Top 10 Home Office Tools
You’re ready to start your home based business, but you just didn’t realize how much stuff goes along with working at home. Before you drop hard-earned cash on what you may think are home-office essentials take a minute to think about what you really need. Sure you want that wide-screen iMac and a Martha Stewart designed office, but do you need it? Our answer? No! But there are some essentials.
- Space to work. You don’t have to build an addition on your house to make this a reality. Is there a corner of clutter somewhere in your house that can be cleared out to make way for a desk and a filing cabinet? How about a guest room that’s rarely used? Make creating space for your new venture a priority and you’ll be amazed how quickly you’ll find the room.
- Computer – a reliable one! Think about how you’ll be working. Planning to work only in your home office? A desktop computer might be your best bet. Will you be traveling or do you have wireless Internet access and want to be able to work in different spaces in your house (like the kitchen!)? A laptop may be the way to go. Either way try to stick to basic models – or better yet, buy used.
- Software. Most computers come with the basics – an e-mail program and a word processing program. You may also need specific programs for your home business, so make sure you find out what they are and include them in your start-up budget.
- Internet connection. Dial up or broadband, it’s up to you. Just don’t be caught without it.
- Surge protector. It’s not terribly sexy, but it’s a must. It’ll give you additional outlets for your computer and it’s peripherals, and it’ll also protect your equipment.
- A phone. Obvious, right? Not to everyone. Don’t skimp and think you can just use your home line when you work at home. What if your teenager has a ‘crisis’ and has to talk to her best friend at the exact time when you need to close a deal? Add a second line or purchase a cell phone plan just for your work.
- A printer. You’ll need it to create hard copies of documents for safe keeping and most likely will need it a time or two to print directions to client’s offices.
- A place to put things. Despite all of our technological advances, most businesses still involve lots of paperwork. Have a place to file documents, copies of important emails and bills.
- A comfortable chair. Don’t underestimate the value of having a comfy place to sit. You’ll be inclined to work just a little longer if your back isn’t killing you.
- Lights. Ever tried to read or type in a poorly lit room? We don’t recommend it. Get yourself a lamp.