I was thinking about how to organize a home office. I was wondering where can I set up a nice little work space when my home business is finally up and going. Our apartment isn’t that big and most of the things in it are actually mine. I have two tall racks just for my shoes and then some in boxes piled up beside them! So space is a big concern for me.

Anyway, we sleep in the master bedroom and the second room we use it as a closet. As for the third room which is really tiny, we store our junk (boxes, comic books, golf clubs, mahjong set, vacuum, etc) in it. Jake suggested I convert that room into my home office. Not a bad idea for now, I must say. Although I will need to sort out where to store away our junk.

I looked around and started jotting down things I will need in order to transform it into an appropriate work space. Here are the items I think I will need and I hope it will give you some sort of idea on how to organize your home office:

• Desk or workcenter

I prefer a big desk actually but maybe for the size of my work space, I can only afford to get a medium sized one. I prefer one without the extra tools. Just a plain and simple one with a couple of drawers. It needs to be big enough to fit my laptop and have extra space at the sides for my paperwork.

• Chair

It must be leather and very comfortable so that I do not get any back pains. I prefer those with the roller wheels and armrests. It should also have a seat-height adjustment function to fit my posture correctly.

• Computer

If you do not already have one, then you may wonder; desktop or laptop? I will give some opinions on this subject in future entries. As for me, I will use my existing personal laptop for my business too since I am just starting out and I do not have the luxury of a big budget. If you are not used to a computer, then you better start learning. A computer is a necessity in today’s world.



• Printer/Scanner/Photocopier/Fax Machine

Get yourself one of these multifunction machines especially if your work space is limited, like mine. It saves space and has all the functions you need to run a business. There are plenty in the market so you have numerous options. If you are buying a new computer for your business, then ask if they also sell multifunction printers. Most likely they can offer you a better deal when you purchase it together with the computer.

• Folders/Binders

How to organize your home office files? Get a few folders or binders, whichever you may prefer because even in this age of technology, you will still need to file your bills, invoices and important contracts. If you organize and keep them safely in folders/binders then they are less likely to disappear when you need to use them.

• Post-it notes

I think a genius invented these! Use it to jot down important tasks and post it on the wall or on the side of your computer monitor to serve as a reminder.

• Trashcan

Keep one beside your desk in your home office so that you don’t have to waste time walking to the kitchen to throw away your trash.

• Phone line

If you want to use your home phone line as your business line as well, it should be fine. But I think if you can afford it, then it is better to get a separate phone line, one just for your business calls. This allows you to easily track the costs of your business calls and you will project a more professional image when your clients or suppliers call you. Alternatively, you can get an additional mobile phone and a mobile line for your business instead of a land line.

• Whiteboard

I am going to get one so that I can plan out my daily schedule on it. That way I will know what I need to get done each day and the time limit for it. Also, if Jake needs to locate me, then by looking at my work schedule, he will be able to guess my whereabouts for the day.

• Alarm clock

I believe this is something you may not consider when you are thinking about how to organize your home office. I will place this on my desk and set a time for it. Let’s say 3PM so everyday when the alarm goes off at 3PM, I will stop whatever I am doing and leave my work space for the day. This allows me to separate my time clearly between work and family. It is easier said than done, yes I know but my fingers are crossed! Try it out and let me know if it works.

• Office supplies such as pens, markers, paper, envelopes, etc

I will purchase some of these and store it in my work space as I believe it will come in handy when my business gets going.

I am sure I will need more things to sustain my business as it grows but for now, I think the list above is adequate to get me started on my home business. Follow these tips on how to organize your home office and you should be fine (fingers crossed!)

By the way, did I mention that I have decided on an ECOMMERCE STORE as my home business? I am so excited! I will definitely keep you posted on it

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Getting Your Feet Wet

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