6 Tips to Achieve the Ideal Home Office Setup

By Janice Miller, Safety Today

With the rapid changes the economy is experiencing, you might be settling into working at home for the long-term. But carving out space for your home-based company can be challenging if you’re used to working in an office. Fortunately, whether you need to redecorate an existing space or buy or build a new one, making your home workspace efficient, comfortable, and healthy is totally doable. 

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Custom Build the Ultimate Home Office

When shopping for a home, you might consider a new build or another customizable property. That way, you can select the features that will work for you and your at-home business. This is especially handy for home-based professionals that need space to see clients. A separate entrance or even a studio suite can serve as an office building when you need it. Not to mention, it can add value later in your homeownership timeline, too, says Pocket Sense.
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Depending on your business type, it may be wise to have an additional bathroom installed, or at least a sink. While your contractor can add this to your must-have list for a custom build, you still need to reach out to local plumbers to find a subcontractor who can run the necessary lines and hookup your fixtures. When hiring any type of contractor, always seek out reviews and customer testimonials to ensure you’re getting the best service and the best quality work. ​

Don’t Foot the Entire Bill

It makes sense that setting up a decent home office will involve some spending. But you shouldn’t pay out of pocket for every expense. Whether you’re a solopreneur or have a team of virtual staff, understanding what tax deductions and write-offs you qualify for can help you shape a thorough financial plan. You may even qualify for business credit cards or loans to help outfit your workspace and cover expenses.

Research Locations in Advance

If you decide to move your household and home office, do your homework before selecting a neighborhood. If you’re in the beginning stages of forming or adjusting your business model, it also pays to know the regulations in the place you’ll be living. Especially if you’ll be registering as an LLC for the tax advantages and reduced liability, you’ll want to plan to tackle the paperwork as soon as possible.

Know the Market if You’re Shopping

When you start your house hunt, explore the home prices in the areas you’re most interested in. Checking on property pricing can help you determine whether the square footage or home size you want lies within your budget (or city limits). If you’re looking to relocate, Los Angeles can be the ideal spot, not only for the warm winters, it's also a great place for home investment and is business friendly. ​

Get Creative (or Even Crafty)

​Maybe moving isn’t an option and your finances aren’t adding up to equal large-scale home renovations. Or maybe you’re renting and can’t modify your floor plan too much. Get creative with your office area by adding panels to divvy up space, or even build a loft to store equipment or free up prime spare bedroom real estate. Another option is to buy or build a small desk that can fit into tight spaces. A hideaway or folding desk can offer an ample work area without cutting into your living space, points out Refinery29.

Outfit Your Work Area Properly

Once you have a space in mind, setting up your work area is the final step. Creating a functional office requires specific equipment, but you’ll also need to adjust your mindset. A distraction-free area will be crucial for getting work done without getting sidetracked with household or family obligations. Remaining productive takes dedication, but you can also employ hacks like wearing noise-canceling headphones or making a sign to post on your door during meetings to minimize interruptions. 

You’ll definitely need a comfortable seat that has both the best ergonomics and fits well in your space. You won’t need to break the bank to find the perfect office chair, a little research and you can find one that will be perfect for you at a price that leaves you cash leftover for other office essentials. 
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If you plan to have clients visit your office, keeping it clean and sanitized is a must. To help you with this task, connect with a reputable service like Juanita's House Cleaning, which offers routine cleanings and personalized service. 
Getting set up in your home office is a vital step in your business formation and long-term success. Being able to work from a comfortable, professional, and healthy environment can do wonders for meeting your organizational goals. Whether you go for a custom-built home plus office or implement another tip from this list, it’s time to get serious about working from home.

You can read more of Janice Miller at Safety Today