Home Office

OK, so now you’ve got the job you’ve always wanted and can work from home. Or, perhaps you’re an entrepreneur. Either way, I bet you originally thought, “This will be a lot less stressful than commuting!” right? Well, only if you do it right.

Working from home can be a blessing, but it can also be a curse because now you can’t get away from it. You may also be used to having administrative support that you do not have at home. Now YOU have to do the filing, make the office supply lists, etc. Even if you don’t have a separate room with a door, here are some easy tips to live AND work peacefully at home:

Desk:

Get a comfortable chair that will support your back.

Set up an in box for mail and reading.

Have good lighting.

Use a large surface – for example, I use two oak file cabinets with a dining room-sized piece of glass on top for my desk. Don’t try to use one of those space saving modular desks – they don’t work, you can’t spread out and you’ll end up hurting your back because you’ll constantly be bending down to pick things up off the floor and picking though the piles on top surface.

Depending upon the type of business you’re operating, you may need files by client – if so, color-code them. This really helps when the phone rings and you need to quickly grab a client file.

Get a cordless phone so you can move around and get things done while you’re on the phone.

Keep your calendar on your desk, open, and showing the current day and as appointments and reminders pop up during the day, write them down immediately.

Always have a variety of writing instruments on your desk – colored pens, highlighters, pencils, etc. so you don’t waste time hunting for things.

Always keep a pad of paper or spiral notebook near the phone as well for writing messages and jotting down notes.

For inspiration, always keep your business cards on your desk.

Supplies:

Many office supply stores deliver – make use of this whenever possible to save time and to stock up on frequently used items such as reams of paper, printer cartridges, etc.

Always have extra paper clips, staples, post it notes, and scissors on hand.

Calendar:

If you travel a PDA makes sense – it’s easier to carry than a paper-based system and you can easily download information from your computer.

If you prefer paper-based calendars, get one that can accommodate your handwriting. If you have a large handwriting use a 2 page per day system.

Keep a pen, pencil and extra business cards in your paper-based calendar system.

Use your calendar to record follow up items and be a proactive project manager.

Record important business dates such as association meetings, client birthdays, and the like.

Briefcase:

Don’t use a briefcase that closes from the top. You’ll be much happier with one that you can easily get into from the top while it’s on your shoulder.

Use a briefcase that has both shoulder strap and a handle.

Items to always keep stocked in your briefcase: pens, pencils, business cards, highlighters, small stapler, paper clips, blank disks.

Each time you use it, come home and clean it out immediately.

Storage:

If you’re lucky enough to have the room for shelving this is a great way to organize business publications, reading, computer books, etc.

If you have a closet in the room, take out the hanging bar and set up tall 4-drawer file cabinets and label the outside of each drawer.

Read A Testimonial from a Clutter Busters Client Here