Customizing your workspace to suit you

I left full-time employment over 2 years ago now to work freelance. Since then I’ve worked in pretty much every room in our house, the dining room, the guitar room, my bedroom… the list goes on.

I’ve never really worked in a space that I’ve made. Never created an office that is specific and central to my work flow. And then it hit me one day a week ago. Why not?

I mean, you have to literally live in the space you work. You need to be happy in it, after all you’ll spend a lot of time here (and I mean a lot), so at the very least it should be comfortable.

Ergonomic Chair

With that Eureka moment, I drove up to IKEA and bought a proper  office certified chair. After building the chair (which is no mean feat in itself) I settled into my new ergonomic chair. Its very comfy and I can work and work without feeling tired or achey from lack of body support. An ergonomic chair is great for your posture and circulation.

Whiteboards

So, now that I’m sat more comfortably, I think, “Hey, what else would make me more productive?”… 2 whiteboards are purchased. They let me sketch and write notes on them, a really useful and cost effective trick that’s kept me more organized. I seriously recommend you get one (or two).

After these improvements, I can actually see evidence they are working. In that week I get paid 3 times more than I typically earn on average. Coincidence? I think not! My workspace has become more personal and more comfy. I would even go as far as saying I’m happier working.

External Monitor

As a designer, I use a lot of programs at once. I’m sure a lot of you guys will. I have a 20 inch iMac, but its not a huge screen. So, a 24″ external monitor is ordered. I really can’t put into words how much more I get done with the help of this tool. I can have 3 windows open at once. Very handy indeed. It takes a bit of getting used to, but I am a firm believer that everyone should consider an external monitor, whether a copywriter or a developer.

Desk

That’s really as far as I’ve got. Next on my list to purchase to improve my work area is a good quality, large desk. I’ll do my research into it to make sure it fits my requirements. It’ll need to be big enough to hold all my books, computers & leave enough room to be able to sketch till my heart’s content.

I really cannot recommend enough spending a few hundred dollars on setting up your workspace the right way, the way you want it. You’ll see a return on your investment for sure, and more importantly, you’ll be a happier freelancer for it.