Increasingly, Americans are getting -
or accepting - the option to work from home. With added flexibility
and the ability to enjoy more time with family, working from home can
open up an entirely new life for anyone who can take advantage of
this modern trend.
If you currently work from home or are
considering a shift to work-from-home, don't underestimate the
benefits of finding the right environment for it. Even someone who
rents a home or apartment can find the right place to facilitate
their work. Here are a few key elements you should consider.
1. Dedicated Space
While you don't have to create a
sterile and completely businesslike office, your home office does
need to be a place you can easily work in for extended periods of
time. Ideally, it should be a separate room, such as an unused
bedroom or unused formal dining room. The ability to close the door
to the world will do wonders for your productivity and concentration.
It also helps set boundaries for kids.
If you can't find a rental with a
dedicated room, at least locate a niche that you can dedicate fully
to your work needs. It should not be a space that is shared with your
movie collection, boxes for donation to the thrift store, last year's
winter sports equipment, or the kids' hand-me-downs. The more
professional an environment you create, the more professionally you
will treat the work.
2. Organization
Many at-home workers need little more
than a desk and laptop. But if your work calls for more supplies,
equipment, or work space, choose a layout that has space large enough
to keep yourself organized.
If you have a home-based craft
business, for instance, you may need an entire room or even a closed
garage for your work. Someone who manages inventory to be sold online
may need to rent a larger apartment than someone who does graphic
design online.
3. Peace and Quiet
When shopping for a rental, you'll want
to know how busy and noisy the area is during the day. A large
apartment complex, for instance, could be very active during the day
with things like vendors providing services, gardeners caring for
greenery, kids and parents coming and going, or even plenty of
traffic noise. Excessive noise and activity could be a distraction
for you when trying to work.
Some apartments, though, are very quiet
during the day when most renters are gone at work. The best way to
determine if a house or apartment is a good place to get things done
is to visit it during different parts of the day.
4. Activities for the Kids
For many parents, working from home
saves money and helps them spend more time with the kids. But kids
are also a big distraction for anyone trying to work at the same
time. So consider how you can entertain your little ones in your new
home.
Is there a separated play area for
smaller children that is not right next to your office? Is the home
office large enough that you can sometimes have little ones play in
the other half?
If you have older kids, you may want to
look for a house with a backyard or an apartment with a safe play
area on the grounds. In addition, parents of teens might look for
amenities like a pool, gym, or entertainment within walking
distance.
By looking for the right elements when
renting your next place, you'll get your work-from-home venture off
to its best start. At Montgomery
Realtors, we offer a wide inventory of apartments and rental
houses with different amenities, locations, and layouts. Stop by
today to find the perfect one for you.
