Creating the Perfect Freelancing Space

For many, freelancing seems like the perfect career choice. And, there are indeed plenty of benefits. But, because you’re essentially working as your own boss and your own business, you have to constantly be on top of clients, your workload, and deadlines.

So, if your workspace is disorganized and chaotic, things will start to feel overwhelming very quickly. Not only will it be harder to see any growth in your career but you might have a hard time keeping up with your work and what your clients are demanding.

Every freelancer needs an ideal “space” so they can work efficiently and effectively. Let’s look at a few things you can do to build a productive space of your own in the comfort of your own home, so you can see success in your freelancing career.

Keep Your Mental Health in Mind

While working as your own boss can be relaxing since it offers more flexibility, there are some potential mental health risks that freelancers should be aware of. About 55% of freelancers struggle with depression, thanks to factors like:

• Loneliness
• Isolation
• Job pressures
• Having to manage everything
• Reduced sense of security

While your workspace might not be able to completely get rid of those issues, the right environment can certainly help to reduce stress and set you on the right track to enjoy your job and do it well.

Make sure your space has plenty of natural light, if possible. Brighter lights can help to keep your emotions more stable, and natural light has been shown to help with everything from depression and anxiety to agitation and sleep problems.

You should also carefully consider your color scheme for your space. Different colors can evoke different moods. For example, colors that fall on the red spectrum can cause feelings of comfort, anger, or warmth. Colors in the blue spectrum offer calmer, cooler feelings. Decide what’s best for you and what you need to stay motivated, and make that color your main accent within your space.

Additionally, take a look at your office as a reflection of your mind. Is it disorganized and cluttered? No wonder you’re stressed! Take the time to keep your freelancing space clean, tidy, and organized. You won’t feel overwhelmed when it comes to finding the things you need, and you can enjoy the feeling of having a clean, efficient workspace each day without so much stress.

Perfect Your Productivity

Though some studies have suggested that working at home can increase productivity, there are still more distractions to contend with. First, it’s not easy for everyone to work where they live. While feeling comfortable in your workspace isn’t a bad thing, feeling too comfortable might allow you to “slack off” a little too much. You might not have a daily schedule or routine, which can disrupt your work-life balance.

It can also throw a wrench in your productivity.

So, what can you do to create a space that inspires you to stay on task? Simply having a designated office space is a good start. But, that space needs to be in the right location, free from:

• TVs
• Gaming systems
• Noisy neighbors
• High-traffic areas in your home

Having the right furniture and equipment will also help you to stay productive. Choose something like an ergonomic chair instead of a chair you had laying around the house. Invest in a desk, and choose colors, artwork, and decor that inspires you.

In addition to having your own space, set a daily routine for yourself. Make sure that your family or roommates know that when you’re in your office, you’re working. A good rule of thumb is to set aside certain hours of the day for work, and only use the office space during that time.

DIY or Don’t?

If you want to create a freelancing space from scratch, it might feel a little overwhelming. Maybe you already have an empty space, but you don’t know where to get started. Sometimes, the perfect space might need a little sprucing up to be turned into an actual office.

If you don’t have any renovation experience, like removing a wall for more room or sanding floors to spruce up the hardwood, it’s best to call in a professional. These jobs can be dangerous if they aren’t done the right way, and you could end up with a big mess on your hands.

Thankfully, there are plenty of other things you can (and should) DIY when you’re creating your perfect freelancing space. That includes everything from the paint color to hanging shelves, and, of course, the way you decorate your space. DIY design projects are usually fairly easy, even if you’ve never done it before.

The important thing is to take your freelancing space seriously. If you take the time to make your office space a place that inspires you, increases your productivity, and makes you excited to get to work each day, then you have the right space for success.