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The dream of many people is to be able to work at home without the pressures and regimen of working at an office. But with that dream comes discipline and organization. Even though you are no longer required to get up early, get dressed and be at an office for 8-10 hours, you still have to produce the same quality of work. How you schedule your workday depends on your profession, but it is necessary to set up a schedule and stick to it.

Essentials of a Home Office:

1. Dedicated office - If possible, use a separate room dedicated as your office only. With many people this may be impossible. If you don't have a separate room, then use your bedroom so you can lock your door when working. My home office was in my den and my family knew that when I was in the den, I was working and was not to be disturbed.

2. Desk - Any desk will do, but preferably one with drawers for easy access to files which you use regularly. As a real estate agent, I was always doing research on my computer so I used an L-shaped secretarial desk with my computer monitor and keyboard on the side. If you are limited on space, you can buy a pedestal desk with drawers on each side or get a compact computer workstation. You can buy L-shaped secretarial desks at any used office furniture place for about $150. Office furniture depreciates and becomes "used" once it is moved off the floor into an office and many desks are returned for small chips or because the person didn't like the color or it didn't fit. For whatever reason, once it is returned, it is considered "used" and has to be sold as used. You can find some really good deals on expensive furniture at a fraction of the cost.

3. Computer/Monitor/Keyboard - I can't think of any profession today that does not require a computer at some point. You can buy a reconditioned computer for $150 and a monitor for $25 or visit Goodwill or Salvation Army and find monitors and keyboards galore for less than $10. It's difficult to test them to see if they work because they have to be hooked up to a computer, but both Goodwill and Salvation have return policies.

4. Fax machine/copier/printer/scanner - You can buy the All-in-One models that give you a fax, copier, printer and scanner. There are many models on the market and Office Depot and Office Max are always having sales.

5. Phone - Many people today use their cell phones, and that's fine. Again, it depends on the type of work you do. Mobile phones may not be practical in some cases, but if you don't need a land line, don't add the extra monthly expense.

6. Filing cabinets and bookshelves - Again, depending on your profession, these may or may not be necessary. I always kept a dictionary and thesaurus handy, but you can put those on your desk instead of a bookshelf and use your drawers for files instead of buying a filing cabinet. A 5-drawer vertical filing cabinet will cost less than $50 if you buy it used.

7. Comfortable chair - This is a must. Swivel secretarial chairs are fine if you have a space problem, but the adjustable executive swivel chairs are the best for your back. You can buy them at used furniture stores for a lot less than buying a new secretarial chair.

8. Office supplies - Pens, pencils, scissors, stapler, staple remover, hole-punch, tape dispenser, file folders and copy paper are just a few to get you started.

As with any home office, your profession dictates what you need and don't need. It's important to make your office area comfortable, efficient and pleasant to be in. Hang pictures and get a nice lamp for your desk. The more you enjoy your office, the better your work ethic.

Word count: 663

Learn more about this author, Sharon Lea Hill.
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