Eleven Tips For Setting Up Your Home Office
If you are going to be successful in your home-based business, you absolutely, positively must produce a work environment that supports you in mind, body and spirit. While a desk and chair might be all you need when sitting down to pay your bills, you’re going to need grand more to operate a business. The following tips can help you set-up and arrange a home office that is conducive to success.
Tip #1: Office Location: The first thing you need to do is choose where your home office will be located. If your state is limited, you may not have many options, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. If you are lucky enough to have an option, choose a space where you enjoy spending your time.
If your home office is located in an inaugurate space, use dividing screens to provide privacy and act as a noise barrier. Some people have converted a closet into an office. Others have feeble a dining room or breakfast nook. Some are fortunate enough to have an entire room (or more) they can dedicate to their home office.
The space you choose for your home office should have enough room for furniture, supplies, storage compartments and other items you use on a regular basis.
Think about the following when searching for an place to suit your needs:
* How much time will you spend in the office?
* What type of work will you be performing in the office?
* Will your customers or vendors be visiting you? If so, do you have an outside door with direct access to the office? If not, how will they access your office?
* How distinguished privacy do you need?
Keep in mind that being able to finish off your office from other parts of the house helps to separate your business from your personal life. Regardless of where you set-up shop, just make certain it has enough space and privacy to accommodate your needs.
Last, but not least, it’s a kindly notion to draw out a floor belief of your office. Make several designs and change things around to peep what works best. You want your space to be supportive of you, so work with your plan until it feels right.
Tip #2: Choose a Desk. The most critical piece of furniture you will need is a desk. You don’t have to buy an expensive desk from an office supply store. Pay a visit to your local thrift store or weak furniture store. They frequently have expansive deals on gently ancient furniture that can save you hundreds of dollars.
Another place to locate furniture is through the classified section of your local newspaper. Look in the sections under auctions and estate sales, as well as items for sale by individuals. Exhaust some time shopping around for a desk that accommodates your needs.
A computer workstation will take up the least amount of room and provides storage plot for a printer, monitor, and CPU tower. You can also make a desk using two filing cabinets with a door or countertop stretched across them. The only requirements are that the desk is large enough and at the just height for you to comfortably do your work.
Tip #3: Select the Proper Chair. Another important item you will need is a good chair. Select a chair that is comfortable, the right height, and provides proper back and arm support. Remember, chances are you’re going to be spending a great deal of time in that chair, so choose wisely. Here are a few things to look for:
* The chair back and seat should be adjustable for height and tilt.
* Your feet should easily touch the floor.
* The seat needs to be wide enough for comfort.
* A curved seat cushion and good lumbar support relieves pressure from thighs and back.
* Adjustable-height armrests make working on the computer more comfortable.
Your desk chair will be moving around in the space reach your desk, so flooring in this area should be a hard surface. If this isn’t possible, invest in a durable plastic mat specifically made to place under work chairs.
Tip # 4: Choosing the Best Computer. A good computer and a quality printer are a must. You’ll need to decide what type of computer is best for you. Some people like using a desktop, others prefer a laptop. Additionally, you will also need a back-up system. This generally consists of an external hard drive that you can copy your important documents to. Depending on your work volume, you should back-up your data daily, weekly, or at the very least, monthly.
Note: Having a computer that is used only for business is crucial; especially if you have other family members that need to use the computer. It may be tempting to employ the family computer for your business. However, sharing a computer for business and personal use can be very risky. Just imagine how frustrated you would be if your spouse or child accidentally deleted some files or downloaded a virus that wipes out the entire hard drive.
Tip #5: Selecting a Telephone. Most home-based entrepreneurs rely heavily on the telephone to conduct their business. Because of this, it’s worth investing in a professional phone system. Select a multi-line phone that offers useful features, such as call forwarding, caller I.D., conference calling, vow mail, etc.
When setting up your phone system, install dedicated phone lines for your business. You might want one line for business calls, another for a FAX machine, and one for your computer if you’re using a dial-up service to access the Internet. Take time to fully assess your current and future needs before installing phone lines.
Consider the type of voice mail or answering machine you will use for your business. Also, think about what type of phone would serve you best. A headset is a good idea if you will frequently be using the computer and phone simultaneously. A cordless phone provides mobility. If you plan on hosting conference calls, a corded phone is the best option. A cell phone might be a better choice if you are frequently out of the office.
Think about how you will be using your phone. Will you be making several long distance or international calls or will most of your calls be local? Most telephone companies offer bundle packages and unlimited long distance services that can save you a remarkable amount of money. Talk with a phone service consultant to learn what is available and to help you gain the best choices.
If you decide not to invest in a professional phone system, judge hiring a virtual assistant to manage your phone calls and give your business a more professional image. Virtual assistants perform a wide variety of administrative tasks and have become increasingly popular among home business owners in recent years.
Tip #6: Selecting a FAX machine. Depending on your type of work, you may need a fax machine. If you need to send or receive a large number of documents that cannot be sent electronically, you will need a separate stand-alone fax machine. A fax machine can also be used as a copier for itsy-bitsy jobs. Some fax machines combine several functions, such as printing, scanning, faxing, and copying.
Tip #7: Proper Lighting. Pay careful attention to the lighting in your office. Poor lighting can cause headaches and fatigue. Keep the following in mind when selecting your office lighting:
* Bewitch lighting that is long-lasting and energy-efficient. A smart choice is to exhaust warm fluorescent bulbs. Warm fluorescents reduce the bluish cast associated with fluorescent lighting. Bulbs are available for use in ceiling fixtures, as well as the fluorescent tubes.
* Halogen bulbs are cost-effective and a good light source.
* Light the wall behind the computer to reduce eyestrain. Place light sources beside or above (never in front of) your computer monitor. The light needs to be at least the same height of the monitor. To avoid glare, position the computer screen away from windows or other light sources.
* Contemplate using a desk lamp with adjustable arms and a three-way bulb. This type of lighting allows you to adjust the level of light to suit the particular task.
Tip #8: Storage: Storage space is primary for the home office. Keep the following in mind when planning your storage needs:
* Filing cabinets, shelves and storage boxes are the most logical choices for storage needs.
* Install shelves behind your desk for easy access.
* Use an extra closet as a supply and storage room.
* Build floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
* Use shoe boxes for storing smaller items such as computer disks and note cards.
* Expend glass jars (pickles, baby food) to store small office supplies, such as paper clips and rubber bands.
* If you are tight on space, look for furniture that can help two purposes, such as providing storage and a work surface. Also furniture that can be rolled out of the way when not is use can be handy in tight quarters.
Tip #9: Protect Your Equipment. Your home office should be equipped with sufficient electrical outlets to support your office equipment. Power surges can be the death of electrical equipment, so it’s wise to invest in multi-outlet surge suppressors. Surges can pass through electrical circuits, phone lines, cable, and satellite hookups. Any pieces of office equipment that are interconnected (e.g.: computer and printer) should be connected to a surge protector. Additionally, consider investing in a battery-operated back-up system for your computer. If the power goes out, the back-up system will provide you with up to two hours to finish and save your work.
Tip #10: Office Supplies. Think about everything you will need to complete your work. Make a list of items you employ daily, as well as specialty items you may require. Keep the following in mind when making your list.
* Writing tools – pens, pencils, erasers, lead refills, markers, highlighters.
* Organizational tools – file folders, hanging file folders, expansion files, CD cases, stackable trays, etc.
* Computer supplies – printer ink cartridges, paper, compact discs, zip drives, flash drives.
* Other items – ruler, scissors, paper punch, stapler and staples, calculator, labels, trash can.
Tip #11: A Beautiful Plot. Execute your home office attractive and comfortable. If possible, paint the walls in a soothing color such as blue or an energetic color such as red. Display photos of your mentors, customers or business associates. Hang motivational posters or inspirational art. Include house plants or a vase of fresh flowers on your desk or end table. Play soft music in the background or energize the room with music that lifts you up. Regardless of how you decorate, make it a beautiful space that inspires, energizes and supports you.
In closing, remember that the Internal Revenue Service allows you to deduct expenses related only to the part of your home that is extinct exclusively and regularly for business. This includes the mortgage/rent cost of floor space, utilities and furnishing for areas where you actually perform your business and customer reception or meeting areas. To learn more about home business tax deductions, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.
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Filed under Small Business Cordless Phone Systems by on Jan 2nd, 2011. 
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