How to Get Started Working from Home

Working from home can be both fun and challenging, you don't have to drive to work everyday, heck, you dont even have to really get dressed. Here are some tips I have found to really work while working at home and setting up your 'space'. Let me know if you have anything to add.

1. Separate phone and fax. I use Skype for work so I can turn it off while I am not working, while this is only really important if you have a position that requires you to have a phone or fax. If you need either, it is best to have a separate line, it will also help keep it professional if the business line rings your kids or family wont answer it for you.

2. Keep work and home separate. Ideally, you need a separate room for work. It's good to shut the door on work at the end of the day. It also helps to shuts out distractions. If your not able to have a separate room, a big room divider or nice screen will help keep it separate.

3. Office stuff. Just because you're not in the office doesn't mean you don't need office stuff. Get a stationery cupboard, a shredder, a filing cabinet and even a water cooler. A good filing system is vital.

4. Business class IT. Here's my set up: I have a Dell computer that I try to back up weekly, but have not been 100% on top of that, as well as a backup drive and a live in IT. Both me and my soon to be husband are programmers, he handles hardware, I handle software. If you do not have a live in IT person, you can find them online or through your paper, just having someone come out and show you how to make backups and clean your PC is worth it.

5. Everywhere is your office. You can use a lap top and site at the coffee shop for the day, while I do not have a functioning lap top anymore, I plan on getting one, it is very nice to be able to get out of the house and get some work done. Also if your selling or consulting, you can have meeting at coffee shops, restaurants, anywhere, you are no longer confined to an office.