How to create a home office

The need for a home office

More and more people own at least one home computer. In addition they may own a printer, scanner and perhaps even a photocopier. Whether these items are used at home for work or pleasure, there is no doubting that finding the appropriate home area can be a problem. A home office is a great solution if space allows. There are many options available and so it should be possible to find one to suit you.

Your home office could be a corner of a bedroom, a small area of a home conservatory or even a designated office in an outbuilding. Assess your home office needs before you start planning and organising the office. Your needs will probably be greater if the home office is needed to run a business as opposed to one that is for fun. No matter what type and location of home office you use it will benefit from being well organised.

Office location

Have a good look around your home. See which areas could accommodate a home office. The size of space needed will depend upon the equipment you have and how many people may be using the office.

Even if you do not all use the office together, more people will need more space, for example, for storage. Think about the possible room temperature in both summer and winter, and ensure that you have ventilation and heating solutions.

Office furnishings and office furniture

Now that you have found the perfect location for a office in your home, what type of office do you want?

There are so many styles available these days. Research on-line for ideas. Some home offices can be added to in time. These can be great when the initial budget is tight.

Other home offices can be constructed in different shapes so that they fit the space available perfectly.

Also consider having a purpose built office. You may be a capable woodworker who is able to design and create your own office furniture. If not you should be able to hire someone locally to do the work for you. This may not be as expensive as first thought.

Think about the lighting and window coverings. Vertical blinds are good for office working and help control the light during the day. This can be important when working on computers. The artificial lighting needs to be conducive to your office work.Remember that where you place desks and computer screens in relation to light sources is vital.

Dual purpose rooms

More often than not a home office will have to be set up in a room that has another purpose. Many home offices are created in spare bedrooms, for example. If the room is to have a dual purpose extra thought needs to be given to organising the space. It is no good if the room ends up not fit for either purpose. Screens or shelf units can often be used as room dividers in order to give both parties some privacy.

How to organise your home office

Now that your home office is up and running it is important to organise it.

• Check the position and height of the computer, desk and screens to ensure that it is ergonomically correct.
• Store printer inks out of the sun and in date order. You need to make sure that you use the oldest first. It is best not to have too many printer inks stored, unless you use a lot of ink regularly.
• Invest in a sturdy filing cabinet so that you can organise any paperwork. If you have small children you may want to lock important papers in the filing cabinet.
• Ensure that you have a stock of stationery. Consider if you need pencils, pens, an eraser, a highlighter, paper clips, a stapler, a hole punch, A4 paper, a notepad and a message board. So much will depend upon the type of office you are hoping to achieve. If it is to support working from home it must be efficient.
• Consider investing in an additional phone line. Perhaps one that is a designated business line.
• Set ground rules for using the office. If you are working from home you will need to be free from constant interruptions.
• Layout the office area for maximum efficiency. You will need a pen and paper to hand plus the telephone. keyboard, mouse and paper shredder all within easy reach.
• Keep the home office free of clutter. Empty waste paper baskets and shredders regularly.
• If space is at a premium consider purchasing a desk that has combined filing drawers and shelving. Some of these units can be closed when not in use.

You will need

• Appropriate area of your home.
• Office furniture and furnishings which can be as basic or extravagant as you want.
• Stationery.
• Home computer.
• Optional equipment such as a printer, telephone, fax, scanner, photocopier, shredder, message board and modem.
• Shelving or storage solution.

Additional information

• Set ground rules.
• Store items out of the sun's rays.
• Establish your own filing system and use it.
• Keep organised.
• Tidy the home office at the end of each session or working day.
• Ban drinks and food from the computer area.
• Shred sensitive documents as soon as possible. Empty shredders and waste paper baskets on a regular basis.