Did you know that over 4.3 million people work remotely full-time in the U.S. alone? If you’ve recently joined the ranks of remote workers, you’re in for a treat. Working from home is a great way to establish a good work/life balance and improve your quality of life.

However, figuring out the best way to work from home isn’t easy when you’re first getting started. It’s something totally new!

We’re here with a few remote working tips that can make the transition easier. Read on to learn more.

1. First: Consider Side Hustles

When you’re working from home, you have plenty of opportunities to choose when and how you work. If you’re a freelancer, you have even more options, but even people with a standard job have some flexibility.

Consider taking on a side hustle, or several side hustles, to supplement the income that you make from working from home. Because you’re home, you have access to everything that you need to make a bit of extra money on the side. But how?

You could try taking surveys or completing simple tasks on an app like Pinecone Research. Check out this Pinecone Research review to see if it’s something that would work for you.

If you’re a writer, consider starting a blog. Blogs can be profitable if you know the proper ways to monetize and you’re able to build a dedicated audience. If you find yourself engaging and have good “stage presence,” you could even choose a vlog.

This is a great option for anyone who travels while they work. People love watching the travel adventures of digital nomads.

Do you have a hobby, like knitting? Start using your breaks to relax while you do your hobby and consider setting up an Etsy shop to sell your items or patterns. 

2. Creating the Perfect Workspace

If you want to stay focused while you work from home, give yourself the perfect workspace. Working from a home office means that you have the freedom to craft your perfect space. You’re no longer restricted by the space given to you by an employer.

Make sure that you have a dedicated workspace. If you live in a small home or apartment, this might mean a single working desk or table that you don’t use for any other purpose. If you have a home or apartment with a spare room, you would benefit from converting it into a partial workspace (even if you still use it as a guest room or rec room). 

Having a dedicated workspace will ensure that you maintain a decent work/life balance. When you aren’t sitting at your desk, you’re not in work mode. 

Speaking of your desk, fill your home workspace with furniture and other items that will keep you feeling productive and comfortable. Consider an ergonomic workstation that can help you maintain good posture while you’re busy.

Make sure that all of your necessary items are within reach. We recommend a desk hutch or hanging shelves for all of your books and office supplies. 

Bonus tip: Try to place your workspace somewhere with access to natural light. Studies suggest that it can help you with staying productive.

3. Maintaining Your Productivity

On the topic of trying to increase productivity, you get the opportunity to choose methods that keep you productive when you’re working from home. What would help you stay on task? 

Did you know that taking short breaks while you’re working may help you maintain your productivity? Give your brain a break with five-to-fifteen-minute breaks for snacks, walks, or even small games. 

If you’re someone who needs to move to stay on task, consider getting an under-desk pedal machine or sitting on a yoga ball. You may even benefit from a standing desk. 

Remember, when you’re working from home (especially freelancing), you’re responsible for maintaining your own productivity. There’s no one there to oversee you!

4. Choosing Hours That Work for You

If you’re a freelancer or your employer allows flexible scheduling, choose hours that work for you. Not everyone works well on a 9-5 schedule, and if you’re someone who feels more productive during different hours of the day, don’t feel beholden to one. 

It may take you some time to figure out what works for you when it comes to crafting an ideal schedule, and you may find that your schedule changes day to day or with the seasons.

Some people prefer working earlier in the morning so they’re able to do activities while they still have plenty of daylight hours after work. This is especially true in the winter when daylight is sparse in many parts of the world. 

Others are night owls. They work best in the late afternoons and evenings and struggle to wake up early for work. 

You may benefit from taking a long break in the middle of the day so you can go to the gym, spend time with family, or have a lunch outing. 

It’s best to try to maintain a consistent schedule once you establish one. Consistency is great for keeping you productive. 

5. Leave Work “At Work”

When it comes to remote work tips, this is one of the best ones that we can offer. Always do your best to leave work at work.

Yes, work is technically home, but that doesn’t mean that you should work beyond your contracted hours or work during the time that you deem “free time” when you’re a freelancer. 

Is there an email that shows up at midnight when you’re a 9-to-5 remote worker? Leave it alone until 9 am.

Does a client need you to edit a project during your weekend? It can usually wait until the next official workday. If it can’t, consider charging extra for overtime or off-hours work and having that clearly stated in your contract. 

By doing this, you’ll reduce your stress and give yourself more freedom. 

The Best Way to Work from Home Is the Way That Works for You

Figuring out the best way to work from home is a trial-and-error process. Start with these tips to figure out what works for you. This is going to be an adjustment, but once you find your ideal schedule, you’ll love the freedom that comes alongside being a remote worker.

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