If you plan to work from home, you'll want to set up a home office designed to promote productivity, creativity, and comfort. Following are some ideas to consider.
Local zoning
Before you set up your home–based operation, check out your town's zoning laws. According to the Lycos' small business community, local zoning rules "may prohibit or restrict working from home."
Pick a place
Choose the room or corner of your home you'd like to turn into your office. Once you've picked the spot, Ronni Eisenberg and Kate Kelly, authors of Organize Your Home Office! recommend that you "move a temporary desk to the area and try working there for a week or two."
Get wired
Be sure you have enough electrical outlets and that they are conveniently located. The About.com article Setting up Your Office reminds you to check if your house is adequately wired to accommodate any extra equipment, such as photocopiers, printers, and fax machines, you might install. The article warns "some older homes will need work done on the electrical system in order to prevent surges and power outages."
You might also consider installing a dedicated, second telephone line for your business. To browse the Internet without tying up your phone lines (hence, missing important business calls) opt for an "always on" Internet connection, such as DSL or broadband satellite.
Be seated
You'll likely spend a lot of time working at your desk, so take time to pick out the right furniture for your new office. Look for a comfortable chair that offers lower back support and seat–height adjustment. As your desk will be the nerve center of your home office, be sure it's large enough to allow for multi–tasking and provide adequate storage so your desk does not become too cluttered.
Keep the noise down
You'll need a place where you can work peacefully. Staples.com business expert Steven Strauss, author of The Unofficial Guide to Starting a Home–Based Business, says "to reduce street noise, weather–stripping, double–glazed windows, and solid doors are good sound reduction tools. Wall–to–wall carpeting is also great for muffling interior sounds, but even an area rug will help as long as you spring for good padding."
Bright ideas
The way you light your home office may directly impact the way you work. Before buying lighting fixtures or lamps, familiarize yourself with the variety of lighting that's available.
Choose stimulating colors
Painting your home office yellow is a generally safe bet. The article Using Feng Shui in Your Home Office by Suzy Spivey says "yellow stimulates clarity of thought, creativity, and mental activity — making it an excellent color for a home office. Yellow also promotes discipline, which anyone working in a home office needs."
Discipline
Working from home requires dedication. Establish regular business hours and rules that will keep your family and neighbors from disturbing you during these times. Regular hours will also help you police yourself when making household appointments to have the plumbing fixed, the kitchen remodeled, or the carpets cleaned.
