Setting Up Your Home Office

You can make that easy switch from office at work to office at home in a flash... or so you think. Setting up a home office properly is important for your comfort and productivity. You'll need more than just the lean basics.

Here's what you really need (and want) in a home office:

An ergonomic chair -- and we don't mean the cheap ones. Your back will thank you for it.

A desk with drawers and cubbyholes -- a table isn't going to meet your needs for fast, handy storage compartments

A good computer with recent technology and software

A PDA or a palm pilot (optional)

An all-in-one printer, photocopier and scanner

A fax machine or fax software on your computer

A good answering machine that has clear voice quality

A portable phone that you can leave in your office -- multi-handset options are good for the whole household

A cell phone dedicated to business use only or spring for a separate phone line from the household's

A paper shredder -- check out ones that have safety features for little hands if you have toddlers.

A file cabinet -- you might get away with going paperless, but most home-based businesses still need to print out documents and store them

Most of the items listed above are no-brainers when it comes to a complete home office, and they're ones that will improve your ability to manage business from your house. But a home office needs more than this. Decorating your space to maximize comfort, a good mood, and productivity is important.

Here are some ideas for additions to your home office:

Good lighting -- natural lighting is best, but adding lamps that enhance the décor are a nice option

Pictures and art -- a few pictures of your family is great, and you can add some framed art that speaks to you to add inspiration and create comfort

A pencil holder -- the keyboard rules for communication, but nothing is handier than a few pens and some markers

A dry-erase board -- this is a must for jotting down what you need to remember. Buy different colored markers to make priority events and to-dos stand out

A message box -- keeping in touch with your family members means allowing them a way to communicate with you without disturbing your privacy. They can jot down a memo and tuck it in your message box for you to pick up later

Stackable paper trays -- sorting trays that you can use to toss paperwork in are great for keeping the workflow stream effective. Label each one (such as "to file" or "urgent) and set the trays in easy reach.

Plenty of handy extras and gadgets will make your workday even more efficient or pleasant.

Visit a store that specializes in office equipment and supplies, and browse the aisles to find all the items that can help you make the most of your home office. Don't shop by price alone, though. Better quality merchandise that offers more functionality, ease of use and that can benefit you in a few different ways is best.

What's important is getting the tasks done using the most effective means possible -- leaving you with more time and a higher level of comfort and satisfaction!

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Carrie Wilkerson is the voice of experience. From corporate life to teaching high school to direct sales, she has 'been there and done that' professionally and personally. An 'overnight mom' to 2 toddlers through adoption, her priorities instantly changed and so did her workplace. She's now built several businesses and coached others to do the same while overcoming extreme debt, losing 110lbs and having 2 more children, for a total of 4 children, ages infant through 12! As 'The Barefoot Executive', Carrie and her network of experts have quickly become the definite resource for helping women achieve extra income and career goals while working from home. the-barefoot-executive.com

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