Separate office space for success and sanity

If you believe (as I do) that compartmentalization is the secret sauce to a successful working from home experience, then you will understand why I feel that a clearly-defined and segregated workspace is critical to high productivity in the work-from-home lifestyle.

We are all creatures of habit. The goal here is to have a space/desk/chair/room/whatever that triggers your ”at work” mindset. It may take a while to find the right spot but it is worth the effort. Realistically, you’ll likely need a computer, phone, printer, good light, a comfortable chair, a file cabinet, a drawer or basket for supplies, a bookcase and a large flat surface. All of this contributes to the most important factor to success in your work-at-home efforts…the right frame of mind. If, for you, that space is the big armchair in the living room, a laptop and an iPhone, then go for it. Whatever works! Just be consistent. Your brain likes routine.


If you already have a desk or office area set up in your home for personal finance and bill paying, don’t use it for your work-from-home workspace. Remember, compartmentalization?!? If your only computer is in this area, you may have to make an exception but make the effort to separate your personal and career hats. (In fact, I have one acquaintance who literally puts on a special hat to designate that he is officially working!)

Another friend uses her dining room table as a workspace during the day. She has a lamp she puts on the table each morning, along with her laptop, an IN basket and a small container of supplies. Instant workspace. When her work hours are complete, she removes the lamp to an adjacent sideboard, slides the basket into a drawer and puts away her laptop. Voila! Dining room again.

Cutsey tricks, you claim? You betcha. Anything that works. What works for you? I’d love to hear!