Tips for Working from Home

I found this great list of tips for working at home at http://to-done.com/  I work at home and love getting up in the morning and not having to get dressed or drive anywhere.  These are tips I need to keep in mind so I thought I’d put them in a post mostly as a reminder to myself.

Tips for working from home

• Start out with something easy, fun or interesting.  This helps you build momentum throughout the day.
• Stick
  to a schedule. Treat your days like a “regular” work day. Many people
  have found that a 9-5 or 10-6 schedule really helps keep them on track
  and productive.
• Separate your “work” area from your “living”
  area. This includes your phone and computer. If you’re a gamer, you
  should use a separate computer, or maybe a separate alias. Or hit up
  the Xbox like me!
• Get out and about as often as you can.  Take a walk, go outside, meet people for lunch—that kind of thing.
• Work
  on networking. Since you probably don’t have coworkers, it’s good to
  get to know people who are doing the same things as you so you can
  socialize a bit, etc.
• Reward yourself when you’ve done something significant.
• Get dressed everyday.  Don’t wear pajamas all day.  It’ll make you feel less work-like.
• Set, and stick to, deadlines.  Even when you don’t need them.
• Take
  breaks. Get away from the computer and don’t work through lunch. I’ve
  noticed this can be hard already. I’m beginning to force myself up and
  about every hour or so.
• Keep your weekends. Working from
  home shouldn’t change the work/life balance you’ve got. Well, unless it
  lets you do more “life”! ;0)
• Limit distractions.  Keep your work area clear from things that might get you off track.  Guess I need to move the PSP…
• Have a plan and goals for what you want to accomplish each week.
• Request
  feedback from clients and other folks you work with on a regular basis.
  This can help you identify shortcomings and keep you motivated to keep
  improving your skills, etc.