Is the only available workspace in your house the dining table? Don’t despair. Here are some ideas that show you just how easy working from home can be - and it can be packed away in minutes.
READ: 6 inspiring home office décor ideas
Making it work
Want to work from home but don’t have a spare room in which you can set up the office you would like? Well, it’s amazing how you can make even the most unlikely spaces work if you put your mind to it. In many households, the dining table seems to have a bit of a magnetic attraction for everyone in the family. From eating meals to doing homework, it’s one of the most used pieces of furniture in our homes. But, if you’re organised, it can also work very well for you as a simple office space.
Clear away
At the end of your working day, you must be able to clear the table quickly and easily. The best way to do this is to streamline the amount of equipment you need, so it can all fit neatly into a storage box, such as a long storage ottoman, decorative blanket box, or an armoire.
An office in a box?
You thought the lack of a spare room would make your plans to work from home impossible, but with some clever planning, an office in a box can easily be achieved.
From stationery cupboards to filing systems and computer equipment, everything a modern office provides can be replicated. So, don’t put off those plans to start a small business or work one or two days a week from home so you can pick up the kids from school – this box of tricks is the answer. But remember: the golden rule for success is to keep a clear line between business and personal life, so make sure you pack up the box at the end of each day.
File away
Sometimes the old-fashioned way is still the best. Receipts, bank statements and letters can be filed away easily in a concertina file. Storage boxes in pretty colours are another essential, as it’s important to keep your table as clutter-free as possible. Use them to store computer discs and other things you don’t always need.
Design motivation
A beautiful space always makes it easier for you to sit down and start work. Invest in one or two stylish desk accessories, such as a lovely glass paperweight, or simply arrange a bunch of fresh flowers in a vase. Colour is also important. Choose your favourite bright shades for notebooks and boxes – you’ll be surprised how much you achieve each day!
Happy spaces
Workspaces must be happy, productive areas. If you’re a believer in Feng Shui principles, it could be a good idea to order and decorate your home office accordingly. Colour can have an impact on how you feel in your space – helpful office colours include yellow, which brings creativity and vitality; red, to help invigorate you; and purple, the colour of richness and transformation. Fresh flowers or plants will bring energy to a room, as well as promote growth in your career.
READ: 8 budget-friendly home office ideas that will inspire you
Chair care
Make sure you choose an adjustable, supportive chair to prevent back pain and repetitive stress injuries. Your feet should be flat on the floor, with hips slightly higher than knees, and back straight. Your desktop should also be at the right height, with your elbows slightly above your wrists when typing.
Computer talk
The position of your computer is also very important. Most monitors are positioned too low for their users, causing neck and shoulder problems. Your eyes should be level with the top third of the screen, so pile up phone books or, better yet, buy a monitor raiser. If you have a laptop, attach a full-sized keyboard and mouse to ease the strain on your wrists. And go for a soothing landscape or seascape screen saver.
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