2019 looks set to see more people than ever take the 9-5 into their own hands and become a home entrepreneur. It’s never been easier to work remotely and make business contacts all over the world over the web. It all starts with setting up a productive and healthy home workspace, and we have some expert tips on the best way to set yourself up for success.

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How to set up a home workspace – even if you’re a little short on space:

Not everyone has room for a dedicated home office. But whether you’re starting your own business or you work from home on a regular basis, you’ll find it much easier to knuckle down and focus if you can find a dedicated space to throw yourself into your work.

There are a few easy steps to take to help make sure you create a workspace that’s primed for productivity, which we’ve explained in three main points below.

And if you want a more in-depth guide, with advice from an interior designer, an entrepreneur and an occupational health specialist – take a look at this guide to creating a home office heaven.

  • Find a space that works for you

In the absence of a spare room, creating a space that feels like it’s separate to the rest of your home is key. If you’re converting a corner or an alcove, a tiny bit of redecoration will make all the difference. Choose some wallpaper to divide the space from the rest of the room or pick a coordinating paint colour to set your workspace apart. This will help you get in the mindset for work as soon as you sit down.

If you are really short on space, then a folding desk could be the solution for you – especially if you don’t need much workspace — say, if you work mainly from a laptop.

  • Choose your furniture wisely

A desk might be the first thing you think about when planning your working space, but ask yourself — is it really necessary?

Take a look around your home and see if there is anything you could re-purpose into a desk. These days you can run a business virtually paper-free, which means there might not be the need for a million drawers you won’t use.

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Another consideration is trying to keep your room feeling open and not too crowded, even though you’re adding a home office to it. If you do need some storage space, think about installing some shelves. This means you can also invest in some coordinating storage boxes or folders to keep everything organised and looking on-trend.

  • Limit distractions

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Working from home can be a distraction in itself. There’s constant temptation to put off that report until after you’ve made some fresh coffee, hung out that load of laundry, or watched just one more episode of your most recent binge-show.

And it’s not only household chores that do it; if you live with others, or with small children, there can be endless distractions throughout the day, which can mean you’ll need to make up the time you lose during the evening or at weekends.

So, to get the most out of your workday you’ll need to limit the distractions around you and get in the right mindset to be productive.

If you do live in a busy home, it’s a good idea to invest in some noise-cancelling headphones. This means you’re less likely to lose focus if your home isn’t as quiet as you would like. This applies to noise from outside – sometimes these only become apparent when all you need is a little bit of quiet to work!

Further to this, try not to point your desk at a TV. You’ll find yourself drawn towards it and before you know it you’ve been watching daytime television all afternoon without getting any work done.

It is possible to create a home office that works for you, no matter how limited on space your home may be. The most important aspect is to make sure you are comfortable and clear of distractions, allowing you to work as effectively as can be.

Tips brought to you by www.hiscox.co.uk