How to Set Up a Home Office
Many people today choose to work from home, whether it’s telecommuting or if they’re running their own business. Having your own home office is very convenient, especially if you don’t want work taking up too much of your time with friends and family. If you plan to build your own home office, here are some reminders that can help you set it up the best way possible.
Space
Whatever your line of work may be, you’ll always need to entertain guests, customers, and potential clients. While you don’t need to set up your own executive boardroom in your home, space is an important factor that you should consider when setting up your home office:
home office
Make it look like an office. Just because you work from home doesn’t mean your home office should look sloppy. When making your own home office, make it stand up to a standard of professionalism no matter how simple it is.
Make sure it’s big enough. A home office a place where you will entertain guests, or strike deals with prospective clients. Make sure there’s enough room for people to move around and feel comfortable.
Keep it accessible. It’s tempting to put your home office near the bedroom, but it’s best to set it up in a familiar and accessible location, so that people will not be snooping into your private life. An accessible office detached from your personal life can also help you be more productive at work.
Communication
Working in a home office means that you have to establish and maintain connections with business partners and clients. Companies spend millions of dollars every year on communication lines; while you’ll definitely not spend that much money for your own home office, communication must take a high priority on your list of things to set up:
Phone lines. A separate phone line is essential if you’re going to make a home office, especially if you’ll transact business over the phone.
Internet access. While Internet access may be optional, it can give you an edge in business. If you have a laptop computer, you may want to equip your office with limited-range wi-fi access.
Equipment
Here are other things you may want to consider buying for your home office:
Bookshelves should be around your office, and stocked with the reference materials you need for your line of work.
Furniture like easy chairs, love seats, desks, and end tables are there to make you and your guests feel comfortable.
Decorations keep your office looking professional, and a fun place to be at the same time. Rugs, curios, posters, and other items can help make your home office a nice place to work in.
You don’t need an interior designer or an architect to design your own home office for you. With these tips to help you design and set up your own home office, working from home may just be the best decision you made for your career.