How to Set Up a Home Office

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

08 Apr 2009 10:11 AM

Whether you want to work from home or just catch up on all of the bills, having a home office can really boost your productivity. How many times do we find ourselves conducting business at the kitchen counter or dining room table? Here are some tips about setting up a real home office.

Identify the space

Maybe you already have a space in mind for your home office. But before you get started, you'll want to examine the possibilities in your home and determine where the best place might be to set up a home office. Pick out two or three spaces that you think might work.

Here are some questions to ask when you are evaluating possible locations for your home office.

1. Are outlets or a power source available for your electronic equipment?
2. Do you prefer a window view, or would it distract you from your work?
3. Do you need extra space for filing cabinets and would the location provide that?
4. Do you want to be far away from the normal flow of the household or right in the middle of it?
5. Do you prefer a bright, light space or a soothingly dim space?
6. Will you do most of your work in the morning, afternoon or evening (light and traffic flow could depend on the time of the day)?
7. Which space do you actually prefer?

Consider all of your answers and choose the space that is the best combination of your preference and functionality.

Consider equipment and supplies

Consider how much equipment you will need. Can you get away with just a laptop or a pad and paper, or do you need a fax, telephone, printer and copier? Do you need a second phone line? How often will you use each piece of equipment? What about office supplies? Having a good sense of what you need and how often you use it will help you figure out where to place it in your office. You can also get a head start on ordering anything you need to purchase.

Check back again. I'll discuss the three different types of office layouts and help you figure out which one is perfect for your space and work style.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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