What do I need to set up a home office
If you have the ability to work from home, and want the best results for your efforts, it’s important to set up your office for maximum productivity from the start. A home office has many benefits, most popular being the freedom to design a workspace that works best for you. We’ve helped clients here in the Anchorage and Eagle River, Alaska area find homes that fit both their personal lives – and their businesses – and know there are a few essentials you’ve got to plan for if you want to work from home.
Connectivity: In today’s working world, no matter what you do, high-speed internet is absolutely essential. Make sure that your new home will have access to an internet service provider that offers secure, reliable, and high-speed internet. A good internet connection means you can perform actions like uploading videos, participating in conference calls, leading a webinar and starring in a Facebook Live video.
Productivity: Need a printer connected to your home network? Does your PC need a tune-up to protect it from viruses and malware? Productivity depends on systems running smoothly. IT support is just as important in a home office, but you probably won’t have access to the same support as a corporate environment. If you are working solo and don’t have the resources of a corporation behind you, ask your realtor about local solutions such as Geek Squads or on-call tech support. Also check with your internet service provider. Many offer support services that will fit your needs.
Organization: Even if your work is mainly online, you can’t avoid a certain amount of paperwork. An organized office is essential, keeping you focused and free of distractions. Take a trip to your local office supply store or research places like Pinterest online for DIY solutions to organize everything from cords and cables to books and paperwork.
Comfort: Just because you work from home, doesn’t mean your office doesn’t deserve corporate-level comfort. Invest in ergonomic seating, good lighting, and a desk with plenty of space and storage. Add art that inspires your creativity. Or a mini refrigerator or fancy coffee machine to keep you fueled through the day. If part of your job involves video, dedicate a corner of your office as a studio so you don’t have to keep setting up and breaking down backdrops and lighting every time you go online.
Follow these tips and you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes to setting up a home office with the potential to be much more professional and productive than a traditional cubicle at company headquarters.
