Blog Post

Setting Up a Home Office That Works for You

Kristina Brewer • Mar 19, 2020

5 TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Since the coronavirus outbreak, more and more people are working from home. That means our renters need a workable home office. Here’s how to create a snazzy one that will make you look forward to clocking in.

1) The essentials
Some experts have said there are only two essentials for a functional home office: a comfortable chair and a door that closes. Most people, however, probably have a few more requirements. Basic elements of designing a room include smart space planning, adequate lighting and sufficient storage. When setting up your home office, also consider functionality and comfort.

2) Get horizontal
Start with your work surface. Stock desk units come in a variety of materials but may be difficult to fit in with your room. Modular office furniture is more flexible and comes in many styles. Or look to repurposed furniture. With some judicious changes, you can turn flea market finds and antiques into acceptable home office elements. Don’t hesitate to make a piece your own with a simple coat of paint in your favorite color.

3) Take a seat
Chairs need to be functional, but an office chair isn’t your only choice. If you’ll be spending a lot of time working in the office, consider including a lounge chair or chaise. It will make a comfortable spot for reading or coffee breaks. For your desk, choose a chair with an adjustable seat and armrests to protect your spine and help reduce aches and injuries. To personalize it, add a throw pillow to coordinate with window coverings or other decorative elements in the room.

4) Essential details
Make a list of everything you need, from pencils and paper clips to research materials and file folders. Pick a color scheme and purchase the necessities in your favorite palette. Measure all the electronic equipment you’ll require to determine where it will fit best. And make sure you add some favorite framed photos or artwork to inspire you. To create softness and texture underfoot, layer on an area rug to anchor your space.

5) Light it up
Natural light is great, and we have it in abundance here in Ventura County. But you’ll still need ambient and task lighting too. Here is another opportunity to add a bit of personal style to your space via lamp shades, crystals and fixture finishes. Watch out for the possibility of glare, especially when finding a place for your computer screen. If your office space doesn’t have a door, you can establish a sense of privacy by the way you orient your work surface or by using a screen or file cabinets to mark off the area. 

RE/MAX Gold Coast represents home rentals in prime areas of Ventura County with the perfect space to set up your home office. Our portfolio includes the Boat Dock Unfurnished Home located in Mandalay Bay pictured at the top of this blog. With 1510 square feet, and three bedrooms, three baths, there’s plenty of room in this fully furnished rental. Upstairs, you’ll find custom built office space complete with bookcases and a desk. Or, if you need more than one office, you could covert one of the three bedrooms into a fully functioning office.

We have other rental homes in prime spots from Hollywood Beach, Silverstrand, Port Hueneme, Oxnard Shores, Seabridge and Westport, to Mandalay Bay, Oxnard homes and condos, Ventura Keys, Pier Pont, Faria, Solimar & Rincon BeachPark beaches and Ventura and Camarillo. Just call us at +1 (805) 832-4075 and we’ll help you find the perfect home for you to set up the perfect home office. Share your favorite ways to spruce your office space — we can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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By Kristina Brewer 25 Mar, 2020
While Americans are increasingly isolated from one another during the coronavirus pandemic, we can take comfort in the companionship of our pets — and even have some fun while we’re at it. “I think in times of uncertainty and fear, you latch onto the things that are constant,” Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian and founder of Fear Free Happy Homes, told TODAY. “It’s that predictability when we come home from work or shopping — or even the next room — and our pets greet us like conquering heroes or rock stars. That’s rooted in unconditional love and loyalty, and laughter as well. … They’re actually good for us. It’s all about emotional well-being.” Play Games Since most dogs are food-driven, there are many games you can play together. Try creating a scent hunt by hiding little bits of kibble or treats around the home — under the bed, at the side of a dresser, or the top of stairs. Dogs absolutely love a game of hide-and-go-seek! Fun for Homebound Kids If children are home from school, they can create do-it-yourself projects and make toys for their pets. Cats love batting at feathers tied to the end of a stick or string because it engages their prey drive. You can even use those delivery boxes. Just cut holes in a box to create a whack-a-mole game for your dog. Grooming & Pupcakes Pets often enjoy being combed or brushed or having a smear of peanut butter or squeeze cheese on the side of the tub during a bath. You can try cooking pet-friendly recipes for treats or “pupcakes” as a special reward. Or if your pet is on a diet, snack together on carrots, blueberries or apples. At mealtime, instead of using a bowl, scatter kibble in the yard to engage their hunting instincts. Photograph Your Pet You can also use treats to get the perfect Instagram photo of your dog. Here are some dog photo tips from the experts: • Remember to get down on their level to see what they see. • Look for interesting angles. Don’t photograph the obvious. • Look for light. Window light is absolutely beautiful and watch for those sun rays streaming through your window blinds and landing on your dog or cat. • Photograph your pet with other friends in the house, whether it be another pet, stuffed animal or human. • Fast shutter speed and great light always help, which can be tricky when indoors. Having your pet next to a window will help with that. #WorkingFromHome Photos When working at home, consider pulling another chair next to your desk so your pet can sit right beside you. It makes for terrific #WorkingFromHome photos when you need a break. As West Ventura County's premier full-service Property Management, ReMax Gold Coast , we have represent several pet friendly long-term rentals in the area including The Mellow Yellow Bungalow located in Hollywood Beach. Just call us at +1 (805) 832-4075 and we’ll help you find the perfect home with your four-legged family members.
By Kristina Brewer 23 Mar, 2020
The Award-Winning Yoga Channel Studio is now broadcasting yoga classes LIVE. Here’s what students have to say about the new online classes: • "It was awesome. Thanks so much!" • "How fantastic to share and see virtually friends and to have our dogs with us!" • “Super easy to set up from my home laptop and lots of fun.” Message from Yoga Channel Studio Steward It was clear to the Yoga Studio steward, Aurora, that everyone needed some community and connection right now. “I understand, that for most of us, this is not our first choice in taking yoga classes,” explains Aurora, “but it is what we have to offer right now. We hope that you support us, even if it is not your first choice, in understanding that if you don't support these classes now, there might not be any IN STUDIO YOGA CLASSES in the future.” As everyone knows, what WE do now, will determine our future, including the future of the popular healing space in Port Hueneme. In the three years since Aurora has become the steward of the Yoga Channel, she has had to maneuver three major national disasters. “Each time, the studio has taken a hit,” Aurora said. “The studio will not sustain itself without community support. TODAY. And let's not forget about your instructors, whose livelihood may depend on their teaching. If you have the means, please continue to support them and the studio. If not, please share this newsletter or some of our social media posts. Now students from anywhere can take our classes!” How to Join To join in one of the LIVE Yoga classes from anywhere, just register and LOGIN TO YOUR STUDENT PORTAL HERE to PRE-REGISTER for your class. You can also access your STUDENT PORTAL, through the website's homepage . Once, you have done this, you will have the option on the STUDIO SCHEDULE to "VIEW BROADCAST." When you click on the VIEW BROADCAST link, a window in ZOOM will appear for your class. Depending on your device, you may have to add the program. Remember, when you register for your classes to login to your account. Joining from your laptop or computer, may provide a more fulfilling experience. If you join from your mobile device, the class disappears from the schedule once it starts, so join early. Early registrants will be provided an email link, as a backup, prior to the start of class. As West Ventura County's premier full-service Property Management, ReMax Gold Coast , we are committed to bringing our long-term renters the most updated community info in light of the coronavirus. Meantime, if you are looking for a new place to live, we’re here to help. Just call us at +1 (805) 832-4075. We also oversee some of the best vacation rentals in the area so when the time comes to get back outside, contact us.
By Kristina Brewer 17 Mar, 2020
As more and more people are quarantining themselves in light of the coronavirus, RE/MAX Gold Coast is arming our long term and vacation renters with some ideas of what to do. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself when you're stuck at home. Here are 50 things to do: Here are 50 Things To-do On A Boring Day at Home: 1. Listen to music. If you’re a music lover, it can lift up your spirits like nothing else can. 2. Watch TV. It’s good to be a couch-potato once in a while. 3. Read a newspaper. It would not only help you pass your time but also increase your awareness. 4. Build Your Own Website. Here is a Guide To Get An Optimized WordPress Site Started In Under One Hour 5. Create a new recipe. Whether you’re into cooking or not, try creating your own recipe. Experiment with different ingredients and be creative! 6 . Exercise. Even if you don’t feel like exercising, doing a few jumping jacks and stretching exercises will keep you going for the rest of the day. 7. Browse and Shop Amazon Best Sellers – You never know what cool and trendy things you can get on Amazon. 8 . Write a short story. Think of a plot, the characters and then go with the flow. 9. Groom your pet. Play, feed and spend time with him/her. 10. Read a book. If you don’t have a good one you can always Get A Book Right Now with digital downloads. I also recommend a Kindle Reader if you don’t already have one. 11 . Do the crossword puzzle in the daily newspaper. These puzzles are a good workout for the brain. 12. Have a bubble bath/aroma therapy bath. It’s a fun way to rejuvenate and relax. 13. Call and speak to your long-distance friend or family. 14 . Browse the web. Check your e-mail or search for information about different countries and cultures. You can also browse the Wikipedia for great information. They have a random article button. 15. Clean up your house. Remember that huge cleaning session you’ve been thinking about for months but never find the time to do? 16 . Write/create your own song. Then, sing it out loud in your room. 17. Cook for your family. Prepare your or their favorite meal. They’ll appreciate your gesture! 18 . Gather up a few friends and have a picnic in your backyard. You can also plan the ultimate barbecue! 19 . Rearrange the furniture in your room/home. If not the heavy bed or the tables, try moving the chairs, small tables etc., for a fresh look to the room. 20. Look through old family scrapbooks, yearbooks and photo books. Basically, indulge in nostalgia. 21 . We often reach out for junk food when we’re bored. This time try making something healthy to drink. Make a smoothie or a fresh, homemade fruit juice. 22 . Re-organize your Facebook profile. Re-organize your files on the computer (takes a lot of time but after a while it gets fun). 23 . Make a collage out of old magazines or newspaper pictures. Remember, the collage should have a theme to it, else it would look meaningless. 24 . Browse YouTube. 25 . Make a list of things you want to do before you die. This may also include things that you want to do within a month or six months. 26. Make a mixed CD of your favorite songs and title it “The soundtrack of my life”. Include your all-time favorite songs. 27 . Do your laundry. It’s tiring but you will be relieved once it’s done! 28. Treat yourself to a yummy dessert. If you can make it at home, nothing like it. 29. Do some baking. Bake a cake, some cookies or anything else that you enjoy eating and would love to share with your family/friends. 30 . Learn a new language. Learning a few words every day can help a lot. Look for the best online classes. 31. Do some research on subjects that interest you. There are lots curious facts to learn about the world. 32 . Paint a picture. Go crazy and paint your art out! Who knows someone may want to buy it and you can earn a few bucks too! 33. Watch stupid videos and standup comedy videos. They keep you laughing and laughing is never wrong! 34. Create and design your personal website. 35. Re-organize your bookshelf. Make sure you clean the outside of each book. This way you will spend more time in this activity, and you won’t have to clean it again for a few weeks. 36 . If you have a movie collection, watch an old favorite one again. Munch on your favorite snacks while enjoying the movie. Bliss! 37. Unwind at the garden. Gardening can be really rejuvenating for some. 38 . Create a card for your loved one. Sounds emotional, but why not? 39 . Create your own jewelry by mixing and matching. You can do the same thing with your clothes. Mix n match to create new outfits out of your current wardrobe. 40. Play the piano or other instruments. 41. Chat with friends via the internet. Chatting online is a cheap way of talking your heart out to a friend. 42 . Play online games. There are a few websites that let you play for free and have some very interesting games to play. 43 . Start a blog. This way you can connect with new people every day! 44. Make a list of things you need to buy at the grocery store. A list saves time, money and energy while shopping. 45. Take pictures. Make up your own little sets and work the lights in the house. 46. Create your own scrapbook. Yes, it can be fun, and you can flaunt it later. 47. Dance inside your room. Play your favorite dance cd and practice all those moves you wanted to show-off but couldn’t get them right. Now is the time to practice! 48. Sit next to your window and enjoy a cup of coffee while looking outside. 49. Learn a new skill. It could be anything from pottery to sound/video editing. All of the learning stuff can be done online. 50. Make a list of things you want to do before you die. It could be stupid, weird or wild. Go crazy! Do you have any ideas to add? As you know, tremendous worldwide efforts are being made to fight Covid-19. If you have any questions or concerns when it comes to our long term or vacation rentals in West Ventura, please call us at +1 (805) 832-4075. And please, stay healthy!
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