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Finding the Right Space for Your Home Office
Whether you live in a three-room or a ten-room house, you'll need to designate a space for your office if you
run a business from home. Some people find it works just fine to have their desk in the living room, while
others need to be in private spaces, behind closed doors. For you, the entrepreneur "mom", a private area
that offers seclusion and a child's sense of "Mommy's Space" is probably the best option.
A spare bedroom, basement, attic, side porch, garage—even a large closet or breakfast nook—can all be
candidates for a home office, depending on what you're able and willing to do to convert the space.
Following are some tips to remember when choosing a space:
Find a space you can call your own.
You'll need a space where you can have some privacy and quiet when you need it, preferably a space with
a door so you can shut out all outside distractions. If you don't have a traditional home office, be creative and
claim a space for yourself. This is especially important if you plan to claim a home office deduction on your
income tax return.
Make sure your office has enough space to keep you organized. You'll need room for filing
cabinets, shelves, a desk or computer table, and other equipment.
Choose a space that makes it easy to set limits on other people “visiting” you in your office. If
you locate your office in a spot where everybody has to walk by as they come in the door, the temptation to
stop and chat will be great. If you're in a corner of the basement, however, chances are they'll almost forget
you're there.
Setting up a home office can be as simple as moving some stuff around, or as complex as hiring a contractor
to convert or add a room to your house. The important thing is to find a space that works for you. Be realistic
about your needs and expectations. If you'll be receiving clients at your home, you need to also consider the
needs of your clients and the impression your office will make.
Getting the Equipment You Need
Many moms, when just starting out in their own business or converting to a work-at-home situation for an
employer, can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on fancy office equipment. There are, however, some
things you're probably going to need, such as a fax machine, filing cabinets, a separate phone line, high-
speed online access (instead of dial-up), and business stationary. However, many home offices have
started with little more than a desk, chair, and computer, so if you can't buy all the desirable equipment right
away, don't worry. Add what you need as you can, shop auctions and online discount stores for good
deals, and remember that the most important attributes of a home office are those you offer: enthusiasm,
determination, and perseverance.
Whether you live in a three-room or a ten-room house, you'll need to designate a space for your office if you
run a business from home. Some people find it works just fine to have their desk in the living room, while
others need to be in private spaces, behind closed doors. For you, the entrepreneur "mom", a private area
that offers seclusion and a child's sense of "Mommy's Space" is probably the best option.
A spare bedroom, basement, attic, side porch, garage—even a large closet or breakfast nook—can all be
candidates for a home office, depending on what you're able and willing to do to convert the space.
Following are some tips to remember when choosing a space:
Find a space you can call your own.
You'll need a space where you can have some privacy and quiet when you need it, preferably a space with
a door so you can shut out all outside distractions. If you don't have a traditional home office, be creative and
claim a space for yourself. This is especially important if you plan to claim a home office deduction on your
income tax return.
Make sure your office has enough space to keep you organized. You'll need room for filing
cabinets, shelves, a desk or computer table, and other equipment.
Choose a space that makes it easy to set limits on other people “visiting” you in your office. If
you locate your office in a spot where everybody has to walk by as they come in the door, the temptation to
stop and chat will be great. If you're in a corner of the basement, however, chances are they'll almost forget
you're there.
Setting up a home office can be as simple as moving some stuff around, or as complex as hiring a contractor
to convert or add a room to your house. The important thing is to find a space that works for you. Be realistic
about your needs and expectations. If you'll be receiving clients at your home, you need to also consider the
needs of your clients and the impression your office will make.
Getting the Equipment You Need
Many moms, when just starting out in their own business or converting to a work-at-home situation for an
employer, can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on fancy office equipment. There are, however, some
things you're probably going to need, such as a fax machine, filing cabinets, a separate phone line, high-
speed online access (instead of dial-up), and business stationary. However, many home offices have
started with little more than a desk, chair, and computer, so if you can't buy all the desirable equipment right
away, don't worry. Add what you need as you can, shop auctions and online discount stores for good
deals, and remember that the most important attributes of a home office are those you offer: enthusiasm,
determination, and perseverance.