5 Tips on Creating the Perfect Home Workspace

As a freelance proofreader, chances are you work from home at least some of the time. However, this can pose a challenge. So, how can you create a home workspace that will improve your comfort and productivity while proofreading? Our top five tips are:

1. Find somewhere quiet, well-lit, and spacious for your home workspace.
2. Invest in a good desk and chair so you can work comfortably.
3. Make sure you have up-to-date equipment and a reliable internet connection.
4. Personalize your workspace with some decoration or plant life.
5. Have a regular tidying routine to keep your workspace organized.

For more advice on optimizing your home workspace, check out our tips in full below.

1. Select a Workspace

Having a dedicated working area is not only better for productivity but also keeps work from intruding on the rest of your life. Ideally, this should be somewhere with:

• Good lighting and ventilation so you can work comfortably.
• Enough space to work and to store any resources you need (e.g., style guides).
• A quiet environment to ensure freedom from interruptions.

If having a whole home office room is not an option, try to find a quiet spot somewhere with these qualities. And if you share your home with family or housemates, make sure to let them know when you’re working so they won’t disturb you.

2. Invest in Comfortable Furniture

Comfort is vital when working all day, especially if you need to maintain your concentration. As such, the wise proofreader will invest in a comfortable chair and desk setup. Ideally, when you sit up, your forearms should be parallel to the ground without bending the wrist.

If sitting for a long time is uncomfortable (even with your new chair), consider using a standing desk. Laptop stands can also improve your comfort, not to mention your posture.

3. Optimize Your Tech Setup

Modern freelance proofreading tends to mean two things: working on a computer and working online. And this makes having a good tech setup vital.

Don’t get us wrong, you don’t need a supercomputer to proofread! A decent laptop and a current edition of Microsoft Word will be enough to get you started. But you should:

• Make sure your internet is fast enough to handle all work requirements (25 Mbps should be fine for most downloads, video calls, and other routine tasks).
• Set up your workspace near enough to your router to ensure a reliable connection if you’re using Wi-Fi (or make other changes to boost your range).
• Work out what software you need for your work and invest in up-to-date versions.

It can also help to have a separate computer for work. This will help you keep your files and work-related records organized and minimize the chances of damaging important hardware. But it also means you won’t be staring at your work computer in your downtime when you just want to watch Netflix or browse the internet, which is also a good feeling!

4. Make Your Workspace Homely

If you spend a lot of time working, you’ll want to do it somewhere pleasant. This means it’s worth adding a few personal touches to your home workspace, such as:

• Personal photos or mementos that bring a smile to your face.
• Some artwork or ornaments for a decorative touch.
• A plant (or two) to add some greenery to your environment.

These little touches can give you an extra boost while you’re working.

5. Keep Your Home Workspace Tidy

Finally, it is worth having a regular tidying routine. This will help you keep your workspace organized so you can find things when you need them and work efficiently.

We find the best approach is to do a little bit of tidying every day. When you’re done working, make sure everything in your home workspace is where it belongs, then tidy anything you won’t need the next day away. That way, you can start every workday efficiently.

Learn How to Proofread

We hope you found these tips on creating a perfect home workspace helpful. And if freelance life sounds good, why not take a look at our Becoming A Proofreader course? Sign up for a free trial today to start your journey on a new career path with zero risk.

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