Having a space to work in that you enjoy and serve your purposes fully can make the difference between enjoying productive time in your home office and dreading getting your day started. Some things to consider when you are putting together a home office space are location, working requirements and making it a nice place to be.

Where will your home office be located? Do you have an extra room that you can devote solely to being an office or will you be carving a bit of space in a multi-use area of the house? No matter where you will be setting up, here are a few points that will enhance the efficiency and usefulness of your space:

Do you have adequate privacy and protection from noise?

What is the natural lighting that is available and what types of lighting should be brought in?

Next, it’s time to consider how you will be using the space and what types of functionality you will require to have a satisfying experience in your home office. Knowing exactly what you will do, what you require to be in your office and who might be joining you will help you choose the right furniture and layout for your room. Here are some things to think about as you contemplate what you need your office space to do for you:

What type of work will you be doing?

Will you be working mostly on a PC, or will you need additional workspace as well?

What types of storage do you need to have? For example, reference books and materials will require adequate shelving, and files need drawers.

Will, you ever require the space for an additional person, and will this be a client or a collaborator? Ensuring you have the workspace and seating for any other people you expect in your office will make sure visits go smoothly and comfortably with no unnecessary interruptions.

Now that you have taken the time to determine your needs for office space, it’s time to make it space where you will be happy to spend many productive hours! Color can have a huge impact on how you feel while you are working in your office. Bring in color and objects that make you feel good, productive and express your personality. Plants can help to refresh the air and add a lot to the ambiance with just a little care. Keep your office tidy by making sure everything you need has a place and not bringing in things that you don’t need.

Taking a bit of time to consider how you will use your office will help you get the most out of planning and ensure that you use the office space you have in the best way!