I work from home once a week. Working from home has a lot of perks. I get to spend time with Mikayla, save money on childcare AND I can wear sweats and slippers! Because I work from home, I try to keep the house tidy and organized so when I’m home, I can just focus on Mikayla and getting what I need to get done for work, done.
Chris and I made the little nook in our kitchen my office. It’s the perfect spot, because I can see into the living room if Mikayla is awake and playing. And it’s right off the deck so I’ve got some good light and can take my stuff outside to work out there in the Summer.
For my work week, I work towards keeping my work from home day as free as possible. When Mikayla goes down for her nap, I plop myself down on my computer, check emails and get to work.
Tips on how to work effectively and efficiently at home:
- Have a designated work space
As tempting as it is to sit on the couch with my laptop to work, it’s distracting. When I’m on the couch, I get way too cozy! - Have a to do list
This is so important! On my work from home day, I try to keep my to do list short and simple. Just quick tasks, like write copy for web listings, edit photos, check emails. Not edit videos, or create new graphics for huge and important campaigns. I work out my week so that I do all the big and highly important tasks at work where I’m at my desk and have better tools (PS. I need a new laptop! LOL) - Schedule any house work or chores for before or after work.
When Mikayla is napping, it’s so tempting to start prepping dinner, or tidying up the living room or fold laundry. I’ve had to tell myself that, all that can wait till “after working” hours. - Use cloud storage
This is key! Saving all your documents, graphics, bits and pieces that you need to get your work done in the cloud, like a Dropbox or Google Drive helps me be more efficient. - Maintain regular and good communication with your boss and coworkers
I let my boss and other coworkers that I work directly with know what they can expect from me while I work from home. Just because I’m at home doesn’t mean I’m not working. But it also doesn’t mean that I’m fully focused and more efficient. I work from home BECAUSE I have to take care of Mikayla. So I may not get back to emails right away or some things that they may ask for that day may have to wait till I’m back in the office. Since I’m clear with them, they understand and know what to expect.
So far it’s been going really well. All of these tips are things I do and use regularly to make sure I’m managing my time the best way possible while I’m at home. There are days where Mikayla doesn’t nap very long, and I just roll with it. Then there are days where she naps for 4 hours! And I celebrate that! Do you work from home as well, and have any tips to add to this list? Let me know in the comments below or email me! Thanks in advance!
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
