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Planning A Home Office

When you mention the phrase "home office" most people think of a dark converted basement or a desk and chair shoved under the stairs or pushed into the corner of a room. However, with an increasing number of people working from their homes more attention is being taken to getting the home office design just right.

A certain amount of space is clearly needed in order for a home office to function properly, even if you just consider the basics: a computer, a scanner/photocopier, a printer, internet access, a phone, a desk and chair. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind when planning your own home office area, whether you've got a large room to play with or space is limited:

Pick your space wisely. Even if you're just working out of a closet, think about where it is. You'll want to keep as far as possible from the busy areas of the house to reduce distraction and keep you focused on the job at hand. Stay away from the kitchen, the front door, the living room and other places where you might get distracted. It seems like common sense but it's something you could easily ignore in the midst of planning your home office.

Use a proper desk and chair. The furniture you have at home might be comfortable but chances are it hasn't been designed to be sat in for hours at a time, hunched over a computer. Even if you love your chair and table you'll save yourself stress and a lot of aches and pains if you invest in ergonomic furniture that is actually designed for use in an office. If you're comfortable, you'll work better.

Plan your work area. You'll need somewhere to write, and it's probably the surface you'll be working on most of the time. Make sure your desk is at a comfortable height and the rest of your relevant equipment is placed sensibly around you to facilitate an efficient workflow. Think about what you'll be doing and using on a regular basis and design your space accordingly.

Investigate material options for your desk surface, it has to be a comfortable surface that won't mark or scratch easily, and also be in keeping with the interior of the rest of your home.

To sum up then, plan ahead as much as you can when designing the layout of your home office, ultimately it will save you time and stress and allow you to get on with your job, while also adding value to your home.

For more information call Spaceworks now: Melbourne - (03) 9882 2667, Sydney - (02) 9420 1130.
 

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