Working from home isn’t all fun and games - we know it can actually be a confusing and stressful transition if you are not properly prepared for what to expect. But as freelancers and independent business owners, we love it. And have been mastering the art of working from home for the last several decades with the rise of telecommuting. We are always happy to share our secrets because we believe remote working is ultimately an underutilized option. It provides great flexibility and autonomy, but does need to be taken seriously to work.

Daniel Hart has been working remotely as a freelance web designer and developer for almost seven years. He’s a huge advocate for remote working and has learned a few things about what it takes to be a successful remote worker. We asked him to share his top seven tips for getting work done while at home.

Here are seven tips to getting work done while at home:

1. Create a task list on what needs to get done

   Start the day on what you need to do in order to keep moving forward. Try to focus on what you need to accomplish today. And do not mix personal and professional tasks on the same list…that could get distracting.

   
   
   

2. Set a schedule. Start and end your work at regular times

   If you normally roll into the office at 9, then start your work around then at home. If you jet out around 4-5, then stop working around that time as well. Even if you feel like you need to work more, taking a break before getting back to work in the evening will be good for your mental health.

   
   
   

3. Eliminate distractions(phone, tv, laundry, etc…)

   Move your phone into the other room, turn it on silent and flip it over. Get a browser extension to block social media sites. Cancel your Netflix subscription for a month. Whatever you need to do to focus will help you in the long run to complete your daily task list.

   
   
   

4. Have a separate space to work

   Setting up a dedicated space to work, whether that’s a desk in the guest bedroom, a stool in the kitchen, or even just a corner of the living room if necessary, will help you stay focused and not be distracted by the TV or household chores.

   
   
   

5. Get dressed/ready for the work day

   Working in your PJs does sound fun and relaxing, however, it’s typically a slippery slope for a couple of reasons. First, your brain will never really switch to work mode if there’s not an action taken to flip that switch like getting ready for work. And second, you may start to feel too relaxed and not motivated to get work done and accomplish your goals for the day. Get up, dress professionally and you’ll do professional work.

   
   
   

6. Check your Wifi speed for video calls. Upgrade if needed

   The recommended speed for video conference calls is 15Mb/s, go to fast.com to check what your home internet speed is currently. Consider moving closer to your wifi router or upgrading your internet service speed so you can stay involved in those video conference meetings with your team.

   
   
   

7. Enjoy it

   Having more control over your own schedule is amazing. Remote working cuts out a bunch of the bad in an office building. No random coworker coming by your desk unannounced. No more middle managers breathing down your neck. So enjoy it. Stay focused, but enjoy getting up a little later because you don’t have a commute, work a little harder so you can knock off an hour earlier so you can enjoy more of your work/life balance. Read some funny memes on the internet, it’s fine, no one’s looking, except for your cat….they won’t judge you.

I hope these tips help you be more productive in your professional life while working remotely. And also, if you think that remote working is something you would like to do long term, I highly recommend the book “Remote: Office Not Required” by Jason Friend and David Heinemeier Hansson, the founders of Chicago based company, Basecamp.

If you have any tips or questions, feel free to reach out to Daniel Hart directly on LinkedIn.

During this time of uncertainty, it is crucial to support small, local businesses. Buy from them. Be understanding as they navigate tough decisions. Support them online.

Lettering Works offers remote brand consulting and new project consultations. If you’d like to start a project with us, send us a message. Or start by exploring more of our work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daniel Hart is a web designer and developer working to solve problems on the internet with over 10 years of experience. He’s also an avid public transit advocate and bicycle enthusiast.