How to work from home effectively

I've started two companies from scratch, by myself, one I sold within 3 years for over ￡7m, and one was valued at ￡220m within 4 years. Both were started from my house so I know a thing or two about working from home. Here are my top tips...

Working from home tips

• Get a desktop or a large screen - I think big screens (20+ inches) and a proper keyboard will enable you to work faster than using a 13 inch laptop.
• Get a desk and good quality office chair - if you are not comfortable you will struggle to put the hours in. My first home desk was ￡30, but I invested more in my chair. I paid ￡180 for a good quality one from office supplier.
• Start early in the morning - I used to start about 6.45-7am, the 2 hours before the rest of world starts work, and this time was the most productive by far.
• Designate a room with a door as your office - I know this isn't possible for some but if you can have a dedicated office with a door you will suffer left interruptions. My first business was started from my lounge, I worked in there for over a year, so it's not essential to have a separate office.
• Tell friends and family your working hours - often I got interrupted by friends and family, who think if you are at home you have time for a chat or to do them a favour. So the earlier you explain you are WORKING from home and don't want to be disturbed the better, tell them your working hours and days.
• Make a daily task list - each morning I fold a piece of A4 into quarters and write my tasks for the day then strike them out as I complete them.
• Get into a flow state - once "in the zone" you can get more done for a longer period of time. I used find it easier to get into a flow state when listening to ambient / chillout music with some good quality headphones. 
• When you hit a block go for a walk - when I ran out of steam or hit a difficult problem I went for a walk with the dog and a good podcast for about 1 hour. I would come back with ideas and more energy.

Additional tips from the comments on the post, thank you.

• Turning off notifications - a great way to limit distractions. (thank you - Taka Mbedzi)
• Stay hydrated - once in the flow you sometimes forget to the eat or drink, don't. (thank you - Nick Warren)
• Fuel your body with good food - your body it a complicated machine, it needs the right nutrients to functionality optimally (thank you - Nick Warren)
• Surround yourself with inspiration - quotes on the walls, inspired pop-ups and social content. (thank you - Nick Warren)