Not every small business needs its own building to get the job done properly. Sometimes your home office is perfect for the kind of business you run and you never need to open up a physical shop anywhere. This is a great way to save money since you’re not paying rent or another mortgage, but it can also be a delicate balance between your home life and your work life.
Hello, World
One of the most immediate needs of a home office? An internet connection. You might not give this too much thought because you’ve already got your phone, internet and cable all bundled into one, but remember that you are sharing that network with everyone else who lives in your house. If you’re wondering what is network security, it’s basically a blanket statement that describes tools that monitor and control any intruders trying to sneak in and hack your network. It’s not always the bad guys that do this — if your kids have your network password, it’s hardly a secure network! It might be wise to look into internet packages for your office use only so that you and only you have the network password and you can be assured that it’s a secure network.
A Layout That Makes Sense
Not everyone has the luxury of an entire room for their dedicated office space, but no matter how big or small the area you use, be sure that it makes sense for how you use it. For example, you might need a station for printing, one for packing and one for shipping. This can be achieved using smart organization techniques, even in the smallest spaces:
- A long table can serve many functions: Setting up your computer on one end and using the rest of it for other needs. You might even be able to fit a second computer on an extra-long table, and if you’re handy these can be easily built from scratch.
- Go vertical. Using shelves and cubbies on your walls can save precious desk and tabletop real estate, and often looks more organized than a big jumble on one surface.
- Bookcases can be fantastic for acting as “cupboards” when you want to store office supplies. Buy a bunch of them for cheap at places like Target or Walmart, or pick up some mismatched designs at your local thrift shop and give them a fresh coat of paint.
An Inspiring Space
Remember, even though you have important work to do, you still need to be motivated to do it. The color of your workspace has a direct impact on how efficiently you work, so paint the area a color that makes you feel happy. Similarly, fill the space with things that inspire you and help you work better. Some of these might include:
- Encouraging phrases, sayings or even fortunes from the inside of fortune cookies. Sometimes others know how to say it best.
- Photos of people you love to help remind you why you do what you do, and to inspire you even when you’re having a rough time.
- A framed copy of your first paycheck, even if it’s only $64.18. You worked your butt off to make that $64, so be proud of it! Leave it on a shelf or on your desktop to serve as a reminder to keep working your butt off so that you can achieve your goals.
Not everyone has the same idea of “inspiring,” and since this is your home office you need to do what works best for you. Enjoying the place that you do your work is one great way to stay motivated while doing it.
Keep Work Separate From Home
Since you’re sitting in a room in your house, it can be tempting to get up from your desk and switch the laundry, then suddenly you’re folding what was in the dryer, then you’re putting the clothes away, then you’re making your bed, then you’re…
A schedule is important to help you stay on track during your work hours. Sure, part of the luxury of working from home is that you set your own hours and are your own boss, but don’t go nuts. Putting the “home” in the phrase “working from home” can quickly decrease efficiency. Keep the door closed while you’re working and remind family members and friends that you’re at work, even if you’re at home. It’s a fine line, but a possible one.
When setting up your home office, make sure that it works effectively for you and helps you to be a better, more efficient worker. Inspire and motivate yourself to be the best business owner you can be.
