Work from home... or plan to?

Most everyone wishes they had a place in the house to carve aside for work. Whether it is to do taxes, pay bills, or even run a small business from your house, you need something more than the kitchen table to make this space conducive to productivity.

As an employee in a small company (where we are often asked to work from home), I understand how important this is. Here are some reasons why it is better to call an area your "home office":

1. Mental Separation: On lazy Saturday mornings, have you ever just grabbed something to eat and plopped down on the couch, only to find that 3 hours have passed and you're still in your pajamas? When working from home it is as important to have a routine that separates your "leisure" mind from your "work" mind. Getting up, getting dressed (even if just out of your sleep attire), and heading to your office area will prep your mind to be focused on work rather than picking up after the kids or doing laundry.


2. Privacy: While I am working at the kitchen table, my 5 yr old will ask me for a snack, to play a game, watch a movie, or 11 other things with me responding "I have to get some work done" repeatedly. Even your spouse may not understand that you sitting in a common area doesn't make you fair game to start dinner or bring in groceries. The home office helps provide some degree of separation and puts you more "off limits" to the rest of the house (at least until you call it a day).


3. Focus: Focus was mentioned in bullet #1, but is worth its own mention. There are far too many distractions while working out of your home. There are always 100 things needing done. To get your work accomplished, be it taxes, bills, or doing year end books for your business, you need time and space to focus on the task at hand, or else the quality will suffer and deadlines may not be met.

These are all reasons why you should have a home office. Next thing is to think about how you will start this home office. Look to online resources or even local deals to find what will work for you without breaking your bank. Local resources can offer you some great prices, such as listings on Craigslist or the local paper. The only catch with these is finding a way to go pick up that 3 piece sectional desk with hutch. The back of an Accord may not have space to get all that, so you're scrambling to find someone with a truck (or have to go rent one).

Online resources are a good move here, where you can get brand new lower rate items with front door delivery included. Always inquire about the optional charges involved with front door delivery, as truck delivery may require lift-gate service or hand truck. Look here for some low-cost home office products. Or email here with any questions about getting your home office started. Good luck!