These Home Office Ideas Will Help You Build a Better Home-Based Business

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One of the great benefits of running a home-based business is having flexibility and independence in how, where, and when you work. However, some business owners assume that flexibility means you don’t need a traditional office space. Your workspace may not need to be traditional, but most businesses do require a dedicated space. When you’re ready to design and set up this space, use the flexibility you have to create an office that fits your style and helps you get the job done. Here’s how you can make that happen.

The Space

The first decision you have to make is where to locate your home office. At first glance, you may not think you have many options, but it never hurts to think outside the box and explore all the possibilities. An ideal home office space is one that’s separate from the rest of your home, so if you have a room that can be a dedicated office, this is your best bet.

If you don’t have this space, there are a few other options to consider. You could get creative and set up a small home office in an unusual spot like a closet or a dormer. However, if you realize your current home simply isn’t big enough to house your growing business, that may be a sign that it’s time to look for a new home where your workspace can be a priority. Maybe that means looking into building plans that include extra room for an office, or you may want to look into home prices in your area to see if a larger home will be in your budget. In San Diego, the average home price is around $625,000, though this price will fluctuate depending on the neighborhood and the size of home you’re looking to purchase.

As you’re considering these options, think through the top requirements for this space. What does your average day in the “office” look like? Are you sitting at a desk? What other activities are part of your workday? When you think about the layout, make sure you also consider whether you need a space for collaboration or if it needs to be a space for you to work alone.

The Tech Specs

When you’ve done some thoughtful planning and you’re ready to take action, one of the most important things to consider is how to make your home office tech-ready. Start with the main devices you’ll need, like a laptop, whether you want an additional monitor, a printer, and anything else your business requires. Make sure you think about wiring and the internet as well. BobVila.com explains why some business owners choose to install structured wiring, which is a dedicated system that delivers internet, phone, and networking to your home office.

Also, explore additional tech accessories that will make your workflow more efficient. Once you’ve added these tech “extras,” you’ll probably think of them as essential. For example, the iStick (which retailers for approximately $35 at Amazon) is a desk accessory that holds your low-tech tools like pens and sticky notes, along with your high-tech gadgets like your smartphone, with built-in USB ports for charging.

The Style

Home office elements like wiring and furniture are obvious requirements, but the style you create in a home office can do just about as much when it comes to supporting productivity. One way to start your style search is to think about color. You really can’t go wrong with color as long as you choose a hue that reflects the feeling you want. For example, Decor Aid explains how a pale blue office creates a light and airy feel, whereas golden yellow brightens things up while giving your space depth. Rust, meanwhile, is a great way to create warmth. It’s also smart to browse style ideas so you can get a feel for the type of look that motivates you most.

Don’t underestimate the importance of form and function to maximize productivity. The great news for entrepreneurs is that you aren’t caged in by a cubicle or a sea of gray. Don’t pass up this your opportunity to make sure your home office fits your needs and your personality to a T!