I’ve spent the majority of my work life being based in an office in Melbourne’s CBD. But this year, I’ve made a big move and I’m now on the Forj Marketing team. With that means I’ve also changed where I work and I’m now a remote worker – full-time. Yes. My office is at home.

Well, you’re probably thinking I get to sleep in, and I’m sitting here right now in my PJs and UGG boots. Or I work on the couch with daytime TV on in the background. That I do the dishes and put the washing on. Not quite, it’s far from it.

Remote working is a privilege that many people wish they had the opportunity to do, even if only for a day or two a week. It just makes managing life that little bit better and more enjoyable.

But if you do find yourself in this unique position be sure to make remote working for you.

Here’s how I make working from home work for me

Get up at the same time as you would when you were commuting to an office. This time is perfect for getting things done. Have a relaxed breakfast, put a load of washing on, read the paper, do a crossword or sudoku, or meditate. It’s your choice. Whatever you do, do it first thing in the morning otherwise things will get in the way.

Exercise in the morning

Change when you do exercise to mornings or even during your lunch break.

Start work at the same time each day

Get up at the same time and start work at the same time each day. If you go to bed at the same time each night, your body clock will get into a routine. You’ll soon notice that you don’t wake up tired so you’ll be more productive during the day.

Plan your day

Block out in your calendar your work day and your free time. Schedule in your exercise, chores and your work tasks, so you know what you are doing and when. You’ll be less likely to get distracted and do something else when you have this focus.

Stick to a routine

Have your regular work days and hours and stick to it – within reason (see next item).

Be open to spontaneity

Remote working offers flexibility, but don’t spend every day being spontaneous.

When you are working, it is work only

No answering personal emails, no ringing up about your electricity bill, focus. It’s this focus that allows you to make better use of your time. By not multitasking and staying focused on the task at hand you achieve more and in less time. As you’re much more productive, there’s no staying back after work to finish a task.

Do something for yourself as a reward

Take the morning off to have a massage, go for a bike ride, play in a tennis competition, volunteer at school, or catch up with a friend. Make the most of the time you have that you can schedule to suit you. That way you can achieve a better balance in your life. I head out for a ladies mountain bike ride one morning each week. Not only do I get to have a bit of fun riding around Warrandyte, I also get to talk to people, in real life which can be a difficult part of working full time from home.

Work in the way that suits you

Remote working gives you the flexibility to work how and when you want. If you are a morning person, then you’ll find be most productive in the morning. If you work better in the afternoons, you can schedule your day around that. Remote working allows you to be comfortable at work. There’s no need to dress up for meetings – unless you’re on Skype. Do you want a stand up desk so you are sitting down less ? Then do it.

Have a distinct office space in your home and stick to it

Don’t sit on the couch working on your laptop. Nor lie in bed and write on your laptop. The lines don’t need more blurring between work and home.

Try coworking

If you really don’t have an office space you can commute to every now and then try coworking. I’ve successfully packed up my office for the day and tried two coworking spaces so far. Work Tree in Eltham and CoBrew in Thornbury. It gets me out of the house and I get to meet other remote workers.

Use, don’t abuse it

This is pretty self explanatory but remember you are paid to do a job, focus on it and get your job done. You’ll be amazed at how much extra motivation and dedication you’ll have for your job when you’re trusted with this mode of work.

Got any other tips that help you to manage remote work? Share them below.