Working From Home: How Self Storage Can Help
Working from home, once considered a luxury, is now an everyday occurrence. Flexibility, cost savings, fewer distractions, and less stress are just a few of the advantages gained when your commute is just a few steps from your bedroom. Being able to do your job from home, however, also comes with some disadvantages.
Many professionals have feelings of isolation being away from bosses and colleagues and have to be more creative to stay engaged and in touch with their co-workers. The distractions at home differ from those in the workplace. Friends, family members, and especially children can be very demanding of your attention when you’re physically present. You have to make it known that when you are working, you cannot be interrupted unless it’s an emergency.
Working from home takes a lot of self-discipline and dedication. It’s not easy to stay motivated over the long run without giving in to the distractions and losing your drive. Nevertheless, you can have the best of both worlds with a little effort and a lot of good advice.
The following work from home tips will keep you motivated and moving forward in your working from home adventure.
Work From Home Tips
Tip 1: Use Self Storage to Create a Designated Work Space
This is probably the most important step in your work from home journey. Sitting at the dining room table, standing at the kitchen counter, or hanging out in the family room will not work. Family will see you in the dining room and instantly need something, the TV is in the family room and you’ll decide to take a 10-minute break to watch a morning show, and food is in the kitchen – no explanation needed.
This is where a safe, secure self-storage unit comes in to play. You need a space at home for an office. Whether you choose a spare bedroom or the room originally designated as office space that’s been turned into a playroom, you need a self-storage solution. You don’t want to get rid of the furniture, but your space at home is exhausted. Self storage gives you the cost effective option of being able to keep your belongings and set up your new office. Problem solved.
Tip 2: Outfit Your Office with Comfortable, Functional Furniture
You’ve gone to the trouble of emptying a space for yourself. Now you need to invest in functional office furniture. If you have the space, buy a large desk, a bookcase or bookshelves, and a comfy office chair. A separate table or cabinet to use as a printer stand and supply storage is a good idea. If you’re a person who is sensitive to their surroundings, add wall decor, carpeting, and whatever else you need to make sure this is a place you’ll look forward to being in every day.
Tip 3: Invest in Quality Technology
Buy whatever you need to comfortably and effectively do your job. You’ll probably have to purchase a desktop, laptop, or tablet, and depending on the nature of your work, you may need to invest in hardware or software. Working from home may require more than chat messages, so you need a router that will keep up. An outdated router may be prone to common network issues. If you have older but not outdated technology that you want to keep, put it in your storage space for now. You can decide what to do with it later.
Tip 4: Set Real Work Hours
Make a commitment to set specific work hours. In most cases, working from home allows you flexibility in setting your schedule. Whether you need to start after you get the kids started on their school routine, or you want to work the hours when you are most productive, commit to those time constraints. Communicate this schedule to your boss and your team.
Tip 5: Update Your To-Do List Every Day
Without having a boss breathing down your neck, it can be challenging to keep track of your tasks. Set goals and times to complete each task. When you complete a task, cross it off the list. This is a simple, but psychologically fulling technique.
Tip 6: Develop a Morning Routine
Set an alarm, so that you commit to a regular wake-up time. Shower, eat breakfast, and prepare your lunch, just as you would if you were going to your office. Don’t work in your pajamas. If you get dressed you’re getting yourself in the right mindset for work. You’ll be more alert, focused, and productive.
Tip 7: Maintain Healthy Habits
Build exercise into your day – maybe an early morning trip to the gym or a lunchtime walk. Whatever works for you. Exercise will keep you energized and productive. Eat healthy meals and snacks.
Tip 8: Stay Away From Social Media
Unless you have to engage on approved channels for your job, avoid mindless use of social media. If you aren’t careful, social media can eat into your time and lessen your productivity.
Tip 9: Use Video Chat
Video chat is a great way to stay connected to your team. There are many applications available: Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime, Google Hangouts, and Cospace. Make it a point to chat with coworkers and clients each day.
Tip 10: Don’t Let Work Invade Your Personal Space
Working from home can creep into your personal life. As mentioned in Tip 4, set specific work hours, and stick to them. At the end of the day, shut down your laptop and shut your office door. Your family and your team will thank you.
Working from home is no longer a novel concept, but it takes more than a high-speed internet connection and video conferencing to work from home effectively. Achieving a work-life balance takes self-discipline. And don’t forget about that self storage unit. If materials and equipment start to consume your space, you have a secure place for the clutter.
For more tips and information check Top 32 Working From Home Tips. Enjoy your work from home journey!
