How To

How to Set Up a Home Office

Contributor
By Vanessa Glass
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Working from home can be very appealing. Have a good start on your work by setting up an effective home office. Here are a few tips that will outline the tools you need to be successful working from home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Designated Area. Have a specific area that is strictly for your work. If you don't have a room to set up an office, section off part of your living space or bedroom. You just need to have an area that's sole purpose it for your work.

  2. Step 2

    Furniture. It is important to have the basics: a table or desk, a comfortable chair, a filing cabinet and a bookshelf. These are the bare minimums to have in your office. If you have the space, think about putting in other things to make you more comfortable.

  3. Step 3

    Computer. Today, it is important to have a computer that is updated and working properly. Have everything you need to work from home.

  4. Step 4

    Printer/Copier/Fax. These are all important tools needed for your home office. There are several machines out there that work as all three. Look into those to save you money and space. Don't forget to stock up on paper, inks and toners.

  5. Step 5

    Lighting. Harsh lighting can affect the work you do. Make sure that you have good lighting so that your eyes don't have to strain themselves.

  6. Step 6

    Phone/Internet. Have both a professional phone line and internet connection ready and available. It is also a good idea to get a separate line for your fax.

  7. Step 7

    Storage. Even if your space is limited, try setting up a place for storage. This will include your supplies and other materials you may need.

  8. Step 8

    Reference Materials. This may consist of phone books, a dictionary, and any other reference materials that you will use on a regular basis. Put these on your bookshelf and make sure you can easily get to them.

Tips & Warnings
  • Make your space comfortable enough where you can work easily, but not too comfortable to where you get lazy.
  • Having a home office can be difficult to manage both personal and professional areas of your life, but try. Don't bring anything from your personal life, like the laundry, into your office.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Careers & Work
Kristen Fischer,

Meet Kristen Fischer eHow's Careers & Work Expert.

Get Free Careers & Work Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Careers and Work