Did you know that the number of people who work from home has increased by 140 percent over the past 15 years? Working from home has many benefits, such as a reduction in commuting and childcare costs, healthier employees and less pollution. However, one challenge for workers making the move from cubicle to living room is setting up a home office. If you’re ready to start working from home, here are some tips to keep your workspace comfortable and productive.

Add Storage Solutions

It’s difficult to be productive when you’re surrounded by clutter, so make sure you have plenty of shelves, drawers and cubbies to store all your office supplies. Are you working with a small space? Consider furniture with built-in storage. A couple of storage ottomans provide a place for clients to sit, while a desk with a hutch keeps all of your electronic components organized.

Optimize Lighting

Good lighting is important for productivity, so add a lamp or two to your desk or hang a light fixture overhead. You can also add recessed lights to the shelving or hutch over your desk for a two-in-one lighting and storage solution. While task lighting is essential for seeing your work, don’t forget to open the curtains for some healthy natural light too.

Adjust Your Thermostat

You may have set your thermostat with the idea of saving energy while you’re away, but that temperature is probably not conducive to working comfortably at home all day. Studies have shown that workers who are too cold make more mistakes but increasing the temperature by just nine degrees improved their performance. Consider having your boilers and HVAC system serviced before you start working from home to make sure you won’t be shivering through your workday.

Choose a Comfy Chair

You spend most of your workday in your office chair, so choose a comfortable, supportive one. A chair with a high back and plenty of cushion is best for your spine, while breathable fabric prevents you from getting sweaty. Make sure the height is adjustable so you can type comfortably and consider a chair with lumbar support if you have back pain.

Although a home office is a great way to keep things professional and productive, sometimes you just want to curl up on the couch or hang out in your garden. One of the best things about working from home is flexibility, so don’t be afraid to grab your laptop and work wherever the mood strikes.

Guest Post By:

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.