Rules For Reclaiming Your Home Study!
Being able to work from home is a luxury — until you realize exactly how much equipment you’ll need! Once your study or den starts to look more like a cramped office then a chic place to work, it can seem like you’ve made the wrong decision. However, don’t fret. By making use of some great tools, you can ensure you’ll have access to everything you’ll need at home, without it taking over your house.
Ensure You Have Good Equipment
First, make sure you have a good quality keyboard and mouse, with the proper supports. You might think this will simply take up more room on your desk, however, you’ll be much more productive if you are comfortable, and it will prevent problems such as repetitive strain injury which could keep you out of work for weeks, and in pain for much longer!
Get a Second Line
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Speak to your phone provider about having a double line installed. This can sometimes incur an extra charge, but your workplace may be happy to pay this for you, and it’ll save you the hassle of having two phones. Set a different ring for work and home calls, and make sure your phone has all the features you’ll need, such as call waiting and voice mail.
Sort Your Contacts
Make a list of important contacts. This includes phone numbers you might need to call, or give to callers and email addresses. In the case of a computer failure or electric blackout, you’ll be so glad you have important contact information!
Make Use Of Apps!
Utilize your mobile phone. You may be surprised at the number of great apps and features that are available. Online fax services, for example, can give you a personal fax number without needing a fax machine, which will both save on space and allow you to access your faxes anywhere you like, from your home office to in the car or at the supermarket.
Keep a Schedule
Photo via Flickr
Keep set hours as much as possible. You don’t want to feel like you are living in your study. Have a calendar and a clock, and live by them. Check your emails while your working, and just before you finish, and then leave them for the night. Set up an auto-reply for when you aren’t working, stating your working hours, or just rest assured that everyone needs a break, and no one will expect instant replies all the time!
Invest In Timesaving Equipment!
Finally, spend a little on things that will both save you time and make you happy. Whether its high-quality writing paper, having your mail collected every day or the latest version of Microsoft Office — if it’ll make your life easier and your job less stressful, it’s worth the investment!
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