Despite 2020 being in the rear-view mirror, we are still very much feeling the effects of what was one of the most historic years in recent history. With normal life put to a standstill for quite some time, a lot of what we had all become used to suddenly seemed like a long way away, especially when it comes to working life.
For many, 2020 was the year where they lost their jobs or were placed on furlough for large periods. For those lucky enough to remain employed, working life took a drastic turn away from what was considered normal with new measures implemented around workplaces or even the need to work remotely from home. This, of course, was a huge shock to many workers, especially those who had to make do with what they had around the home and couldn’t afford the luxury of having a home office to work from.
However, just because you don’t have a dedicated workspace where you can work from, doesn’t mean you can’t make one, right? So, if you have an additional space in your such as a glass garden room or extension, here is what you can do to create your very own home office.
Back to basics
The first thing that you’ll need to do to convert your garden room or extension into your very own home office is to declutter and strip the space right back to the very basics. Whether you use your space to relax or for entertainment, you’ll need to rid yourself of any mess that is in your way. The most ideal workspaces are always free from clutter and based around a minimalist design, so be sure to keep all unnecessary items out of the way. Having too many items around you while you work can cause distractions and make you less productive.
So, take a step back and decide for yourself what needs to come out of your space for the environment to be more conducive to a positive working attitude.
Invest in the right equipment
One of the worst things that can happen whilst working from home is your equipment suddenly failing. Whether it’s the internet cutting out or your laptop dying. Therefore, you must make sure all of your equipment is up to scratch and updated to minimise the risk of any problems occurring. Of course, with added technology, you’re going to need to be able to power them. To avoid any extra electrical costs by having more plug sockets installed, ensure you have enough extension cords available to allow your set up to flourish. Just take care to not overdo it with the plugs! Oh, and don’t forget to invest in a proper work chair, there’s nothing worse than having to work eight hours day and being uncomfortable is there?
Setting up your office
Now that you have your space decluttered and your equipment ready, all that left to do is set up your new home office.
The way that you choose to do this will have a big impact not just on your productivity levels but your overall mood, which can in-turn impact how much work you get done. So, here are some quick-fire tips to help you get the most out of your new workspace:
- Choose uplifting colors to accessorize such as green and yellow, avoiding relaxing colors such as blue and lilac.
- Face your chair towards your desk and away from distractions such as the garden.
- Be sure to take advantage of as much natural light as possible, as this has been proven to boost your mood and make you happier.
- Organise as much as you can. Some people may be able to work within an ‘organized mess’ but you still need to be organized so wherever you can try to be.
- Give yourself enough room to express yourself and have all of the essentials at-hand. This includes your phone (if needed), paperwork, folders, and snacks of course!
And there you have it! How to turn your garden room into your very own home office. Follow these simple tips and you’ll have a productive workspace set up in the comfort of your own home.
