So you think that a desk, phone, and computer are all you need to setup your home office? Well think again. As a work at home mom you will be juggling your parenting and work at home mom duties and this requires a whole different workspace game plan. Read on if you want to find out how to set your office up for work at home success.
Gear up for in house mobility
Unlike the typical work at home pro who can tuck themselves away in a separate room with the door closed, you need to be in a place where you can keep your eye on the little ones while working away. For example, in the morning you might be in the kitchen serving breakfast. A couple of hours later you’re in the family room for play time, then back to the kitchen during lunch. In the afternoon you’re in the den supervising homework time. Running back and forth between your office and the room your child is in just won’t do. You need to think like a road warrior and that means mobility.
The Mobile Home Office Set-up
You will be conducting business on the run and there is no way around that. Here is what you need:
- Wireless ready notebook computer – Mac or PC is up to you but a 15 inch screen is the smallest we recommend. Be sure you have Microsoft Office, a web browser, and any other software required for your work loaded on the notebook.
- High speed Internet connection such as DSL or Cable
- Wireless router – This connects to your high-speed Internet modem. Setting this up is not terribly difficult but if you are a complete technophobe your Internet provider or a home computer service pro can set this up for you.
- Dedicated business phone line w/voice mail – Must have to keep your personal calls at bay while you focus on your workday.
- Cordless Phone w/ wireless headset
- File tot box
The Home Office Base Station
Now that your set-up to be a work at home mom on the run, you still need a dedicated workspace to use when you have alone time and tasks that require maximum focus. Pick a location in the house where you can have some privacy. A spare bedroom is ideal but any space where you can have relative quite and privacy will do. Once you settle on your work at home space, it’s time to convert it into an area that is meant for business. The goal is to make you feel like you’ve left your home and entered into a business environment. At the very minimum, paint the walls a different color then the rest of the house. Avoid using bedroom lamps. Instead, use halogen desk lamps sold at office supply stores that look industrial and can be dimmed.
Home Office Layout
At its most basic, a home office needs a desk, bookshelf, and a filing cabinet. Depending on your office location and space type, you may need additional furnishings to give you privacy. For example if you do not have a door to close off your space you should bring in cubicle walls or room dividers. Resurrecting you own walls will help keep you out of sight and mind of the family, as well as block outside noise.
Basic Work At Home Office Gear and Supplies
Here is a basic checklist of the items you will need for your home office:
- Fax Machine 0r Fax Software
- Printer
- Label Printer
- Printer Paper
- Pens, Pencils, Paperclips, Stapler
- Highlighters
- Several 3 Ring Binders
- Paper Trays
- Notepads
Keep It Green, Clean, and Orderly
When your home office is ready for business follow these 10 great tips on how to make a green work at home office that is kind to environment and your energy bill. Also be sure to keep it clean and orderly. No matter how much time and effort you put into the design and layout, it will all go for naught if you let paper and trash piles build up. Having a disorganized office will slow you down. Take time each day to tidy up and file paperwork. The best time to do your filing is at the end of the day. Not only will you have an organized desk when you start your next work day, the routine of filing the day’s work away will help you mentally separate yourself from work for the rest of the night.
We would love to hear your work at home office ideas. If you have some to share please use the Comments section below.
About At Home Moms.com: Online since 1998, At Home Moms.com is dedicated to helping you be a successful work at home mom.
By Will Bernstein, At Home Moms.com
