Memphis Apartments and the Home Office
Jun 6th, 2008 by Memphis Apartments
More and more people are operating home businesses and more than ever, companies are realizing the benefits of allowing workers to “telecommute” at least one or two days each week. The end result is that home offices are more popular than ever. Just because you have an Memphis apartment doesn’t mean that your home office has to be any less impressive, comfortable and functional than a traditional office. In fact, the office in your Memphis apartment could become your new favorite job.
Location, Location, Location
The most important aspect real estate is location and the most important decision with regard to the office space within your Memphis apartment is also the location. Start by looking at the necessities. If you have to have a plug-in for your computer and jack for your phone, you have to choose a place within your Memphis apartment where these things are available. If you want to make it all easier, go wireless. Instead of the DSL Internet connection, check into availability of satellite or other wireless options. A cell phone or even wireless home phone may eliminate the need for a phone jack nearby. Each of these will play into your options for the location of your home office.
Attraction vs. Distraction
Yep, that widow would make the perfect backdrop for your home office. It opens onto a park where there are always kids playing with dogs and moms pushing strollers and … too many distractions. By the same token, the desk that faces the kitchen may keep reminding you that you left the breakfast dishes in the sink and you really did want to bake chocolate chip cookies today. Unless you have the most engaging job in the world, choose a place where you can focus.
Light Up Your World
Lighting is important in your workplace and the same is true in your home office. If your space needs a little help, consider seasonal lights, a lava lamp or track lighting, but don’t sacrifice quality lighting sources so that you can see adequately. Light colored walls and ceilings will also help create the light that you must have to work well.
The Separation Between Work and Memphis Apartment
One of the biggest challenges facing those who have home offices within their Memphis apartments is the ability to “leave work.” There has to be a mental decision to do so but it helps to have a physical space that you can literally walk away from at the end of your work time. A totally separate room is the easiest way to accomplish this because at the end of the work day you can simply close the door. If that’s not possible, consider purchasing an inexpensive screen. When the work day is finished, pull the screen across the work area. This creates an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” situation that could make it easier to forget about work. It may also help you keep files and papers for your work in order if those are behind a screen so that everyone knows those items are off limits.
Coffee Break, Lunch Break
One of the traps of having a home office is the lack of a time clock. If you’re deep in the throes of a business deal, you may be tempted to skip the coffee break or lunch break time. It’s easier just to grab a cup of coffee and take it back to your desk or even to eat a sandwich while continuing work. The law requires employers to provide breaks for a reason. It’s a physical health issue but it’s also a mental health issue. By the same token, you can’t fall into the trap of stepping out of your office and into your Memphis apartment for a quick snack only to get interested in a television show or a good book and “forget” to get back to work.
With a little planning and some continued organization, your home office in your Memphis apartment can be a very profitable - and happy - way to make a living.