Setting up Your Home Office

I've had people ask me over the years whether they need a home office in order to operate a business at home.  The answer is, yes, BUT...  

A home office need not be an entire room used exclusively for your business.  There are many people who begin by using their kitchen table, for instance.  The important part, and what makes a "home office" is being prepared with all the supplies and equipment you need and having them readily available.

Seldom can any home business today operate without a computer with internet access and a telephone, preferably with unlimited free long distance.  If necessary, you can start with dial-up internet service.  It will be slower, but it will serve the purpose.  Since you can save "documents" in your computer, if you don't have a printer at the beginning, you may be able to get by without it, but it should be one of your first investments as soon as you can afford it.  A very basic, inexpensive printer is fine for most purposes.  You can find them for less than $50.  I even purchased one for $29!

And, if you don't have free long distance service, you may want to sign up for Skype or Magic Jack, or any other VOIP connection.   They offer long distance service, using your computer, at an extremely low cost.

For those whose business requires a great deal of phone work, a headset or blue tooth will help immensely.  Headsets are inexpensive, so if you do not have one when you start your business, I'd suggest it be one of your first "investments" as soon as you start earning money.  You can find them at Radio Shack for about $20 if you just want something simple.

Other basics that you should have handy are pens, scratch paper, a stapler, paper clips and paper for your printer.  Depending upon your particular business and how you work it, you may need file folders and a file cabinet (or a simple storage crate).

If you do't have a place in your home where you can keep your "office" set up at all times (like if you're using your kitchen table), then store your supplies in a box that is easily carried from wherever you store it when not in use to your work area. 

Always try to have those things that you use frequently within reach so you can grab them quickly when you need them.  While I highly recommend that you get up from your desk and move around often, it is best if you don't have to get up just to reach a document you just printed.

That's it, just a few items close by and convenient make a home office.

And, don't forget that nearly everything you use or purchase for your business is tax deductible... But that is for another discussion.