Creating a Home Office

When creating a home office, you need to plan carefully how you will use the space.  Are you telecommuting from home to an office job, are you using the space to manage family activities, or do you just need a quiet place to think?

Here are some tips to help you build your home office.

Tip #1: Will your computer be your main appliance?

You should have a comfortable chair, a big monitor and keyboard setup that is centered in your field of vision during your work time.  See my topic about home office ergonomics for the most long term comfort.  Also think about the amount of time spent in front of your computer.  This will help you detemine how much you invest in your monitor, keyboard and chair!

Tip #2:  Compute your desk space requirements?

I am a computer consultant so I like to have a space for documents on my desk on both sides of my computer.  I also have a multifunction printer that takes up some space, but other than that my desk space requirements are small; about 20 sqare feet.  I also recommend an "L" shaped desk so that you can change positions throughout your work day.  You an have a desk organizer opposite your computer for extra efficiency.

Tip #3:  Define your privacy needs.

When you are creating a home office, think about the privacy and quiet you might need to work.  Can you work in a noisy room, or do you want to be sequestered away from the family for the day?  If you have the luxury to build a home office from scratch, the physical location away from the family can be a boon to your productivity.

Tip #4:  Define your customer.

When I decided to build my own home office, I kept it small; about 12 x 12 feet to keep my costs low.  One reason I did this is because I don't have customers visit me so I don't need extra seating space or a separate door to the outside.  However, if you are an artist or an architect, you may want to have these items. 

Tip #5:  Use another area of your house.

For years, we had a nook in the kitchen that soon became cramped with a computer, paper clutter, calendars, etc.  One of my best home office ideas was to eventually move office activity into the bedroom.  This had the benefit of reducing paper clutter in a high-traffic area, and was a much quieter place to think that wasn't being used throughout the day.  However, when you're going to bed at night, you'll have to try extra hard to turn out the lights and not let that inbox keep you from sleeping!  If you can close it off with a screen, curtain, door or rolltop, even better!

Tip #6:  Dedicate a room and build a home office!

OK, you know that guest room that no one ever stays in?  Convert it!  It's  much better to have a home office 365 days a year than a guest room 2 days a year.  Think how much better you'll get along with your guests when you put them up at the Holiday Inn down the street... and you can probably pay for it with the extra money you made working in your home office!

Tip #7: Make your meetings professional!

Are you working from home?  When you are creating your home office, think about how you will meet with prospective clients and customers.  Buy a good webcam (don't spend more than $25), and use good netmeeting software to exude an air of professionalism.  More information on netmeetings!

If you're creating a home office, get organized! 

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