Working out of a home office can be a true pleasure.
The commute is ideal, the work hours are set by you, and the working environment is, or can be, perfect for your personality and the type of work that you do.
Whether your home office consists of a corner of the bedroom or a large personal study in a 7000 square foot home, there are certain things that you can do to insure that your workplace is conducive to both getting the job done, and providing a pleasant atmosphere in which to work.
Realistically you will probably spend more time in your home office than in any other room in the house, including your bedroom, so don't skimp on it when setting it up.
Be sure that the desk you get is suitable for the type of work that you will be doing, and that your office chair is both functional and comfortable.
Will you be primarily on the computer? Then buy the right computer, printer and scanner for your needs! There is nothing worse than buying cheap equipment without the necessary hardware/software and then having to go back and add on what you need.
It is much more expensive and a cumbersome task as well.
Are you going to spend much time on the telephone? If so, consider a headset.
Having your hands free to write, or be on the computer while you're on the phone, is more efficient and allows for easier multitasking.
Despite the predictions that the computer would eliminate paper, the real world is that automation, printers and copiers, have actually added to the paper storm.
Be sure that you have sufficient filing space and that it is within reach.
It is most likely that a desk-side filing cabinet will be more suitable than trying to jam your files into desk filing drawers.
Those drawers should be saved for the most current or most used files.
Be sure that you have plenty of shelf space available, and that it is easily accessible from your desk.
It is amazing how many books, three ring binders, etc.
that you will accumulate.
If they are organized, with the binders well marked, it is so much easier to find what you are looking for than if they are simply stacked up on the desk, on a table or on the floor.
While it is a time consuming task in the beginning, it is also important to set up an organized filing system for your filing cabinet.
If you previously worked in an office, someone else probably organized the files and may have found them and brought them to you when you needed them.
Working alone, you will probably be amazed at how many files you need, and if the folders are not well marked and organized you will find yourself spending half your time looking for things rather than being productive.
Your office is where you go to work.
It should have the feel of a workplace and should be off limits to children.
If you have taken over a bedroom, change the decor.
Wallpaper with rainbows or toy trains is not conducive to a good business atmosphere.
Consider your personality and sense of style, and the type of work that you will be doing when you set up or redo your office.
This is important as it helps you go into work mode as you enter your office to earn your living.
If you have a TV in the office because you want to have business news on all day, that's fine, but place it where it will not be a distraction to you.
You want to be able to turn to look at it, rather than have it in your peripheral vision.
Every office should have an "in box" where you place the items that need to be worked on immediately.
The contents should be current and ideally should be new everyday.
I don't recommend an "out box" in a home office because when you are finished with a document, invoice, or other piece of paper it is best to file it, mail it, or dispose of it in whatever manner is appropriate, right then.
This avoids the otherwise inevitable large stack of paper that eventually must be filed later, a task which no one enjoys doing.
Speaking of paper, no matter how well organized you are, "clutter happens.
" Besides your computer and filing cabinets, two of your most valuable tools are your waste basket and shredder.
Your shredder is for anything with personally identifiable information such as social security numbers or account numbers, and your waste basket is for all other trash.
Use them! Eliminating piles of worthless paper not only enhances the appearance of your office, but is more efficient and conducive to productivity.
Finally, remember that your office is a work area, not a break room or cafeteria.
Sure, it's fine to have a cup of coffee while you're working, but don't bring your snacks or lunch in to eat at your desk.
You work hard in there, and just like folks who work in an office building, you need to take a break once in awhile.
Go to the kitchen for your snacks.
Eat lunch in the kitchen, family room or dining room, or for that matter, go out for lunch once in awhile.
Then when you get back to your office you will be refreshed and ready to go!