An Easy, Step-by-Step Checklist to get You Started on Creating a Comfortable, Creative Workspace   

As more women continue to telecommute, they are also creating office spaces to improve their workflow and encourage production and creativity. Of course, this latter task means having a home office with as few distractions as possible.

Designing a suitable office space also depends on where you live. The size of home offices in apartments in New York City will generally be smaller than the ones located in one- or two-story homes in the midwest. However, the size of a work space does not always matter as long as it is functional. That said, here are some ways to make maximum use of any space when creating a home office.

Small Space, Big Dreams

If you live in a tiny apartment or house, you may think you don’t have any room for an office, but that’s not necessarily true. This is where great organizational skills come in to play; in fact, if you don’t plan ahead, you’ll have a very cluttered home office in no time.

So take some time to look at every single inch of your living area, and build from there. You don’t want to sacrifice comfort for room; you are likely to spend many hours in your office, so you want to make sure you’re comfortable and have the space to work properly and efficiently.

However, if you can dedicate an entire room in your home for your office, then you will be able to add more furniture and tools. Just don’t overcrowd your space by filling it with more items than what you actually need!

Checklist of Home Office Essentials

There are several key tools you’ll need to help your home office so you can be more effective and productive. You can streamline this list by purchasing only what you need, and postpone buying anything else until you have additional funds or space.

The following equipment and technology comprise the basic needs when setting up an office space:

• Computer: Make sure to select a computer than meets your specific needs, and buy it from a reputable dealer. If you have a tiny space, a laptop may be a good choice because it takes up very little room.
• Internet Access: Along with a computer, this is imperative to have in today’s working world. Broadband is your most efficient way to go.
• Desk: Think about getting an ergonomically correct work station. However, if you are short on funds, a simple table will work as well.
• Chair: Besides your computer, this is the other area in which you want to invest. A good office chair will help you get through the workday with little discomfort. You will want to make sure your chair is ergonomically correct and comfortable.
• Lighting: Make sure your lighting levels are adequate so you won’t have a glare coming off your computer screen. (This can lead to eye strain and headaches.)
• Office Supplies: Make sure to stock up on pens, pencils, papers, Post-It Notes, markers, etc. IN fact, it’s best to have a little extra of all of them.
• Miscellaneous Computer Equipment: This includes software, plus a router, surge protector, printer, backup drive, and power supply.
• Safety First: You may also want to consider getting a paper shredder to help retain private information about your work. In addition, a fire-safe box is the type of storage that can help protect your important paperwork.

If you find you are able to set up your office space easily, then you can start being productive. However, if something isn’t working just right or if you feel you are missing something, go back our checklist to make you have everything. These items don’t need to cost a fortune. Many times, you can find furniture at yard sales or on Craigslist.

A Reflection of You

Because you are probably going to spend a large amount of time in your home office, you want it to reflect who you are, and the type of work you do. It’s your happy place, and you want to be comfortable in there. You can do this in a few ways:

• Keep It Organized: Piles of papers, folders, and books can be a nuisance and get in the way, especially in a small workspace.
• Add a Few Personal Touches: Add some candles, framed pictures, dried flowers (no need to keep emptying the vase every few days), mementoes, or anything else of yours that is a representation of you and can help to engender creativity and focus.
• Reminders of Positive Things: We all need a little nurturing in our lives — which is why having inspirational messages and positive sayings throughout your workspace is also a great idea!