Take the Stress Out of Your Home Office with These Ideas

Eugene Williams 

http://diydad.info/

Working where you live presents plenty of challenges, and one of them is making space for both your professional and personal pursuits. But no matter your niche or specialty, there’s a way to make your home office less stressful and more productive. Consider these ideas from Team Schuster and start tackling your troublesome home office space.

Rebuild a Space That Serves You

If you own a home already, renovating could be your ticket to a custom work area that suits your needs. With a solid renovation budget, you can build a bump-out to add extra square footage. Another option is to convert an existing space — whether a spare bedroom, basement, garage, or even an attic — and make it your own.
As The Nest explains, you may even be able to deduct renovation or construction costs. Depending on the nature of the build, you may also earn tax breaks that correlate with the cost per square foot of your work area each tax year.
Even if you’re building out a home office on the cheap, there are ways to make the financial aspect work for you. For example, DIY furniture could be the budget-friendly fix you need for a small space. For those must-have pieces, business owners can also take a tax deduction come April (unfortunately, such credits don’t apply to employees).

Put Your Interior Design Dreams to Work

Decorating is half the fun (maybe more than half!) when it comes time to outfit your home office. Even if you already have your furniture pieces on hand or picked out, you can still upgrade the space with a fresh coat of paint, some greenery, wall art, and other features that can inspire and motivate you during the workday.
Trying a neutral off-white color might be the perfect choice for a bright workspace. Aim for natural lighting to keep the room cozy and comfortable. Studies suggest that natural light helps counter the effects of overdoing it on computer screens. If your office happens to lack windows, get creative with your lighting scheme, and ensure that you have proper visibility before getting down to business.
With some organizational inspiration, points out Martha Stewart, you can put everything in its place, too. Choosing a specific theme or décor style can also enhance the space and help you stay focused and refreshed even while putting in long hours.

Upgrade Your Whole Home (Plus Office)

For homeowners (or renters) whose current abodes lack the space or amenities for a home office, there’s relief in sight. Now might be the perfect time to start shopping for your new place – one that has enough room for your company to grow.
If you haven’t yet launched your brand, brainstorm how each day in the life of your small business might go. Sketch out what type of space you need — whether a small corner office perfectly suited to virtual calls or a sitting room ample enough to welcome clients — and put those must-haves on your home shopping list.
You might feel tempted to settle but waiting for your dream home (and home office) to come to life will be worth the wait. Plus, with the right realtor, you won’t have to waste time looking at properties that don’t fit your needs.
As an additional tip, if you’re just getting started in business, cover all your legal and financial bases. Forming an LLC is an excellent option for limiting your liability and securing a handful of tax advantages. Each state has rules about LLCs, so be sure to check out the rules for Indiana LLC formation and consider consulting a professional. You can save by skipping the lawyer and outsourcing the process, too.
Getting your home office equipped for your daily tasks can help you feel more organized, motivated, and productive. Of course, it can be challenging to carve out a work area in a too-small or too-distracting environment. If it’s time for a new house with expansive office space for your growing business, contact Team Schuster to see what’s new on the market.