House Improvement Tips to Increase Productivity When Working From Home

Do you work from home? If you do, then you also know how hard it can be to stay focused when home distractions constantly tug at your productivity.

Let’s face it, we all want to be more productive but oftentimes it’s difficult to accomplish when we are in the comfort of our homes. There are many diversions that take us away from our to-do lists and it can be hard to focus on the tasks at hand. However, there are some house improvement projects that can make working from home much easier. From a desk makeover to adding mirrors or lighting fixtures, you can increase productivity when working from home in some simple ways.

How To Increase Productivity When Working From Home

If you want to maximize your efficiency and make the most of being at home, there are some easy ways to improve your setup by incorporating certain elements into your house.

1) Define your spaces.

The first step is to find a spot in your home where you can be free from distractions and focus on what needs to get done. Whether you’re working from home full-time or just using the space for some projects on the weekend, make sure that everyone in the house knows this area is off-limits for all but work-related activities.

If possible, pick a room with a door, even if it isn’t big enough for many other pieces of furniture. If you don’t have a whole room that can become your office, set up a section in another room that is just for work—perhaps it’s as simple as a corner of the living room or bedroom. You can also try placing a piece of furniture like a large bookcase or dresser between the space and other areas of the house to help define it as your own.

2) Get the right equipment.

When you work from home, you’ll be spending most of your day sitting at your desk. That’s why it’s important to have a comfortable chair that supports your back and allows you to sit comfortably for extended periods of time. You’ll also want to consider the height of your desk and position it so that it’s at a level that doesn’t strain or twist your neck or shoulders. If it’s too low, you can try raising it by getting risers for the legs or keeping things like books underneath it when you’re working. If it’s too high, try lowering it by getting risers for the legs or keeping things like boxes underneath it when you’re working. The more comfortable you are while working, the more productive you’ll be!

3) Keep clutter out of sight—and out of mind!

If you’re working from home, the sight of clutter is more than just a distraction. It’s a constant reminder of the other things you could be doing instead. If you’re staring at your overflowing mail tray, it might inspire you to catch up on that pile of bills; if your kitchen table is piled with projects, it might subconsciously remind you of the dishes that need to be done. If you’re lucky enough to have a home office or other isolated workspace where you can focus on work without various household projects staring at you, that’s great! But not everyone has that luxury. If the only option is to work in the living room or some other public space while your family goes about their business, then it’s extra important to establish some boundaries.

While there are plenty of ways to eliminate clutter, some effective ideas are by using decorative storage boxes or renting a self-storage unit. Renting a self-storage unit can be an easy solution, giving you a place to store things like seasonal decorations, sports equipment, and old paperwork (not to mention anything else that could be taking up valuable space). Don’t let clutter get in the way of being productive at home; instead, put it in storage so you can have more room for yourself!

4) Make sure you have adequate lighting.

When you’re working from home, it’s important to create the right balance of comfort and functionality. After all, your home should have a cozy, relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind after a long day—but that doesn’t mean it should be somewhere where you can’t get any work done. You’ll need to set up your space in such a way that you’re both comfortable and productive. One effective way to do this is by adding adequate lighting to your home office.

A well-lit environment is essential for any productive workspace. Without enough light, your mind can feel foggy and unfocused—not to mention, it can cause eye strain, leading to headaches and fatigue that will only make you feel less like working. Inadequate lighting can even affect your mood and make you feel more anxious or irritable with your workspace. Don’t underestimate the power of a good lighting setup!

If you’re working at home using natural light, make sure that there’s plenty of it streaming in through the windows during the day. Just because you don’t have to be in a cubicle doesn’t mean you should be stuck in a dark room all day! If your house doesn’t get as much sun as you would like, or if you’re working at night and need artificial lighting, choose lamps that provide soft light (or use full-spectrum bulbs). Lighting that is too harsh and direct can create glare on your computer screen. As with all household projects, take the time to figure out task lighting (a bright desk lamp), ambient lighting (overhead lights), and accent lighting (lamps) to give yourself the most comfortable and efficient work environment.

5) Add a splash of colors.

It has been shown that colors can affect your mood. Warm colors such as red and orange will trigger feelings of excitement. Bright colors like yellow, green, and blue are linked to happiness and calmness. Using the right color in your room will make a difference in your productivity level.

If you’re working on a deadline, you need a room that energizes you with warm colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows. If you have a challenge to overcome, then paint your walls with bright blues to keep you calm and focused on your work.

Try using bold colors like red and orange or pastel colors like green, blue, or violet in places where the eye is most likely to see them first. Make sure there’s enough light in the room so that the color stands out but doesn’t hurt your eyes.

Takeaway

For any remote workers out there, having a home office can make all the difference in getting stuff done and increase productivity when working from home.

Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune on these home improvements. There are lots of cost-effective options out there that look great and can help keep your workspace clear and organized. The key is finding pieces that are both functional and decorative, so they won’t draw attention away from your work and will also help keep everything else out of sight when it’s time for business.