Your Home Based Office

Get a Small Home Office That Works... with
These Tips on Setting Up Your Home Office

Your home based office is an essential part of your planning when you start a new home based business. Do you have workable small home office space? This page shares advice on setting up your home office so it works for you.

Home office set up is an important consideration as you get ready to launch an online home business. Even if it's to be a one-person shop and you never plan to interact with anyone face to face, you still have to have someplace to do the work that's needed.

And it can't be just anywhere either... your workspace should be carefully set up for maximum productivity, focus and efficiency. Now that's not to say you can't carve out a corner in your home for the office. You don't have to have a fancy, expensive home office space, but you will benefit if you have a home based office space you can truly call your own.

Location, Location, Location

When I first started my online home business 10 years ago, I lived in a condo with my two teenaged daughters. My computer was set up in a corner of my large living room. Definitely not the ideal spot for trying to work. My girls literally spent 90% of their time when not at school or work in that room, usually with the TV or stereo on. I wouldn't recommend it...

If you can, it's great to have your home based office in a separate room, preferably one with a door that you can close when you want to. I've moved a few times in the last few years (long story), but each time I've been able to have my small home office in a bedroom. The rooms have generally been small, but at least it's dedicated space!

f space is an issue, you'll need to get creative. Of course, one option is to set up in a corner, like I did starting out. It's not ideal, but it can work. Here are some other ideas:

• The space beneath stairs
• The end of a hallway
• An open second or third story loft above living space
• A large landing alcove between two floors
• A kitchen nook or deskspace
• Convert a large closet

The most important thing is that wherever you locate your small home office, it is an area that is totally dedicated to your work and nothing else. And it should be a permanent space. You don't want to have to pack up your work every day to make room for something else.

If you can do the same, you'll be lucky. Bright, well-ventilated home office space is best. And learn from my experience... locate your office as far away from the noisy, living areas of your home as possible.

Home Office Organization Makes a Difference

Organizing your home office is important. It will help you be more efficient and productive. Treat your home based office as a place of work... because that is what it is, right? Would you fold laundry or allow toys in your office at a corporate location? Didn't think so! Treat your home office space with just as much respect.

The first way to get organized is by making sure you have the right equipment. Obviously, if you're going to start an online home business, you need the equipment to actually get online, i.e., a computer of some type that is used only for your business and an internet connection. A printer can be helpful, especially the "all in one" type that includes a scanner, copier and fax capability too. And please... put in place some kind of data backup. Use a portable hard drive like I do or opt for an online data storage solution.

Next, you have to have a work surface of some type. Desks are great, if they're large enough both for your computer and some space to write and lay out papers. But even a table will work. I like lots of space, but I didn't really want to spend several hundred dollars on a big desk, so I made mine out of some bookcases and a couple of solid doors (with no doorknobs). I love it!

You'll also need storage space in your home based office. Bookcases, file cabinets, shelving can all come in handy. Keep the supplies you'll need every day close at hand, but keep backup inventory packed away out of sight and out of the way. Reduce the clutter as much as you can.

Home Office Ergonomics

When you have an online home business, you're going to be spending hours at a time sitting at a computer. So here's where paying attention to small home office ergonomics can really make a difference. Having a chair that supports your back and is the right height for your desk is crucial. I also find that arm support and a footstool are essential for my posture and comfort.

Unless your computer is a laptop, a slide out keyboard tray will keep your keyboard at the right height for typing. Have your mouse at a comfortable height too, with a cushion to support your wrist (and lessen your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome).

Decorating a Home Office Space

Strictly speaking, home office decorating isn't required, but take it from me... when you spend most of your waking hours in one room or small area, you'll be happier if it's pleasant looking.

When I bought my current home and was designing my home office space, I decided I wanted it to be restful as well as inspirational. So I chose colors that evoked that mood for me — clean white, soft sky blue, and touches of sea green. I also put stick on words on my wall, words like, "Inspire", "Wealth", "Courage", etc. You might do something similar or maybe bright colors will keep you energized and focused. Find what works for you.

In Summary

Setting up a home based office is somewhat of a personal matter. Each of us may have different preferences or needs when it comes to our small home office space. But the tips I've offered here will at least get you started off in the right direction. The rest you can figure out for yourself!