Buying Guides
Backyard Office Buying Guide
With more Australians working from home than ever, it comes as no surprise that we’re looking for innovative ways to maintain our work-life balance. While some are lucky enough to already have a study or home office, for others, setting up a backyard office is the next best thing. Whether you choose to upgrade an existing backyard shed or prefer a prefabricated office with all the bells and whistles, there’s a backyard home office out there to suit your needs and budget.
WHY SHOULD YOU BUILD A BACKYARD OFFICE?
There are many different reasons why you might consider building a backyard office. Although everyone’s reasons do vary, some of the most common include:
Needing a dedicated space to work and get in ‘the zone’
Needing a space away from small children and other distractions
Needing an extra room to work in but not wanting to buy a larger home
Needing a firm distinction between your home and your workspace
If you work from home regularly and are finding it hard to stay focused or maintain a healthy work-life balance, setting up an office in your backyard could be worth considering.
HOW MUCH SPACE WILL YOU NEED?
Although the amount of space that you have to play with may end up being influenced by the size of your backyard, in most cases you’ll only need between 3mx3m and 7mx3m to create a comfortable work from home setup.
Small offices measuring around 3mx3m are ideal for a simple room with just the essentials. Rooms this size can comfortably accommodate a desk and chair, as well as a few accessories.
Larger rooms, measuring between 5mx3m and 7mx3m, are big enough for a couple of desks or even a small lounge. Great for if several people in your household need somewhere to work or if you have a small business and employ one or two others, the extra space can be very handy in some situations.
Depending on your needs, you may choose to go for a smaller or larger space. Some home office builders tend to work to set measurements, while others may be more willing to help create a custom solution. Do your research and find a builder that can cater to your specific needs and the vision you have for your home office.
WHAT APPLIANCES WILL YOU NEED FOR YOUR BACKYARD OFFICE?
In addition to a good desk and chair, there are a few appliances that you’ll need for your home office setup. Some of the most common, and perhaps most practical, appliances include:
COOLING
If you plan on working in your backyard office during the summer months, chances are that you’ll need some kind of cooling to help you stay productive when the mercury rises outside. If you only plan to spend short amounts of time in your backyard home office or live in a cooler climate, a good fan may be all that you need. If, however, you live in a warmer part of the country and plan to work in your backyard studio full time, you may want to consider an air conditioning unit. Portable air conditioners can be a good option as they can not only be moved around your workspace, but also require very little installation.
HEATING
Much like how your home office may heat up during summer, it may also become quite chilly during winter. Keep yourself warm with an electric or panel heater that can be moved to the area of your office that needs the most warmth. Although gas heaters are typically quite efficient, they are not recommended for small spaces without adequate ventilation.
POWERBANKS
Although many modern backyard offices can be connected to mains power, if you plan to retrofit a garden shed or another outdoor space, this may not always be possible. To ensure your mobile phone and laptop are always charged and ready to go, consider purchasing a powerbank or two. Available at a variety of different price points and with different devices in mind, it’s easy to find one to match your tech needs.
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PHONES
For many of us, our mobile phone is all we need to get in touch with clients, colleagues or suppliers. If you prefer to use a landline phone instead, it’s likely that you’ll need to purchase a new one for your office setup. Opt for a basic corded phone or select a cordless phone set for when you need more than one receiver. With a variety of different styles and configurations available, finding the right one for your office is simple.
WIFI RANGE EXTENDERS OR WIRELESS ROUTERS
An essential amenity for modern business, ensuring you have access to a good internet connection is important. If you’re unable to install a new internet connection in your backyard office, you might choose to make use of your home’s existing connection by widening its range with a WiFi range extender. Great for boosting your WiFi signal to reach further than a standard router, they can be a good option. It’s important to remember, however, that if your backyard office is too far away from your house, it may not work as effectively.
If you can install an internet connection, a good router makes it easy to connect all your devices, from your laptop to your mobile phone, to your WiFi. Make sure to check that your chosen model is suited to your needs and the number of devices that you need to support.
HOW CAN YOU KEEP YOUR BACKYARD HOME OFFICE ORGANISED?
Just like any office, your backyard office can get messy too, especially when space is limited. Use the following strategies for successful office organising:
TRY TO GO PAPERLESS
One of the main culprits behind office mess, stacks of paper can leave your workspace looking less than tidy. If you are in the position to do so, consider going paperless. Helping to save you money on paper and freeing up space in your office, it’s an option that makes sense for many modern workers.
MAKE USE OF BOOKSHELVES, DRAWERS AND OTHER STORAGE
If you do need to print out files for your work, take some time to figure out what kind of storage system works best for you. Whether you prefer to store items on shelves, in drawers or a different way altogether, finding a system that makes it easy for you to store and find items when you need them is important for keeping your workspace organised.
GIVE YOUR WORKSPACE A QUICK TIDY EACH DAY
While it may not be the most exciting part of your day, setting aside a few minutes at the end of the day to tidy your workspace can do wonders for keeping your office organised. Use this time to make sure everything is in its correct place and to get any resources ready for the following day.
KEEP YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS IN YOUR HOME
Although personal items can help make any office space feel nice and homely, they can unfortunately create unnecessary clutter. If possible, try to limit the number of personal items in your workspace.
