How to Share Home Office Space With a Spouse

Being able to work from home is a dream come true for those who are tired of commuting back and forth to work. When you work from home and your spouse is also working from home, figuring out how to share the home office space can be challenging. In order for both of you to be productive working from your home office, you will first have to work together to plan how to share the home office with each other.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make a plan of action needed for the home office space. If you have an actual office in your home, that's great. If not, decide what room or section of a room will be transformed into the home office space. Consideration must be taken for both spouses that will be sharing the home office space. Decide who needs a computer, fax machine, copier, file space and what type of desk for each.

2. Purchase the needed items if you don't already have them. In addition, purchase the needed office supplies and set up a supply storage area. It is best to keep supplies separate or set up a supply log so that when a spouse needs a ream of copy paper it will be logged to their working expenses.

3. Arrange the office space so that both spouses have adequate working desk areas. Each should have access to the phone or a separate phone line for each. Also set up computer systems for each spouse. Be sure that all work areas have adequate lighting. A fax machine and a copier can be shared to save space and expenses.

4. Allow for adequate file storage for each spouse. It is best that spouses have their own separate file cabinets. If you do have to share, designate a drawer for each spouse. Do not intermingle or mix your files as this will only add to frustration when you can't immediately put your hands on a file when you need it. To organize your shared office further use different colored file folders for each spouse to help identify files easier.

5. Consider the needs of each spouse for phone time. If one spouse needs access to the phone full time, then you will probably have to consider putting in a second line for the other spouse. Also arrange your work or desk areas so that the most privacy can be had for both working spouses. It will be hard to concentrate if the other spouse is talking loudly on the phone all day.

6. Work out a daily time schedule for the office space. You may be able to work together with absolutely no problem whatsoever. However, if you have to share a computer, desk and phone, it may be necessary to work out a time schedule where one spouse comes in to "work" at 7:00 am and the other comes in at 9:00 am. Also, stagger your break times, lunch times and end of workday times. Use trial and error until you get the schedule that works for you and your spouse.

7. Make arrangements for child care if you have children at home. This should be a plan that both spouses agree on to benefit both spouses, the family and your separate working situations.

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[mikes]

on 6/21/2008 Great information. Remember safety and backup issues.