Home Office Essentials

If you're planning on working from home, or you're already home–based, you'll want to make sure that your office is fully functional. While you may have taken care of the basics — phone, fax, and filing cabinets — there are other office essentials that you probably haven't given much thought. These products and services will help you get your work done quickly, easily, and comfortably, and you'll wonder what you ever did without them.

Invest in your image*

You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Create a great impression with personalized business products — letterhead, envelopes, business cards, labels, memo pads, and even stampers and promotional goods such as mugs, pens, and apparel — right from your desktop. Once you've chosen your personalization and previewed exactly how the finished product will look, you can submit your order and get back to running your business. In the meantime, your order will be professionally printed and the high–quality results will be shipped directly to you. What could be easier?

Speed up your connection

If you're tired of using a slow dial–up service to connect to the Internet, or you're missing important calls while checking your email, it may be time for an upgrade to a digital subscriber line, or DSL. Such a service provides an Internet connection that's always on, at speeds from 11 to 40 times faster than your dial–up connection.

Try out software before you buy*

With a subscription software provider such as personable.com, you can log on to your own virtual desktop and select from a wide variety of applications. If your business is just starting out, this may be an economical way to see which programs you need. If you're working on a project that requires specific software for only a few months, this service is for you. You rent the software for a minimum of a month and are guaranteed to get the latest version of the applications.

Choose a chair carefully

Don't shop by price alone when purchasing this vital piece of furniture. Since your desk chair is where you'll spend most of your day, choose an ergonomic model with good lower back support that's adjustable and comfortable for long periods of time. Many styles and colors are available, in both fabric and leather upholstery. Spend some time shopping for your chair and find the one that's right for you. For additional tips on choosing a chair and maintaining a healthy back, click here.

You'd look good in a headset

If you use your phone for a couple of hours or more each day, you'll appreciate the convenience and comfort of a telephone headset. No more cradling your phone receiver between your ear and shoulder while trying to write or type — headsets take the strain off your neck and shoulder muscles, and keep your hands free. Wireless options let you roam around your office unfettered by cords while working through your daily calls.

Multifunction may be for you

If you're short on office space, but have a high need for functions like printing and faxing, look into a multifunction machine for your home office. These machines combine multiple features in one compact model — they're fax machines, copiers, scanners, and printers. Good things do come in small packages.

Start shredding

Every office should have a plan for protecting classified information. An easy way to keep your documents confidential is to use a shredder before discarding your paper files. Some models have attached baskets to catch the shreds and keep your office neat.

Be prepared

Minor medical situations, like an occasional headache or paper cut, are bound to occur in every office. Have a first aid kit ready so you can find supplies such as aspirin, bandages, tape, scissors, and cold packs quickly and get right back to work.