TL;DR
A new home business owner asked Kathi how to set up a home office. Keep every supply and tool within arm’s reach, keep supplies in a desk caddy and two-thirds of the desktop clear, create standard forms and email signatures for everyday tasks, and keep a daily routine tied to your long-term goals.
Kathi,
I need help setting up my home office space. I have recently started a home based business after working in a corporate environment for years.
Darron, Rancho Santa Fe
Darron,
Congratulations on becoming your own boss. You now have the perfect opportunity to create an effective work area suited to your tastes. Whether it’s a nook, cranny or a separate room, your work area should be conducive to performing your daily work.
A well-equipped workspace will contain all necessary supplies and equipment within arms reach. Larger tools like fax machines and printers should be set up in areas with easy access.
Use a desk caddy. Keep a sufficient supply of pens, pencils, paper clips scissors and other supplies in a desktop holder or a tray inside a desk drawer.
Make sure to keep 2/3 of your desktop cleared at all times. It is easier to function and maintain focus when your desk space is open and free of clutter.
Mimic the corporate environment by creating forms for everyday tasks. For example, type up a personalized Fax Transmittal Form that includes your company name, phone number and other pertinent information. Make copies and leave them by your fax machine for quick and efficient fax transmissions. Create standard email signatures for your email correspondence.
Adhere to a daily routine and schedule. Maintain focus on your long-range goals (life and business) as you go about your daily tasks. Consider whether the busy-ness you are involved in is directly related to your long-term goals. Keep your schedule constantly aligned with the specific reason that you began working for yourself and you will go far.
Please submit your questions to: [email protected]
San Diego Professional Organizer
Keep reading
- How to Organize Your Home OfficeA work-only zone, an inbox and outbox, and ten minutes a day.
- Organizing a Busy Work DeskAn inbound spot, a holding zone and a place for every type of item.
Frequently asked questions
How should I set up a home office after working in a corporate job?
+
Make sure all the supplies and equipment you need are within arm’s reach, with larger machines like printers set up where they are easy to get to. Keep pens, paper clips, scissors and other supplies in a desk caddy or a tray in a drawer.
How much of my desk should be clear?
+
Keep two-thirds of your desktop clear at all times. It is easier to work and stay focused when your desk is open and free of clutter.
How can I work like a corporate office from home?
+
Create forms for everyday tasks, such as a transmittal form with your company name and phone number, and set up standard email signatures. Keep a daily routine and check that your busy work is tied to your long-term goals and the reason you started working for yourself.
