10 Ways to Prepare To Run Your Business at Home

Featured article by Jeremy Sutter, Independent Technology Author

More people are starting business out of their home, which makes it convenient to increase your productivity and avoid having a commute. Many homes feature offices, which creates a private and quiet place to work in that is separate from the rest of the property. To ensure that you’re prepared to run a business out of your home, there are a few important steps to take.

1. Designate a Work Area

You’ll need to find a spare room or closet to work out of to ensure that you can start a business. Find a space that allows you to fit all of your computers and equipment to ensure that you can work comfortably throughout the day.

2. Purchase the Right Supplies

There are several types of products that you’ll need to run your own business to ensure that your needs are met with the tasks that need to be completed. Consider purchasing two different computer monitors, a hard drive, a filing cabinet, and mailing supplies to ensure that the office is well-stocked to avoid making frequent trips to the store.

3. Follow Ergonomic Rules

According to fastcompany.com, adjust your workspace to ensure that it follows ergonomic rules by adjusting the computer screen to make it eye level and position the keyboard to ensure that your forearms are parallel to the floor.

4. Create an Area for Storage

Create a space to place all of your paperwork to keep it organized and make it easy to find. You can use a magazine rack and a filing cabinet that has labels to ensure that like items are grouped together to free up extra space on your desk.

5. Clean the Setting

Cleaning your home office will make it easier to remain productive and feel comfortable while spending a significant time in the setting. Consider steam cleaning the carpets, dusting the shelves, and wiping down the baseboards to ensure that you maintain the environment and create a presentable space for potential clients or business partners to visit. Replacing your furnace air filters will also improve the air quality of the setting to breathe easier.

6. Add Greenery

Adding a bit of greenery into the office will make it easier to work in the office without suffering from cabin fever if you spend a long day indoors. Add flowers on your desk and hang a few plants from the ceiling to bring the outdoors into the home and allow it to feel cozier.

7. Use Natural Light

Natural light will make it easier to avoid feeling like you’re stuck in a dim cubicle as you work, making it important to open up the curtains and move your desk closer to the windows. You can also use floor lamps to illuminate dim areas of the room to create an uplifting environment that you’ll want to spend more time in.

8. Remove Distractions

It’s important to remove televisions or magazines from the office space, which can make it easy to become distracted as you attempt to get more done throughout the day.

9. Personalize the Space

The place where you run your business at home should be somewhere that feels like your own space to ensure that you feel comfortable as you work. Personalize the office by painting the walls, adding photos, and placing an upholstered chair in the corner of the room.

10. Hide Clutter

The key to increasing your productivity is to hide clutter that can make it difficult to think clearly. Use storage bins where you can place folders or books and keep exposed wires out of site under the desk.