Home Office – 5 Tips on How to Set it Up
More and more people are saving time, money, and gas by working from home. However, many succumb to the common pitfalls that occur when combining your personal space with work. Here are five tips that will help you be productive and comfortable in your home office:
- Choose the right space. Since you will be spending as much time in your office as any other room in the house, pick the best place for it rather than using the only space left. If you are sharing your home with others (family, children, roommates, etc.) ensure that the room has a door. This will keep the outside noise out and your focus on the work. Also, choose a space that has great lighting. Lighting is crucial for videoconferencing and the general appearance and ambiance of your office. If you meet clients at home, it would be convenient to have your office near the front of the home.
- Establish formal procedures. Even though you are working from home, it is vital that you have structure and follow formal procedures. Tasks such as tracking and logging your hours, keeping and updating your records, and paying your invoices on time will add legitimacy to your home enterprise. Ensure that you establish office hours and that your clients are aware of them. Your clients will know when you are available and keep you focused and productive. Formal procedures and structure also help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Separate professional from personal. It might seem like common sense, but it is more difficult than it sounds. Have separate bank accounts and do not mix up the cards associated with each account when making purchases. Store the personal and business financial documents away from each other. In another room if possible. Tax time will become much easier if you keep them separated.
- Have dedicated lines for you home office. Even though it might seem like you’re spending double; have a dedicated phone line (or cell phone), fax, and internet connection just for your home office. If you have a separate phone line, clients will not question your professionalism as they would if you didn’t and your child answered the phone. Furthermore, make sure you to have separate voicemails to avoid any confusion. Having a separate internet connection insures reliability. You don’t want to lose a client because you are unable to contact them or your internet crashes in the middle of a videoconference.
- Make the most out of the space. Home offices tend to be on the smaller side so it’s important to make the most out of that space. Storage is vital, but so is space to spread out and work. Look for a desk with cabinets and shelves but with enough space for your computer and work area. Add shelves on the walls to store books, documents, and other materials that you deem important. Anything else that is not necessary to conduct business can be stored in a different room. However, files and supplies that are used frequently should be easily accessible.
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