7 Tips for Working from Your Apartment Home

Posted by Shauna | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, UrbaneApts, life

I’ve been lucky enough to be a “beta tester” for the co-working space at Urbane on Adams and I LOVE it so far. As a resident and workspace participant, I’ve been able to really savor the work at home lifestyle.

There are enormous benefits to working from home such as commute, solitude, and kitchen access! But there are a few things that complicate working where you live, such as distractions, scheduling, and well, the ease of laziness. Though the tips I’ve included are sometimes resolved by the Urbane on Adams co-working space, hopefully these will help you for wherever you reside.

  1. Set an alarm. Setting an alarm gives me a sense of normalcy. It isn’t a weekend or holiday–it’s another day at the office.
  2. Have a ritual. Perhaps it’s as simple as making coffee or closing a door, having a ready to work ritual can let your brain know it’s time to re-focus. I try to do things that don’t involve the computer. Some suggestions: Implement a quick, low-impact work out routine. Hand-write the day’s task list. Walk the dog.Co-working Space Birmingham MI
  3. Keep a dedicated workspace. Even in a small apartment, a dedicated workspace is a must-have. Throw a plant in there or a slip-and-slide. Make it your own. And I beseech you; keep the laptop out of the bedroom. It’s horrible for relaxation and will only hurt your relationship with your partner.
  4. Keep some ambient noise. Silence will breed boredom, even when you’re busy. Of course, keeping the TV on is probably not the best idea. I suggest ambient music or a small waterfall–it’s your office.
  5. Keep a schedule. Know when your working hours begin and end and commit to them. Let your roommate or family know.
  6. Eat at a restaurant occasionally. Don’t let the conveniences of home let you forget the value of lunch with a co-worker. Even if you don’t have co-workers, schedule lunch with a business colleague or someone still stuck in the traditional 9-5.
  7. Get out of those pj’s! Changing your clothes is like putting your game face on. You’ll be more productive, even if you’re still wearing slippers with those jeans.

What are your favorite work at home tips and rituals?

Related posts:

  1. We are throwing a party at Urbane!
  2. Road Warriors; Tips to Stay Productive
  3. Stories I Twitter’d about instead of working: November 16
  4. not your mother’s apartment!
  5. 6 Must-Do’s for a Big Dog in a Small Place

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Permalink | December 4th, 2009

4 Responses to “7 Tips for Working from Your Apartment Home”

  1. Ashley Says:
    December 6th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

    I definitely agree with ambient music. Not only does it keep me from becoming bored, but oddly enough, it also helps me concentrate!

  2. Dave Peckens Says:
    December 7th, 2009 at 11:17 am

    I worked from home or out of my apartment for most of 1999-2000. There were days when I didn’t leave the apartment, at all.

    So I despite being connected via phone, internet, etc., I complete agree with the point about eating out occasionally.

    Seeing someone face-to-face at least once per day kept me sane.

  3. Shauna Says:
    December 7th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Ashley: This is why I LOVE Pandora. A few of my favorite ambient-ish stations:

    Techno:
    -Deadmau5
    -Tabla Beat Science
    -Bassnectar
    -Moby
    -Thievery Corp

    World/techno:
    -Sound Tribe Sector
    -Karsh Kale

    Classical(ish):
    -Si Se
    -Bach

    Dave–Not leaving the apartment only works for me for a couple days then I start getting a little crazy. This is why I’m LOVING the Urbane on Adams co-working space. You really need to come visit! (The Urbane Space on FB: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=196571280317)

  4. Robert Says:
    January 7th, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    I have a classical music radio station on as background music. When I need to take a break from my work, I take a break of 2 days and send those at a hot pool resort just to relax. Day to day routine is a random routine when working, if I decide that I am not going to do wok on one of the many projects I having going then I don’t. A coffee maker is part and parcel of my work station. For variety I have the cat to give break periods, when he wants attention it lets me know and I can give my brain a rest. Eating out is a once a week ritual and Friday 4pm is end of the week and Monday 9am is the start. Weekends are free and are not for working in. They are for total relaxation.

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