How to Set Up a Work From Home/Home School Space

Choose a space with good natural lighting. Making sunlight your main source of illumination has numerous benefits, including helping with mood and sleep cycle regulation. It also increases productivity.

Measure the area to get an idea of the size workspace it can accommodate. Then test out the space for glare. Be sure you have access to ample power outlets, since electronics often play a large part in working and learning from home.

Maximize storage space with cabinets. You can order cabinets online and make customizations to include countertop space and inner shelving. You can also go vertical with storage by creating a hutch atop the cabinets along with upper cabinets and/or wall shelves to gain more storage in the same footprint.

Built-in desk space lets you expand the work area. You can accommodate multiple people using the space at the same time. When the work day ends, you can fold or slide away the desktop to create a streamlined appearance that changes the character of the area from work to play.

Be sure to bring safety into your work area. Unsecured furniture accounts for a high number of injuries each year of children under 18.

Anchor upper cabinets and freestanding pieces of furniture securely to the wall with an anchor kit. Make sure to install wall shelves with the appropriate screws and anchors needed to bear the intended weight. (Don’t forget to account for the combined weight of the shelves and the books or objects they will be supporting.)

Create dedicated spaces in your work area for supplies. Paper, pens, adhesives, art supplies and any other tools needed for work should be gathered in one easy-to-reach spot. Create organization with lidded and open bins, along with shelf dividers and bookends. Label everything well, but also consider incorporating clear storage to make it easy to see what you have and when supplies are running out.

Seating that coordinates with your decor style will bring the room together. However, make sure that your selections are functional for all the members of the household who will use the space. This may mean a mix of seating options.

Adjustable desk chairs should be able to raise and lower to accommodate the heights of all the household members. Adequate back support and a chair cushion will make long hours at a desk more pleasant. Be sure to check weight limits on seating to make sure it will be reliable for all household members. Also include some softer seating options in the space to use for relaxing or reading.

Outfit your space with personal touches that make it more you. While you don’t want to crowd the space, a few decorative items on otherwise clear shelves will make it a more inviting space to spend time in.