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The Right Stuff for Your Home Office
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By Parvati Markus
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The Right Stuff for Your Home Office By Parvati Markus
Are you trying to run your own business out of your home or areyou a government or company employee who has the option to workfrom home? Working at home has many benefits, including moretime spent with family and no money spent on office rental.Maybe you're one of the many people who have embraced the ideaof becoming an Internet entrepreneur. Yes, it's time to set up ahome office -- in a manner that is conducive and productive foryou to work in, with a minimum of noise and distraction.
Finding a space for your home office will depend on the type ofwork you want to accomplish. If you need to be on the phoneduring the day (in your time zone), you can set up a computerdesk with file storage in the living or dining room, which areusually quiet during the day. If you need more work surfaces --like getting those items you sold on EBay wrapped for shipment-- you'll be more comfortable in the den or basement. Working inthe evenings while the family watches TV in the living room? Setup a desk in your bedroom so you can work quietly.
Once you have chosen the best area, consider putting up wallshelves to save space on your flat desk surface. Also thinkabout using a laptop or one of the new "miniature" computerswith a thin flat screen monitor. More space can be created byattaching the house phone to the wall or using your computer tomake phone calls, eliminating the need for a phone on your desk.
Plan your home office carefully. The right equipment and officefurniture will save you time, effort, and money, not to mentionback or wrist pain. According to a recent survey, nearly 75% ofhome business owners didn't have a designated room for theirhome office with the right office furniture.
The most important choices concern the computer desk, an officechair, storage and lighting.
A computer desk is the keystone of your home office. Nowadays,new computer desks come with many space-saving features andenough built-in storage to transform a small space in yourapartment or house into a convenient and productive officespace. A corner computer desk can be easily accommodated inalmost any room. The style of desk you choose depends on thetype of work you do. If you have to work with papers, the rightcomputer desk will give you enough room for your computer andkeyboard as well as sufficient flat surface for paperwork. Foradditional flat surfaces, consider adding an extra wing or curveto your desk. If you often use books, binders or thick heavymanuals, you may choose a computer desk with a hutch forshelving or closed cabinet space for easy access to printedmaterials and office supplies without losing any of the valuableflat surfaces.
The right office chair does more than give you a way to sit atthe computer. It can also save your back, neck, and shoulders,and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome by putting you at the rightheight relative to your keyboard and monitor. If clients will becoming to your home, make sure you have comfortable seating forthem as well.
Where are you going to keep your files, office supplies and/orproduct inventory? Storage space is vital if you want to keepyour work surfaces neat and clean. From a file drawer in yourdesk to file cabinets, shelving units, bookcases, and storagecabinets and lockers, the available configurations mean there'ssomething that will work for you. And it's so much easier tothink when you don't have to take boxes off your computer beforesitting down to work. (You might also think about going'paperless' on your bills and paying them over the computer.)
Also, remember to have proper lighting, both in daytime and atnight. Don't place a desk so that direct sunlight hits yourcomputer monitor -- you won't be able to see! And have a goodbright lamp on or near the desk to avoid eye strain.
To give your home office a professional appearance, getcreative. Paint the wall a peaceful color, decorate with artworkor framed photos, and add a touch of green with potted plants ora sunny touch with bright flowers. A small effort will rewardyou with an enhanced image when a client steps into your homeoffice. The Right Stuff for your home office means you'll behappier and more productive there, too. Please find the originalarticle and more information about this subject athttp://www.homeandliving.com/DesignAdvice.aspx?Category=HomeOffice
When Parvati Markus is not writing helpful and insightfularticles like the one you just read from www.homeandliving.com,she works with The Kabbalah Centre and freelances on non-fictionbooks and articles. As a recent arrival in L.A., Parvati iscompleting her "residency requirement" by writing a screenplay.
If you would like to publish this article on your own site,please feel free to do so. Please let us know the url of theposted article by emailing the url toarticles@homeandliving.com. All we ask is that you include thewhole article, without changes, including the link to theoriginal article location, author information, this disclaimerand the following link.
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