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Here are some tips to make your home office more functional and efficient. photo by Pixabay (CC0)

As cities across the U.S. began shutting down back in March in order to help quell the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, working from home has become a routine for many adults that once spent their 9-5s at a usual corporate office setup.

For a lot, the setup is a dream come true, as it basically means letting go of the often too-restrictive office system in favor of one that is laxer and freeing. On the opposite side of the spectrum, are those that struggle with it, as it meant establishing a routine all on your own, all while the boundaries between work and home continue to blur. It’s a luxury in theory, but it’s certainly no vacation.

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Working from your bed isn't a good idea, really. Photo by Pixabay (CC0)

Thankfully, while you may not be able to completely tune out distractions from your family and yourself while working from home, you can still engineer an environment that will help you find success, both for your actual work and your own health. It may not sound like much, but creating the right home workspace can actually make you want to burn the midnight oil.

From choosing the right furniture to picking a prime location in your house, here are top tips and organizational techniques that will help you get that one thing done:

1. Pick your spot

First and foremost is picking the prime spot for your home office, which is actually more than just placing a desk near a power outlet. Remember that you will be spending a lot of time here, so make sure you don’t stiff yourself on space. Consider traffic flow and your ability to withstand distractions as well, as this will better determine whether you end up working in a quiet spot, or an actual room of your own.

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Picking the best spot in your house based on your preferences for working can really spell the difference. Photo by Pixabay (CC0)

If your space is more limited, opt for a spot with the least amount of distractions available, has a better view and lets you focus. You may need to get creative as well, such as moving a bit of furniture or installing a few electrical connections.

2. Writing surface

Probably the most important piece of furniture that you will have in your home office is your desk, as it’s where you will be doing the bulk of your work. As such, you need to make sure that it’s the right size and height, and has enough room for a computer alongside a few other things.

But if you’re tired of the usual desk route and want to steer in a more modern and healthier direction, then it’s a great idea to invest in a standing desk. Often featuring adjustable heights, standing desks offers a healthier take on the usual work setup, as it stops you from living a sedentary lifestyle by letting you work while standing up.

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A selection of topnotch standing desks from Standdesk, all made to last and serve you well. standdesk.com

And while there are many choices on the market, this eco-friendly standing desk made by Standdesk is easily our top pick. Made sustainably by talented craftsmen from bamboo stalks, this desk features a durable finish, a quiet motor that lets you adjust its height and top width, a strong steel base, and a 10-year warranty.

Used at a WFH setup, these standing desks should help you squeeze in a workout while actually working, all at the same time. Learn more about Standdesk's vast selection here.

3. Sit in comfort

While standing desks are a great idea for a healthier work routine, investing in a good office chair will also do you wonders, especially one with proper back and arm support. And if you’re looking for one like that, this ergonomic office chair by Standdesk should do the job.

Featuring a 70+ degree incline, a slidable seat, forward tilt, and stellar quality, this office chair lets you be at your most comfortable so you can focus on doing your work.

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Choosing the right chair will help you become more comfortable while working. standdesk.com

While some may consider it an afterthought, finding an office chair that will suit your needs actually helps spell the difference between having bad posture while being slumped over your desk and working efficiently and comfortably. Always, and we mean always, opt for the latter. Your boss (and your back) will thank you for it.

4. Keep it organized

You may be working in a home office of your own, but there’s absolutely no need to bring your cluttered desk into your house. Doing so will just add up to stress, which in turn, will just affect your overall health.

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Keeping your workspace clean and organized should help you reduce stress. photo by Pixabay (CC0)

So make sure your home office is organized, clean, and clutter-free. You can do this by taping the wires under your desk to hide them from your sight, or by using a cable tray and desk cable management system like the ones from Standdesk. Not only will they keep those pesky cables out of sight, but they’ll also make sure all the wires are properly stored and tangle-free, which if we’re being honest, saves us a whole lot of headaches.

Looks cleaner too, and you can never go wrong with a desk that only contains what you need, where you need it. Additionally, you can also have a small bookshelf or bookcase at your back, which you can then use to store supplies you may need.

5. Bring in some greens

Remember your small cubicle in work with the view of the office parking space? Remember how you always look at the trees in it whenever you’re taking small breaks in between all those projects? And remember how it helps you feel good and relax? Well, turns out it actually is good for you, and there’s research to prove it.

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A houseplant can really liven up the workplace. betterairus.com

So why not bring in that same energy to your home? If it’s possible, you can do this by giving yourself a workspace with a view of the outside, which also lets you get natural light to help wake you up. If you can’t however, then bringing in a house plant that’s easy to take care of is also a great idea. Not only will this benefit your mental health, but the oxygen you get from the plant is never a bad thing.

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Betterair is an air purification system that uses organic probiotics to clean the air and surfaces in your home. betterairus.com

Speaking of air, investing in an air purification system like this one from Betterair will also help make your indoor workspace safer, especially during a pandemic like this. Certified safe and parent-approved, the system releases organically cultured probiotics to help clean the air, surfaces, and objects by covering them with a microflora coating.

6. Add your personal touch

Lastly, add a bit of personal touch and color to make the space more inviting. Select a decorating style and add whatever you need to achieve it. In fact, you can even use this to finally add things that you want in your old office but can’t, such as knick-knacks or little table figurines that you might enjoy.

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Little trinkets and figurines like this SD gundam can add a lot of personal character to your home office. Photo by Pixabay (CC0)

If you have a space in the wall, make sure to add artwork too, or even paint the wall to a color that would stimulate you. Make sure that you don’t go overboard, as doing too much might make it distracting and overwhelming, which can easily take you away from your work.

By planning your office space, you’ll be able to get it organized and express who you are as a person, which in turn can get you excited to actually work and get things done. This should make you appreciate your home better, and actually make you look forward to getting up every morning to start working.