So you have decided that it’s time to start running your own business. Congratulations! The next step is to set up a home office, which requires some forethought. Let me share with you 5 basic things you should keep in mind when setting up a home office.
Make a List of Your Home Office Needs
Starting your own home business is exciting, and in the excitements, it’s easy to get carried away and end up buying furniture or décor items that you don’t need. Lists are your friend! They will help you focus on building your business from the ground up without unnecessary expenses.
When making your list, focus on the essentials: desk, chair, stable WiFi connection, storage/shelving space, a document shredder, a printer/scanner, and stationery are the basics. Write down anything that’s desirable but not crucial at this stage – you can always get it once your home business takes off.
Choose a Dedicated Area for Your Home Office Space
Maybe you are considering moving homes and want to take that opportunity to set up a home office – if that’s the case, take a look at this great online tool by Habito.com, a fast, easy and free to use mortgage broker. While you can work from the kitchen table or even from your bed, it’s important to avoid turning this into a habit, as it could interfere with your productivity.
Choose a designated office space where you feel comfortable and that allows you to concentrate on your to-do list, think clearly, and be productive. Some important things to consider when choosing a dedicated space for your home office include lighting, noise levels, and even color – basically, anything that helps create the right working atmosphere.
Balance Workspace and Storage Requirements
Having a spacious home office would be a dream, but in most cases, we have to make do with what we have, which is limited home office space. Irrespective of how much room you have, you should ensure that your home office space is balanced. Allowing storage space is a must because it will help keep your workspace organized and save time.
Keep Time: Hang a Clock in Your Home Office
Working from home has a downside: you may be tempted to get too comfortable. But there’s a simple solution: a clock will serve as a visual reminder of how you’re using your time, so you can develop a productive work routine.
Another way to be mindful of your time is to set true office hours and make sure people around you are aware of them. A common misconception is that if you work from home you can drop everything whenever you want, but running a successful business from home requires discipline and sticking to a schedule -just like any other job.
Setting up a home office is both exciting and challenging, but with some effort, you’ll soon be enjoying the freedom that comes with running your own business from home.