that requires you to meet with clients in your office. Either way, prioritizing your business functions helps you design a workable space for the operation.
Think About Storage Methods, As Necessary
For business owners with physical products, storage can become a headache. Even if you have space at home, you may not want piles of inventory in your work area or excess boxes and packing materials making a mess in your garage. The good news is that expenses like storage unit rental can be tax-deductible for your business, meaning your home office doesn’t have to house every aspect of the operation. Other tax deductions apply for small businesses, too, whether you have everything on-site at home or not. Make sure to check every box when it comes to getting breaks on your company’s taxes.
Invest in Technology
Though it can be challenging when you’re first starting out, some technology is vital for your company’s success. No matter the industry you’re in, reliable tech isn’t optional. HGTV recommends office devices like a laptop/tablet hybrid, a Bluetooth headset for client calls, and a shredder to discard confidential documents. Plus, you may need an internet upgrade before working from home is even feasible. For example, NerdWallet recommends a minimum of 1 Mbps internet speed if you’ll be hosting video conferences.
What can be more important than the air you and I breathe every second. I found a revolutionary new air purifier technology that kills and captures even the smallest viruses HEPA filters can’t. Proven to kill 99.99% of airborne viruses*, AirSoap uses washable and reusable collection plates instead of costly HEPA filters. The AirSoap can also reduce allergens like pet dander as well as help purify polluted and smoke-filled air in exchange for healthy, clean air when creating your perfect home office. I was curious to know how this works? AirSoap’s™ Electric Wind Technology™ generates a high-energy plasma field that kills bacteria and viruses and polarizes airborne particles. Use Coupon Code: COVID19CLEAN
Establish Clear Work-Life Boundaries
Staying focused when working from home can be a significant roadblock for your business. After all, distractions are everywhere—from family responsibilities to social media to the snacks in the fridge. Therefore, making sure you establish clear limits between work and home life is a smart and productive step. Inc offers productivity tips like taking regular breaks to clear your head, using “bribes” to stay motivated (and on schedule), and sticking to a schedule and level of attire you would use in a standard office environment.
Running a home business can present both unique benefits and harrowing trials. But with the right home office space, equipment, and mindset, nothing can stop you from making your business ownership goals a reality. You just need to take steps to get started.
Photo via Pexels
