Tips for working from home

The work environment is changing for many. With broadband becoming standard in most homes and the advent of 4G and 5G when on the move, remote working has become a viable option.
Whilst COVID 19 may be the reason so many people around the world are currently working from home right now, it is probably that this remote working shift was inevitable. The pandemic has simply expedited this change.

What should I consider when setting up a Workspace at home?

The type of business that you are engaged in will largely dictate how you will be operating from home. It will determine the type, size, and location of the workspace you need as well as external factors such as the consideration for family members.

If you have the luxury of a separate dedicated room to create your workspace, this will provide you with a separation between your work and family space. It is advisable to pick a separate room or other space where you can minimise distractions, away from the kitchen, pets, and kids!

It is also recommended that you establish a routine. If you have been used to going out to an office and returning home in the evening, you have a routine and boundaries are set. When working from home, especially for the first time, it is important to create new boundaries, not just physical but also social.

What are my options for creating this office space?

Although not ideal, an office can be created in a corner of a room. This would be by far the least expensive way to set up a home workspace but does have several disadvantages the lack of a boundary between work and home life.

Desks in kitchens are not that uncommon now. You can use the kitchen table or add a small desk if the space allows. However, the kitchen tends to attract a lot of traffic if you live with others and can be noisy. It may also not be a good idea to be that close to the snacks.

A spare bedroom is probably the most popular choice for almost any type of home-based business. Here, you can create the full office experience or use as much or as little space as you need. This can become a dedicated workspace; you can set it up as you choose and isolate yourself from the rest of the home.

If you are fortunate enough to have attic space and have it converted, this space can be an ideal, quiet get away to work so long as it is sufficiently insulated and has good access. Attics are also usually subject to great changes in temperature so can prove unsuitable.

What do I need to consider about home storage?

If your circumstances have changed due to COVID and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future, it is a good idea to create a plan for dealing with this new environment. You need to ask yourself several questions and ensure that you create a work environment that is efficient for you.

If you have attic or basement space to store business documents or the furniture you have had to move to create a home office, then you are one of the fortunate few.

Once you have established your workspace you need to consider if you have enough room in your home to store inventory, equipment, business records, and client files? It is also important to ensure that your storage space is accessed easily and safely?

You will need to consider if your storage space is suitable for the items you need to store? Will your assets be affected by dampness, heat or cold?

Do you have secure locations to store high value items such as valuable business equipment, inventory, and records? You will need to check your insurance to ensure that these items are covered if stolen in the home.

If you do not have suitable storage space, is there a suitable self-storage facility close by with easy access? If so, how much does it cost?

At Barons Self Storage, we offer low-cost storage in Galway and Limerick for your business-critical documents, high value equipment or even some of your home furniture. If your “home office” move is only temporary, you can leave excess furniture with us until the market changes.

Should you require secure space to store any equipment or documents, we offer flexible storage options. We are currently offering new customers in Limerick 50% off for the first 4 weeks on any size storage unit. Contact us on 091 771325 (Galway) or 061 577 700 (Limerick). Visit our website on www.storage.ie for more information.