Get your home office up and running

Author: admin, December 3rd, 2007

A very helpful step you can take to ensure your success as a work at home mom is to set up a nice home office.  Many of us start out working from a laptop on the kitchen table, or on the home computer in a corner of the family room. The problem with this setup is that the constant interruptions make it hard to get a lot (and sometimes any) work done. It’s time for your very own home office.

If you have an extra room in the house, it is of course ideal to have an entire room dedicated as your home office, but if that’s not an option, don’t worry about it. Find a room in your house that currently serves a different purpose and set up your home office in it. A spare bedroom, your own bedroom, or even the laundry room are all viable options. Try to find a room with a door you can close and where you can expect to work quietly for at least a few hours per day. It will do wonders for your productivity.  I can’t wait until my husband closes in my office.  I currently have two open doorways – they will become a wall and a door.  I will not only have quiet and privacy, but, an extra wall for bookshelves.

Set up some sort of system for your filing and paperwork. This includes paper files including contracts with clients, marketing and learning materials (CDs, DVDs, and binders), as well as electronic files. A file cabinet or even several storage bins will work well for your paper files. A bookshelf works great for marketing materials. As for your electronic files, set up different sections and folders on your hard drive and in your email software for them. Get in the habit of filing and straightening up your desk and work area before you finish your workday. It will be much easier to get started in the morning if a clean desk welcomes you.

Speaking of desks… You will need some sort of desk and chair in your office. Since you will likely spend quite a few hours each day in front of your computer, be sure to choose a desk and chair that are both comfortable and ergonomic. The last thing you want is a sore back after a long day at “work”.

Other than that, keep your office friendly and welcoming. You want this to be a place you are comfortable and happy in – so feel free to decorate and make it your own. Put up pictures of the kids or those from your last vacation. Hang up a motivational poster. Whatever motivates you to work goes. At the same time, keep distractions to a minimum. That means no TV or radio in the room if it will make you less productive. Find a good balance and before you know it, you’ll have a home office set up that you love to work in.

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