12 Tips for Working From Home
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links to products I love ♥ See my full disclaimer here!
Working from home has been the best decision I have ever made regarding my career. But there are things you need to learn & be disciplined about working from home. These 12 Tips for Working From Home will help you stay productive & maintain a healthy balance.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit in March 2020, companies were preparing their employees for remote working from home. But you can imagine all the challenges these remote employees now face. Their work environment was now in their home. As a result, they had to find different ways to mesh their personal and professional lives. I was already adjusted to this lifestyle, but if you are new to remote working, these 12 Tips From Working From Home will help you with the best practices to succeed.

I find that doing my best work is first thing in the early morning. Then, once I open the curtains and let the natural light flow in, I will have my coffee and prepare for the day. This is a great way to get the most important daily tasks out of the way then it’s smooth sailing from there. For the most part, I am a multi-tasker, and I can accomplish a lot in a day.

If you remember, I shared my day in the life: working and blogging full time from home, and I share a breakdown of my schedule. Now there are times when I have gotten off track, and I need to catch up due to being sick or circumstances that can not be helped. So you find a way that works for you to get caught up!
- Create a to-do list
This is important to keep you on task daily. One of the best ways is to create your to-do list in a notebook or in your notes app on your cell phone. Then, as you complete your task, check it off and work on the next one. Start with the most important tasks and then work down to the less important ones.
2. Take short breaks.
If you spend too much time in front of the computer, take a break. Getting a cup of tea or coffee, taking a short walk, or getting some fresh air for a few minutes goes a long way. Believe it or not, taking regular breaks to get some fresh air can reset your brain & you will feel energized.
3. Take a lunch break!
It would help if you took a lunch break. It is easy to get burned out from your job! So whether you take half an hour or an hour’s lunch break, use that time to refresh your mind, and this is also the perfect time to eat without interruptions.
4. Have a dedicated home office.
You want a dedicated workspace or separate room that won’t interfere with your personal life. For example, setting up the office on the kitchen table is not likely the best option.

5. Keep Social Media to a limit.
When browsing social media, it is easy to lose track of time, especially when mobile devices are within reach. Therefore you find yourself spending a great deal of time on social media instead of keeping on schedule. Give yourself a time limit on how long you spend on social media.
6. Maintain a set schedule.
It’s essential to set and maintain regular workday hours. Setting work hours will help you keep a balance between work & home life separate. This also should include getting some physical activity before the work day begins or at the end to help balance the stress levels.
7. Keep your desk organized.
Having a place for everything is my motto! Staying organized is key to staying productive. For example, if you are on a video call with team members, you need a report to share with them. You want to grab it at a moment’s notice without having to fiddle around looking for it.
8. Set a daily schedule & stick to it.
The first thing to do is to create a morning routine that works for you before your work schedule begins. You want to create a work-life balance, so it doesn’t interfere with your home life.
9. Take mental health days.
There are days when you have been doing too much work & need a break. We are all human beings, and sometimes work life can take over and effects our personal life. By taking personal time, you are allowing yourself to recharge & take care of your body & mind for the next work day.
10. Eliminate background noise.
Working from home, your family members will be home from time to time; therefore, there will be some noise. Talk to your family about it and set some ground rules for quiet times during your work hours.
11. Internet Connection
Make sure you have a high-speed internet connection. The last you want is to deal with slow-speed internet to slow down your workflow.
12. Learn to Multitask.
Find some free time in the day to do a few household chores in between conference calls. Sometimes, even throwing laundry in the washer or doing some meal prep can go a long way to accomplishing things.
If you are looking for a way to stay focused, you can try the Pomodoro method.
This technique is a time management system that encourages you to work with the time you have rather than against it. For example: Using this method, you break your workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. These intervals are referred to as the Pomodoro technique:
- Identify a task or tasks that you need to complete.
- You set a timer for 25 minutes, then work on your job without interruptions. Once the alarm sounds, take a 5-minute break.
- Repeat this method three more times, followed by a more extended 30-minute break, and start again.
I have been working from home for over 20 years. There are definitely some disadvantages but also significant advantages too! Here are 5 advantages & disadvantages of working from home to see if working from home is the right fit for you.
What are the advantages of working from home?
- You can set your own schedule.
- No Commuting back & forth.
- Spend less money.
- More Independence.
- Be your own boss.
What are the disadvantages of working from home?
- It can take over your house.
- Interruptions from family.
- Lack of Motivation.
- No Social Interaction.
- Home office costs.
Working from home may not be ideal for everyone. Some people need to be around others for human contact. But whatever it may be, do what is right for you. However, suppose you so choose to work from home. In that case, it is vital to establish a daily routine & set boundaries. Hence, you have clear expectations of what is needed to complete your job.
If you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.
I just started working from home the past 15 months, so this was very helpful! I definitely need to incorporate more short breaks. Thanks for the reminder!
You are very welcome!
There are a lot of great tips for working from home in this post. Thanks for sharing!
Glad to share! Thanks for reading 🙂
This was so helpful! My productivity moves in cycles (like me, hahaha), and I love the tips that you gave for creating a space that is conducive to productivity. When it’s time to work, I won’t have to mess around anymore trying to tidy my desk etc etc.
It makes life so much easier 🙂
Working from home myself, I can always use whatever tips I can find. Thank you for this great post!
You are very welcome!
Great tips! I can’t wait till I can work from home.
Thank you! I love working from home!
I’ve got to learn to stop scrolling social media. That’s my biggest downfall. That and stupid browser games. lol
lol, so easy to get addicted too!
These are rally great tips! I think the one to limit social media is very important, a person can get suckered in for so long if you aren’t paying attention.
Yes, it can totally suck you in & waste so much time of your day!
You make it look and sound so cozy! These are great tips for managing time at home whether you work there or not. I don’t (hopefully someday), but there’s still plenty of room to apply this. Thanks!
You are so welcome! I appreciate the compliment 🙂
This was super helpful as I am starting my own blogging journey and learning to manage work and family life. Also, I have tried the Pomodoro method and it works so well! Setting a timer really helps keep from getting distracted! Thanks for sharing this!
I am so glad! Us bloggers need to be organized! I use that method, too & it helps me so much 🙂
Ever since we moved last summer, I cannot get into a good work at home routine! The desk one got me – I think it’s because I don’t have a set space yet. Thanks Dusty!
You are so welcome! A designated space will definitely help!
Thanks so much for these helpful tips! It’s just what I was needing to get out of my slump and feel more productive and organized.
You are very welcome!
Such great advice, I appreciate reading that form you as I’m new to this! Using a timer really helps me!
Thank you! I am glad to be of help!
Great reminders and info! I also started working from home when the pandemic happened. I love it! A much better fit for me than going in the office. Love that you also cover the advantages and disadvantages of this type of set up. I’m taking note of your tips!
I am so glad that it can help you. I have learned so much from working from home 20+ years!