Entrepreneurs are always concerned with saving time and boosting productivity because they lead to positive results. Setting up a space that is inspiring and useful is one way to bridge the gap of not having a traditional office. Before removing the clothing rung in your closet and setting up shop with your laptop, consider these key questions for determining if a space is suitable first.
What Is Your Working Style?
The first thing to think about is how you work best. Do you need natural light, or do you prefer a darker room? Do you like to spread out your work and your things, or do you keep things tight and compact? Do you like overhead light or a desk lamp? Do you work well at night, during the weekends, or do you prefer traditional hours?
Make a quick list of all your preferences and your working style. This will help you determine the basic requirements for your home office
Read Also: 12 Habits that Reduce Productivity for the Solo Entrepreneur
What Options Are There For An Office In Your Home?
After you’ve considered your working style, it’s time to think about the options you actually have for a home office. If you live in a smaller apartment, chances are that you’ll only be able to choose from your own room, and maybe a common area.
However, in a larger home, you may be able to choose from a basement, spare room, the master bedroom, or even the den and other living spaces. Take a walk through your home, and compare your potential options with your working style checklist. Which areas meet your requirements? Is it possible to set up a long-term office there?
Will Anyone Else Be Accessing Your Office?
If clients, contractors, or other employees will be accessing your office, it should be a dedicated workspace, and include other chairs and equipment, as necessary. This means you’ll usually be better off putting your office in a spare room or a finished basement, rather than a common area or your bedroom.
However, if you’re the only one who will be accessing and using your office, you don’t have to worry about this issue.
Does Your Selected Location Have The Utilities You Need?
You will want to select a location that has multiple power outlets, as well as an internet or cable hookup, and a telephone jack.
If you don’t have a cable hookup, you may be able to use your home’s WiFi network, but this will likely be a bit slower, compared to a direct connection.
And while multiple power outlets are nice, a high-quality power strip will enable you to hook up all of your technology without needing more than one outlet.
What Supplies And Storage Do You Need?
Chances are that you’ll need quite a few basic supplies to get started in your new home office. If you already have all of the furniture and computer equipment that you need, it’s time to focus on other essentials such as:
- Printer paper
- Flash drives
- File folders and organizers
- Pens and pencils
- Highlighters
- Permanent markers
- Scissors
- Binders
- Notebooks and scrap paper
- Labels and a label maker
- Stamps
- Envelopes
Take some time to think through your business, and any of the other supplies you may need. If you run an online eBay store, for example, you may need packing tape, boxes, foam peanuts, and other essentials.
Related: 5 Must-Have Office Products for 2018
Answer These Questions To Build A Better Home Office!
With the right supplies like Double A Paper, and a proper home office setup, you’re sure to increase your efficiency, and become a better worker. So take another look at this “report card” and guide now, and get started today.