Are You Working From Home Without An Office? Use These 4 Tips To Boost Your Concentration!

I remember when I started my business and was working from home without an office. I went wherever I could find a bit of peace and quiet. But it never lasted long as my kiddos knew where to find me. Can you relate?

I didn’t even have a dedicated office or any dedicated space to work. I worked where it was convenient, like the kitchen table, front room, or the bedroom.

So whenever my kids or hubby would see me (even though they knew I was working) they would start talking about something and I would get distracted. Even if they weren’t necessarily talking to me.

Tip #1 – Create A Dedicated Area

I’m already focus challenged so I quickly realized that I needed to find a way to create a dedicated area where I could disappear to when I was working.

A friend of mine recommended buying a room divider to use as a so-called barricade to the rest of the world. I could hide behind it unseen and get my work done! Hallelujah! Let me tell you what a game-changer that was.

I explained to my family that when I was behind the divider I was working and was not to be disturbed. It was almost like having a real office.

You can get room dividers almost anywhere and they come in a variety of colors and designs. The room divider solved one of my problems but not all of them.

Tip #2 – Set Boundaries With Your Family

I had to set appropriate boundaries with my family so they could understand when it was ok to disturb me. The hubby was easy, the kids well that was a different story.

I ended up creating a list for my older son and then explaining to my toddler when he could come to interrupt me. It took some time but eventually, it worked!

Tip #3 – Put Up A Sign When You’re On A Call

I ended up putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on my divider that meant I was on a call and that they needed to be quiet if they were in the same room as me. Worked like a charm after a few times <grin>.

Now, as I mentioned I’m focused challenged so even if my kids weren’t in the same room as me, I could hear them, which distracted me.

Tip #4 – White Noise

I would put in my earbuds and listen to crickets chirping or waves crashing to help me stay focused on the task at hand. In fact, I still do that today even though I now have an office with a door!

In Summary, When Working From Home Without An Office…

These are the four things that made a huge difference for me when I didn’t have a dedicated office:

• A room divider
• To set boundaries with the family
• Do not disturb sign which meant keep it quiet
• White noise to keep me focused

I hope these help you if you’re struggling and are working from home without an office or dedicated space. If you have tips that have helped you, please share. I’d love to know.

Also, if you’re currently in the process of setting up your VA business please read my Ultimate VA Success Guide: How To Start A VA Business. It will help you navigate all the do’s and dont’s.

Thanks for reading – Susan