You have to set aside a space and use it for work because if you use your work space for things other than work, you will get distracted by anything lying around on your office desk that shouldn’t be there. Maybe other people in the family will be frustrated by not being able to use the space but you must keep your space personal with your own office furniture and your own work space.

Art of the Home Office

Dedicate one whole room to your work sanctuary.

Essentials for a home office include an office desk, office chair, computer/computer desk, filing cabinet and phone and/or fax. Look for good deals on office furniture, make sure your office chair is comfortable and make sure you have a large enough office desk or computer desk.  Buy office furniture online when you can.

Make sure all your office equipment is up to the job and that you have everything to hand. If you plan to do a lot of phoning make sure your phone is at reach on your office desk and buy a headset so that you can do it hands free. It’s worth spending just a little extra on your office chair if you are going to be sitting in it for long lengths of time.

Make sure the room is well lit and decorated in a style you like. Keep it at a comfortable temperature with good ventilation. Make sure your office furniture is laid out in the best workable format for you.

A Question of Tax

The area of your house that you do business in should be tax deductible, so should any equipment or office furniture that you buy or other work you have done. It’s not an excuse to spend more but remember that you’re not spending quite as much as you think.