More people than ever are working from home due to current Government guidelines around Coronavirus. The big question is will this become the norm?
We have seen a huge interest in the number of customers getting in touch to create their own home office in the garage. Whilst it can be a place to escape the house and others working within it, there are some things to be aware of if you want to use your garage as a home office. These we’ll go into in a little more detail below.
Heating and lighting
These two things are key points to get right if you want to create the right atmosphere in the garage. The idea is that you want to be as productive as possible during your working hours and ensure that you can see the screen without damaging your eyes is certainly a must.
Make sure the area where you want to create your space is well lit, using strip lighting, lamps or other light sources.
Get a qualified Electrician in to help if you need more lights installed or electrical sockets added. An easy fix is to add in lamps which shine light on your workstation area. Or, if you have a window, creating your space close by is a no brainer.
In addition, having the right heating is also important. Of course, in warmer weather you can open the door but what about in the depths of Winter? Having some sort of heating source is key. Whether it be an air heater, electric radiator or of the new air purifiers which blows out hot or cold air depending on your preference.
Windows and natural light
If you have windows in your garage, make the most of this asset by siting your home office close by. Daylight is a lovely feature to have especially if you are overlooking a garden and can look out at what is going on. Natural daylight will also help your body clock know what time of the day it is and stop you getting tired.
Workstation
Is your workstation going to be a ready-made desk or something bespoke to your space. Adding in a worktop with drawers underneath is a good option and an easy way to instantly create the space you need. Garageflex can install a solid Oak worktop bench as your desk with a selection of drawer units that fit underneath neatly.
Or you can go for a more bespoke option where the desk is made to measure your exact space and can make the most of the space you have available. You can customise it with everything you need.
Or, if you can’t have a dedicated space, what about a folding worktop that you can fold up or down when you need it?
Here’s a glimpse of one of our fitters garages where he created his own workstation, what a great space!
Wires
With a computer or laptop plus monitor and printer, you will have wires trailing around. Make sure these are tidied up with cable ties to the wall or at least stop them trailing around where someone could trip up.
Wifi
This is the most important thing! Make sure you have a good signal in your garage either from your home broadband or by getting a booster.
Fridge and snack corner
We’ve realised that the key to a good workspace is to make sure you have drinks and plenty of snacks on hand. A fridge in the corner is a nice idea or if you can’t do that, take in your lunchbox or coolbag with a selection of healthy foods.
Fresh Air
This undoubtedly helps to keep you productive and motivated so if you have a window, make sure it is open to let the breeze in. If you don’t then perhaps have the garage doors open slightly.
Comfy chair
Having the right chair is an important decision to make sure it is comfortable, at the right height and not going to give you a bad back. Look at a selection before making your final decision. Something with arm rests that is adjustable is probably a good option.
Make it pretty
You want your workspace to be a nice place to be so think about how you can add landscapes, family photos or your hobby to the walls. For example, if you love traveling try putting some dream destinations on the wall, or if cycling is your passion, try some cycling memorabilia or your triathlon medals as a display.
The Garageflex FlexiPanel is a good way option for creating a brighter space as it is all white and can cover the whole wall or walls in your garage. It can also get rid of any spiders or other creepy crawlies from making their home in the corner.
Plus, the FlexiPanel allows you add in hooks for storage as well as small mini clips for putting up pictures.
Storage Racks / Trays and Filing
If this is going to be your permanent workspace then having filing storage is really important. Either with racks for holding your files, drawers for filing and trays for paperwork you are currently working on.
Close up at the end of the day
In order to switch off, make sure that you leave work in the garage before closing up and heading back to your house. It is very important to be able to separate the two areas of your life. Better yet, how about having doors that you can close on your home office, even if it is in the garage?
Stationery to make you smile
Finally, no workstation is complete without some nice stationery. Having nice pens and pads can bring you joy plus having some family photos around can bring a smile to your face throughout the day.
Make it part of your garage
Obviously the garage is also used for other purposes such as storing all your sports kit, diy and gardening tools, as well as gym equipment. And creating a home office needs to fit in with all of these other needs too.
We have experience of combining all your needs together!
We would love to discuss how you can create a home office in your garage. We are even looking at our fitters creating bespoke workstations using their amazing Carpentry skills so that you can have exactly what you want.
Give us a call on 01491 579975 or email us at info@garageflex.co.uk to discuss further.
