How to Make Your Home Office Your Own

Your secret headquarters. Your command center. Your hidden lair. The room next to the kitchen. Call it whatever you like. The joy of working from home (or being your own business owner) is the ability to craft and develop the perfect remote set-up that works for you.

Being virtual, your home office is where you will be spending your workday. So, your remote space should also be fully practical, organized, and conducive to productivity. Balancing the needs of remote work, while carving out a pleasant, workable space in your home that is all your own may seem overwhelming at first. By focusing on the key areas of design and functionality first and foremost, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in no time.

Location, Location, Location

The most crucial element of setting up space for your home office is deciding on the perfect location. Remember, your home office doesn’t necessarily have to be a full room. You could set up shop in a nook, a closet, a corner in a room, or any other space that allows for room to operate.

Whether you’re looking at converting a corner of your living room, bedroom, basement, or wherever, be sure that you can easily cut down on noise and distractions. We know of at least one virtual agent who installed a light outside her home office. When the light is on, that means she is handling a call from a customer or in a meeting, and her household knows not to disturb her.

Consider a private, quiet space with a door to give you extra privacy during work hours. If you decide on an open space, we recommend room partitions to help block off your work area and keep it separate from the rest of the room.

Picking Out the Right (Ergonomic) Furniture

Your home office doesn’t need to include an extravagant setup (unless that’s what you want, and it works for you) but do consider investing in furniture that is both functional and comfortable.

Most importantly: don’t skimp on the chair! With so many options available, focus on the components that are most important to you when it comes to finding the perfect office chair. Are you looking for something with lumbar support? Arm rests? A comfortable seat? Wheels and a swivel? Likely, you’ll be spending a good chunk of your workday in your chair, so be sure to give this decision the level of thought that it deserves.

You may also prefer the option to stand. Standing desks are popular options for those who would rather not sit down all day. As long as your desk is equipped to accommodate whatever you may need to accomplish your day-to-day tasks, such as multiple monitors or a dedicated landline, the options are limitless.

It’s important to note that certain roles may require different technical considerations, so be sure to check in with your team before investing in a new setup and lean on your resources and peers for tips.

Personalizing Your Space

Now comes the fun part: adding some personality and style to your workplace. Feel free to get creative with your décor and furnishings. Be mindful that you don’t accidentally create any unnecessary distractions and be sure to avoid as much clutter as possible. Keep your space neat and all your equipment easily accessible.

Consider giving your home office a fresh coat of paint. A comforting and inviting color can help transform your space that you would want to regularly engage with. Keep your area bright and stimulating by positioning your desk near a window. If natural lighting isn’t possible with your current set-up, invest in a good desk lamp that simulates natural light.

Take advantage of your freedom to make your home office your own by decorating it with items that bring you comfort. Family pictures, candles, house plants, incense, or even a personalized mouse pad can do a lot to liven up the space and add some personality to your home office.

Why not splurge and invest in something like a single-cup Keurig, a coffee warmer, or a shag rug under your desk? The sky is the limit just as long as everything remains organized, and your office supplies are all in the right place.

Don’t Neglect Your Life Outside the Office

Even if you cut down on as many distractions as possible, being remote still offers a unique challenge; discover how to meaningfully balance your work with your home life. For some, the convenience of the home office may seem like an invitation to work more intensely and for longer hours. However, this attitude may quickly lead to feelings of burnout and exhaustion.

While being virtual can offer a sense of freedom and flexibility, it can also be isolating or impact your mental health if you don’t prioritize your own wellness. Take care of yourself, eat healthy snacks, and make sure that you’re spending enough time away from your desk. Some fresh air can make a world of difference when you start feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

Set expectations and manageable goals each day, both for your business and for yourself. If necessary, schedule breaks ahead of time for points in the day to go outside, or even to just stand up and stretch. Remember, work or providing services as a contractor is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus less on accomplishing as much as possible within a short period of time and more on making sure that you’re performing to the best of your ability. Make it a priority to deliver on quality service.

Looking to build a community and connect with your fellow independent agents? Liveops Nation is open 24/7 and offers a friendly space for agents to connect, share their experiences, and recommend even more tips on how to maximize the comfort and efficiency of your office space while building your home business.