How To Create a Home Office
Some people can get their work done anywhere, from the kitchen table to a park bench. But for the rest of us, if you want to successfully work from home, you're going to need a professional workspace. This will be a place of professionalism, production and focus in your home, and will help you get the most out of your work-from-home experience.
Location, Location, Location
Before you start interior designing, you're going to need a good spot for your office.
Ideally, of course, you would use a spare room as your brand new office. A spare room offers all the space, privacy and quiet you'll need, along with the great sense of independence and professionalism that it gives you.
Unfortunately, most people aren't going to be able to spare an entire room. There are a few good alternatives, such as a basement or attic, a corner of a room with little through traffic (such as a dining room), or your garage. Remember how many businesses started from inauspicious beginnings.
What You'll Need
Now that you've picked a location, you're going to need office equipment.
What type of equipment you need will largely depend on what type of work you're doing. But, for most people, a basic set of office equipment will include:
- A desk
- A computer
- A chair
- Pens and pencils
- Scrap paper
- Printer and printer paper
Setting Rules
It might be a home office, but it's still an office. One of the most important things you'll have to do is treat it like an office. This means setting rules, and sticking to them.
Remember that your office is for work. There are many more distractions at home than there are in a traditional office: children, spouses, pets, chores, television... if you want to get any work done, you're going to have to close off these distractions. This is why a private room is best.
You'll also have to convince your household members to respect your rules. Sometimes people think that just because you're at home it's okay to bother you. Lay down a firm rule that when you're working, you're working.
Set a schedule for yourself, if need be. Some people have a natural sense of how long to work, but if you don't, set aside particular times when you must work. If you aren't getting your work done, you can find yourself in hot water very quickly.
