What Works When Working From Home
Keep To A Schedule
My husband runs first thing in the morning before starting work and is at his desk by 8 am.
Put Your Desk By A Window
In the office you might work in a cubicle so why not give yourself a “window office” at home?
This is my small office in San Francisco. It’s actually efficient for one person.
Treat Your Desk to Flowers or A Plant
Get Dressed For The Day
(Some affiliate links at no extra charge to you. Thank you). After a shower, I feel a little better in something casual and comfy such as: Nordstrom Rack jeans, a well-priced Gap t-shirt (that launders perfectly) and a lightweight cardigan (this longer/duster one is like a robe–50% off–comes in other colors and regular and petite, too). The slip-on Vans are good for taking Chief on walks.
Have An Office Space That Can Be Closed Off
When my husband tried working in our dining room, he had lots of elbow room but his voice would carry around the entire apartment. So, it’s not the best feng shui but there is a desk in our bedroom below (that used to just collect clothes), and it’s working well as an office space as he can close the door during his calls and for better concentration.
Step Away From Your Desk For Lunch
We’ve been eating salads and a lot of leftovers for lunch since we are cooking more. Sit at the dining room or kitchen table.
This is my friend, Gail’s desk in Southern California. Her husband built this!
Talk A Brief Walk Around Neighborhood When You Have A Break
My husband does this and he’s actually trimming down during all this. I still get Chief out for a long walk in the morning and one or two during the day/evening.
Another workspace in Gail’s house that can be closed up.
Straighten Up Your Desk Area After Each Work Day
You will thank yourself in the morning. Our daughter in L.A. moved this table into her guest room and is working remotely here.
We try not to bring work into certain parts of the house so that it’s more of a sanctuary.
Consumer Health Masks
By the way, my longtime friend, Larry’s apparel company is making DistanZ Consumer Health Masks with filters for when we have to leave our homes for essential outings. Made in the U.S.A. I’m ordering for my family.
Let’s see what’s working for my friends…
Cindy from Rough Luxe Lifestyle
Mary Ann from Classic Casual Home
You might also enjoy Home Office Quick Refresh and Simple Pretty Cocktail.
I agree that you have killer views! So easy to see your inspiration in your color palette! I think you are genius about organization. When I retired in 1995, I came to see to know first hand about day confusion. I came to the realization that the only day with any consequences if I forgot what day it was was trash day! California has certainly shown the nation the impressive results that comes from social distancing. You guys are the role models for the world.
Northern California (the Bay Area) was especially strict. Now they are finding housing for all the homeless, too. That’s so funny about trash day!!
Hi Mary Ann, I don’t work outside the home anymore except I do sell some on eBay as a hobby. I think the rule about getting dressed is good advice. Just getting out of my robe and at least putting on yoga pants and a sweatshirt makes me way more motivated.
Do you read Erin Gates blog Elements of Style? She put up a hilarious. post yesterday about working at home with her husband. My hubby thought it was funny too. :o)
Always enjoy your Target posts!
Linda
Thanks, Linda!! I have Erin’s books. Will check out the post!
Mary Ann! I love your well-appointed office with a killer view. You use the wall space above shelving in the best possible way. It’s your canvas for your creativity! it’s beautiful and so well organized. And your views! Can’t get over your incredible views. I say that every time! The desk in your bedroom too! It’s so pretty and again…those views!
I could not agree more with having a routine and getting dressed for the day. I like to pretend at any moment I’m going to have a Zoom call!
Annie, a client called yesterday and even tho I was in my pj’s I answered the call about where to place a large rug before all the heavy furniture was placed on top. I learned my lesson about getting dressed!
Mary Ann! I love your well-appointed office with a killer view. You use the wall space above shelving in the best possible way. It’s your canvas for your creativity! it’s beautiful and so well organized. And your views! Can’t get over your incredible views. I say that every time! The desk in your bedroom too! It’s so pretty and again…those views!
I could not agree more with having a routine and getting dressed for the day. I like to pretend at any moment I’m going to have a Zoom call!
I never get tired of seeing your office, it may be on the small side but you’re made it such an inviting space to work in, not to mention that view. I’d never get anything done for looking out the window! It was fun to see my work spaces, thank you for sharing them on my favorite blog! I’ve found that getting up, putting on a bit of makeup and getting dressed in “real” clothes (not sweats or leggings) really helps me to get more things accomplished and I feel so much better. Thank you for always inspiring us and we will all get through this together.
Thanks so much, Gail for letting me feature your home office spaces!!!
I want to know what is your secret to losing weight? You look great!
Oh man…I’m gaining the quarantine 5 or 10! It’s a little covered up with the cardigan. Thanks tho!!!
I am always so impressed by how stylish your tiny office is. If that were my office you wouldn’t be able to walk in the door! It is so fresh and inviting! I am going to do a post next week on work clothes. Such great advice to dress comfortably but stylish! I try to run up and down my stairs every hour for exercise!
Mary Ann,
I saved the best for last in this line up. Your view is unparalleled and I’m not sure I’d get much done since I’d be staring out the window all day. Haha.
I truly enjoyed seeing all the work space each of your talented team shared.
Karen
Thanks so much, Karen. You always make me smile.
Thank you so much for what you share. Everything is shared positively and with enthusiasm. I particularly appreciate your sharing about the masks. I immediately ordered some and passed on the info to those I care about.
I am definitely not a doomsday person, however I do not believe this is the last time we will be “Staying Put” and the mask has use for other occasions, just someone else in your home being ill.
Thanks again for sharing.
In gratitude,
Shari
Shari…thank you for your sweet comment. It really makes this all worthwhile.
Love your office space with its killer view of San Francisco! It so helps to have a private place and be able to close the door, especially with all these Zoom meetings going on. I know I need to work on being on a schedule more, these are good reminders! Cheers!