Many people who work in a digital format will work from home. You may have started your own business from home while working and it has turned into a new career for you. Perhaps you write a blog that has ten off, manage social media accounts or freelance for things like content writing, website development or virtual assistant duties.

Some people may assume that working from home is the perfect scenario. You could be around for your family, work in your pyjamas all day, do household chores throughout the day, and even take breaks or relax whenever you want. The reality of the situation is quite different.

Working from home can be a very grey area at times. You may find it hard to concentrate because the washing machine has buzzed to advise it has finished its cycle. You can feel less productive in yourself because you haven’t yet got dressed or ready for the day because your working day merges into your personal time, and vice versa.

Before your day is up you could be tasked to make the evening meal, get the children ready or home from school or run errands. But, the truth is it can be the real dream working situation if you get things right. I thought I would share with you some of the top tips to help you gain reproductive success when you work from home.

Think about the location you work or what room

Working from home often means you work mobile. That might mean from a laptop or phone that you can take anywhere with you, but the location you choose to work in is vital for your productiveness and concentration. Pick a room in your home that has the least amount going on.

A kitchen, for example, may house a washing machine, pots from the night before, and be full of reminders of the household things you have to do. A living room may have the T.V that could potentially be a distraction. If you can, have a dedicated home office, of office space in your home where it would feel like you are heading to work. The difference it can make is mind blowing when it comes to the psychology of it.

Sitting at a desk or in a room with no distractions other than work-related things is a great way to focus your mind on the activity at hand. It could also help to differentiate between your work and home life as you could potentially close the door on work once you are done. One of the biggest concerns people have when working from home is feeling like they are never off the clock, this could help solve that issue.

Do you have everything you need to work effectively?

The next thing to consider would be whether you have everything you need to function for work at home. That might be the right computer or laptop with big enough storage to hold the programs you need to work. You may find that you need some sort of printer for paperwork or a scanner for signed contracts, for example.

The issue is that cost could have a lot to do with how and what you buy for your working environment, so it is always worth looking at other options. There can be other hidden costs to mobile working, including the expense of printer ink for the home office.

In this regard, refurbished hp printer ink cartridges could help to make the home office more cost effective. These things can often be found online, which could help you to monitor your home office expenses. If you can, it may be a good idea to invest in a desk, a decent office chair, and also stationery and items to help you keep up with the work you need to do.

Think about how you decorate your working space

It is important to feel inspired when it comes to working from home, and sitting with a laptop on your knee in a room of your home just won’t cut it, especially if you have a creative career. Decorating your home office or working area is a great way to add some inspiration. You could put some inspirational quotes on the wall, decorate in neutral colours, and add some personality. We don’t get this opportunity if we are employed by someone else, so make your home office the place of working dreams for you.

Time management will be the key to productiveness

You will never realise how much time management is important to your day until you work from home. Let’s be honest, it is important anyway when it comes to trying to ensure that you handle and complete tasks.

Whether you are a house person or someone employed in an office, but time management could really help when you work from home. The issue you have is that your two lives are merged into the same surroundings, so often you can feel like you are always working or on call for the next job.

Your home still needs to be a place you can relax in. Time blocking your day will help you to remain productive with your work tasks, while still maintaining your home. Writing lists is always a great way to keep on top of the tasks you have to get done.

Use digital tools to help you work smarter

Finally, look into tools that can help you manage your working life more easily. Many home-based roles will require you to be active on things like social media or blogs, and scheduling tools can help to make that work more seamlessly.

For example, scheduling updates in one go, so that even when you are off the clock, your work is still being done and your business and services are still being promoted. Thinking of marketing strategies to help you time manage yourself more efficiently can help.

I hope the tips help you to be more productive when working from home.