How To Set Up A Work-From-Home Office

If you’re one of the many workers forced to fulfill their professional obligations from the confines of their own home, you may be desperate to set up a good work-from-home office that enables you to get  some peace and quiet while also adding some long-term value to your property. While it’s highly recommended that those who are working from home have a dedicated workspace within their house to rely upon, it’s far easier said than done to establish such a workspace, especially if you’re operating with a limited budget.

Are you ready to work from home but have no idea where to begin acquiring the equipment? Here’s a review of how to establish your work-from-home office, and what mistakes to be aware of if you don’t want to waste your valuable time and money.

Know that many home renovations go poorly

The first and most important thing to establish is that setting up a work-from-home office often entails serious renovations, many of which can backfire and end up eating into your budget or even diminishing the long-term value of your house. While fulfilling your professional responsibilities is obviously incredibly important, nothing should come at the expense of your living space, especially if you’re a homeowner trying to build long-term wealth by improving their property. Many homeowners think that all renovations are an unfettered good which can’t backfire, which is a terrible mistake to make right now when money is tight.

According to one recent survey, at least 1 in 10 people who embark upon home renovation projects actually end up making things worse before they complete the job. Truthfully, this number is likely far higher, as few people want to admit that their renovation project went wrong, especially if it was the first time they put in such an effort. You should thus brush up on the 25 home renovation mistakes that first-time homeowners make in order to avoid a costly tragedy that will prevent you from establishing a fantastic work-from-home office before proceeding. 

Next, you’ll want to identify some good office equipment that you can come to rely upon in the days ahead. Investing in a good computer, monitors which are easy on the eyes, an excellent webcam, legacy countertops, and strong in-home wifi will all be essential. The New York Times recently published a helpful report on finding the perfect home office equipment, which ultimately and accurately concludes that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for those working from home to rely upon. You need to analyze your specific professional needs before purchasing any expensive equipment if you don’t want to end up wasting your hard-earned money. 

Know that location matters, as you’ll need a quiet respite from the noise of your house to manage business calls or maintain your focus throughout the workday. Trying to be flexible by establishing an office in your living space is ill-advised; you want a dedicated space that you mentally associate with productivity, so try to stay off the couch. Failing to invest in good storage and filing space is also a common mistake that plagues many of those who are working from home for the first time in their lives. Keep these tips in mind, and soon your work-from-home office will be established sooner than you’d previously imagined possible.

Brett Sartorial
 

Brett is a business journalist with a focus on corporate strategy and leadership. With over 15 years of experience covering the corporate world, Brett has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, analytical and insightful journalist. He has a deep understanding of the business strategies and leadership principles that drive the world's most successful companies, and is able to explain them in a clear and compelling way. Throughout his career, Brett has interviewed some of the most influential business leaders and has covered major business events such as the World Economic Forum and the Davos. He is also a regular contributor to leading business publications and has won several awards for his work.