Essential Equipment for the Home OfficeMany components of

Essential Equipment for the Home Office

Many components of the home office are a matter of personal taste. However, there are some things every office needs in order to function. Shop carefully for your home office equipment-if space is limited, you can find space-saving versions of just about any piece on the list.
* Computer: You can't run a virtual office without a virtual facilitator, otherwise known as your computer. Your computer should be reliable and fast, with sufficient storage and RAM to run your business easily. You probably don't need the "best computer money can buy." However, you should make sure you have at least 20 gigs of storage space (especially if you work with graphics, PDFs or other large documents); external storage drives (CD drives with burners work great!); at least 256 megs of RAM (Random Access Memory); and a 1+ gig processor (the processor is what allows your computer to load images, find files, open windows and generally run fast). Also, ensure that you have the peripheral devices necessary to your business: scanner, printer, fax modem (or a scanner/printer/fax combination, which saves you money and space), and plenty of USB ports to plug everything in.
* Desk: Somewhere out there is the perfect desk for you. You can find a computer desk to fit just about any space, whether you have a corner office or an entire finished basement. Your desk should be functional, sturdy and convenient, with plenty of storage space so you don't need a lot of auxiliary storage. Be sure the desk is a good height for you, unless you plan to get an adjustable chair.
* Chair: Your butt will be spending a lot of time planted in your chair, so make sure you pick one that is comfortable. Wheeled chairs are nice for moving around your office, but if you don't have carpeting you may want to avoid wheels. If possible, get a chair with adjustable height so you can avoid straining your arms as your typing, or match stationary chairs to your desk before you buy one.
* Paper storage system: Though you will probably be storing most of your files on your hard drive, there are some things you should keep physical files of, such as your tax returns and equipment warranties. You can get a good two- or three-drawer file cabinet for under $50 from an office supply store or major department store. If your business deals with sensitive client information, consider purchasing a locking file cabinet. Make sure you have plenty of folders: buy in bulk to save money. You'll also likely need a bookshelf for reference materials, and again, you can get a good set of shelves for under $50.
* Telephone system: You need a good, clear line of communication, so be sure whatever phone you use doesn't crackle or cut out. If you use a cell phone, go with a reliable service carrier-you don't want to lose your signal in the middle of an important business call. For landline phones, you might consider a satellite phone. They are more expensive than other types, but have both wired and cordless receivers and transmit signals clearly from room to room. At the very least, invest in a good cordless phone in case you have to suddenly duck into another room in the middle of a call. When you choose your telephone service carrier, opt for one that allows unlimited local and long distance calling, call waiting, three-way calling, and voicemail. If you have both call waiting and voicemail, you will never miss a call-even if you're on the other line and can't answer the incoming call, the voicemail system will pick it up. You also might want to consider a hands-free headset if you will be spending a lot of time on the phone.
* Organizational/calendar system: Organization is important for your home office. You should have a large, write-on calendar hanging on the wall so you can see your month at a glance, as well as a portable organizer that you keep with you at all times. A portable organizer can double as storage for business cards, so you're ready to take on a new customer or client any time. Tuck a few business cards into your organizer so you're always ready to pitch your business to a potential customer-you never know when you'll run across one!
* Shipping supplies: Keep your home office stocked with stamps, envelopes, paper, printer ink, paperclips or a stapler, and any other correspondence supplies you might need to avoid running to the post office. Also, consider investing in a postage meter-sending company mail out with printed postage rather than stamps helps to enforce your big-business image.
* Special considerations: Make sure your home office has everything you need to keep your business running smoothly...and you interested in running it. If you can't concentrate without background noise, get a small fan or white noise machine. If music helps you work, invest in a good stereo system with a remote control (so you don't have to keep getting up to adjust it)-or start collecting mp3 files to play right from your computer. Make your home office a pleasant place to be, and you will be much happier spending time in it, and therefore more productive.