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Upgrading Your Home Office on the Cheap
If you work from home on a regular basis, you need a dedicated space in which you can perform your job. The more you telecommute, the more you may want to make your office comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Try these five tips for upgrading your in-home workspace without spending a fortune.
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1. Add Furniture One Piece at a Time
Though you may have started out working on a folding table in your basement, chances are that it got old (and rather uncomfortable) fairly quickly. Since you spend a good portion of your day in it, your chair is a good piece of furniture to consider replacing first. Purchase one that will provide you with the back support you need and that you have tested out in person. Sit in several before making your decision.
Another essential item is a desk. Today there are numerous comfortable options and even ones that can be raised or lowered to allow you to stand and sit at various points throughout the workday. In addition to getting a height you are satisfied with, ensure the desk you select has enough work and storage space to enable you to easily access your work supplies.
2. Ensure You Have Adequate Lighting
Nothing makes you feel sleepier than a dimly lit room or gives you a headache faster than a bright one. For this reason, it is imperative that you equip your home office with appropriate lighting. If you have overhead lights, try adding dimmers to allow you to change the intensity of the fixtures depending on whether the day is especially sunny or not. Additionally, if feasible, set up shop in a spot with a window to allow for natural lighting. Lastly, add a desk lamp for times when you really need to buckle down and focus.
3. Invest in Equipment to Make You Work Efficiently
Perhaps your employer equipped you with just a laptop to utilize when working remotely. This might suffice for a time, but basic items such as a mouse, monitor, and full-sized keyboard can help you maximize your work time. Be sure to place your additional equipment in a spot that allows you to easily type and see your screens so you are not straining your wrists, back, or neck. Perhaps you can even receive a stipend for such essentials or be reimbursed after their purchase.
4. Make Sure Your Air Conditioning in Functioning
If it's too hot in your home office, it can be difficult to concentrate. This is where air conditioning comes in. Air conditioning can help to create a comfortable environment for working, and it can also help to reduce noise levels. In addition, air conditioning can help reduce the risk of dust and other allergens in the air. If your window AC isn’t working properly, you can call on a local repair technician for a portable air conditioner. If you’ve had your AC for longer than ten years, you’re best off replacing it instead of getting it repaired.
5. Consider Adding Aesthetics
No one wants to sit in a drab setting for eight or more hours daily. If you have had enough of the decor in your home workspace, consider creating interesting and attractive surroundings by sprucing it up with curtains, houseplants, and even wall panels.
Since you are spending a good portion of your life in your home office, you deserve a space that is comfortable and pleasant to be in. Add some new furniture, make sure you have adequate lighting and that your AC is functioning properly, and invest in equipment that maximizes your productivity to give your workspace the refresh it needs.