Working from home is the new norm for many, especially after the pandemic necessitated it and modern technology provides the infrastructure for it.
While many rave above the perks and benefits, there is a darker side to the new trend as it is suggested that working from home many be worse for mental wellbeing than we thought. In order to combat the mental health impact of working from home, many workers have been given suggestions such as sticking to a routine, setting boundaries, and taking breaks. Another important factor in making working from home work for you is setting aside a dedicated space to do so. Besides the benefit of being away from home distractions, your mental health is much improved by having a designated area for working.
However, if you don’t have the space to do so within your home, it may be time to think outside the box, to think outside the home, and create a beautiful outdoor retreat by turning your old garden shed into an office. Make use of the stimulating natural light and the wonderful sounds of the garden and use this relaxing environment to your advantage in how you design and create a productive space to work.
Is that really possible? Can the dusty wooden shed a the bottom of the garden really become a hub for productive work and constructive time? By considering a few of the following suggestions, you may find that it’s a more feasible idea than it initially sounds! Let’s think about three main areas to consider: electricity, insulation and space.
Electricity
This is likely the first practicality you thought of when thinking about moving your office to the bottom of the garden. You will need electricity to power your computer and printer, charge your phone, maybe even run the coffee machine. Therefore, you will need a supply of electricity to your garden office. To do this, you will need a substantial trench running from your house to your new office in order to run the wiring for mains electricity. Don’t start digging and wiring yourself, get the help of an electrician straight away who can make sure that the job is done properly and safely. However, you can make his job easier by being prepared. Note how many power sockets and light switches you need and the locations of them, make a list of all the office equipment you will need to power, and make sure you know where your fuse box is. With this information, you can help out your hired specialist and get the job done quicker and with less tweaks needed.
Insulation
The truth is that even with all the perks of working from home, with the current economic crisis and rising energy prices, making a home office work may feel like an expensive undertaking. Therefore, insulation is essential. You don’t want to be freezing at the bottom of the garden, all day, in the middle of winter! By adding some moisture resistant plasterboard, you will make your shed warmer while adding a protective layer of dam-proofing. This will make your garden office a lot cosier and a lot more energy efficient.
Space
The space you will need in your garden office depends on the supplies you need to work. If you do require a lot of supplies and equipment, think creatively about how to make the most of your space. Install shelves for books and box files, put up magnetic strips that will hold your keys, scissors and paperclips, and use wall-mounted storage racks to organise your paperwork and stationary.
