Home Office Essentials: Our Top Five
If you are a telecommuter and a househunter, there are several home office essentials to keep in mind during your search!
These days, an ever-increasing number of people work from home, if not regularly, at least a couple of days a week. Home offices are almost a “must” for today’s buyers. But not all home offices are created equal. Whether you need a dedicated room for your home office or just a corner of the kitchen, there are several home office essentials to keep in mind in looking at potential homes. We’ve worked with countless buyers over the years and learned what are the top five home office essentials.
The Top Five Home Office Essentials
- Privacy. Most of our clients need a quiet, private office with a door they can shut. Ideally, your home office is away from the hub of the home and has limited traffic flow and noise. Most often, clients find that a garage conversion or loft conversion works best for their needs. On the flip side, if you need to keep an eye on children while you’re working, a workspace near the kitchen or an under-used dining room may be best.
- Light. We can’t stress this one enough! Ensure your potential home office offers plenty of natural light. This is especially important on those short, gray winter days! Studies have shown that exposure to natural light offers many health benefits — including increased productivity. You’ll also want a window to give yourself a view. Arrange your desk so that you can look at something more interesting than a blank wall. Ensure you’ll have plenty of overhead and task lighting as well.
- Storage. Make sure a potential office has plenty of room for a desk, plus any space for shelving and storage you may need, key if your work requires things like a library of books or product samples.
- Tech needs. Make sure your home office includes plenty of outlets and space for any other technology you may need (think extra monitors, printers, routers, etc).
- Convenience. This one is especially important for those people who spend a full day in their home office. Ideally, your home office is situated close to one of the home’s bathrooms. Also, it’s nice if it has space for a small fridge, coffeemaker, water cooler, and perhaps even a wet bar area.
It goes without saying that your home office should be a welcoming place where you enjoy spending time. Make it your own with personal touches like your favorite color, special artwork and accessories, and personal photos.
The Bottom Line
People are spending more and more time working at home. If you’re househunting and need a home office in your new place, keep in mind the five home office essentials – privacy, light, storage, technology, and convenience! You’ll be glad you did!
Are you thinking about a move? Please let us know. We’d love to help!
