As an entrepreneur or business owners, figuring out your workspace is an important task. After all, staying motivated and being able to focus are traits entrepreneurs need — and a better home office space can help you better manage your day.
Right now, my home office is a mess, and I hate being in there. I’ve let things get out of hand, and now I need to do a little re-arranging. It’s amazing the difference a better home office can make. Because I’ve done this before, I know what I need to do to take my office space to the next level.
Here are six things you can do to create a better home office.
1. Declutter
That’s right. KonMari your office space. I know I get distracted by excessive clutter in the office. File away the papers you need, or convert them to a digital format for easy storage (and potential access). For the documents you don’t need, shred and recycle.
Don’t forget to consider your decor. Is it taking up too much space? Causing your eye (and your mind) to wander? Has your home office become a storage area? Look for ways to clear up space. I found a different place to keep storage items, and almost everything else is hidden in the closet, which has new organizational shelves.
2. Make it Personal
We like to feel like the spaces we use are our own. Add a bit of personal flair to make a better home office. This can include colors that inspire you, pictures of family, and other accents that express your personality.
I love that my home office has a big sword on the wall. It goes with my nerdy personality, and it makes my office feel truly mine. When you’re in a place that’s personal, you’re more likely to do your best work.
3. Add Touches of Comfort
Business owners often need to be comfortable in order to create. Think about how you do your best work. You don’t want to be so comfortable you fall asleep, but you should be able to do your work without becoming uncomfortable.
This might mean adding a standing desk or investing in a small couch that you can relax on when you’re ready for a break. Think about what would allow you to do the best work and create better solutions, and aim for that level of comfort in a better home office.
4. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Your Chair
While this might fall under comfort, the reality is that your chair is more important than just something that’s comfortable.
Invest in a chair that is ergonomically correct and comfortable. Look for something that is right for your height and the way you sit. Also, buy a sturdy chair that will last a while.
Yes, you can spend more than $100 on a chair for a better home office. However, the right chair will last you several years and help you be more productive. Plus, since it’s for your business and home office, you can deduct it on your taxes.
5. Add a Touch of Inspiration
My home office space includes things that motivate me. Many of these items are related to the activist work I do outside my business. However, having something inspirational and motivating can go a long way toward helping you feel like you can accomplish great things.
Some entrepreneurs like to include their goals or create a vision board for the home office space. These can be great ideas to help you focus on what matters and stay on track with your latest venture. Use the inspiration to keep going, even when you’re ready to give up.
6. Use Plants
Studies indicate that plants can help you feel happier, improve productivity, and even improve your indoor air quality. If you can, choose a room that allows you access to plenty of natural light so you can add plants to your home office.
With plants in your home office, you can get help reducing stress and boost your creativity. These are things that can help just about any entrepreneur to improve their business.
Look for plants that are low maintenance and that can thrive, even if you don’t have a green thumb. A trip to the local home improvement store will show you plenty of houseplants that are almost impossible to kill.
Better Home Office, Better Business Results
In the end, a better home office will lead to better long-term business results. By making a few changes to your workspace, you’ll be a better worker and entrepreneur — and reap the benefits.