Are you thinking about opening a home office? Congratulations. That is the first step toward becoming a remote worker or home-based entrepreneur. But, it’s not as simple as just slapping a computer on a desk and getting yourself up and running. Before you start any new projects, you’ll first want to make sure that you can legally work from home. Once you’ve gotten the okay, it’s time to make sure your new professional workspace is safe, functional, and ready for business. The Social Media Club St. Louis shares these tips to help you get started.

Business First

First things first, you should know that not all buildings or neighborhoods allow for a home office, especially if doing so will increase road or foot traffic. Contact your local zoning commission for more information. You may also be required to get permits or to make changes to your physical structure, such as adding an extra bathroom, to accommodate in-person customers. Next, if your home office is part of a home business, get your business structure settled early. In most cases, this will be an LLC. 

The costs of financing a home office redesign can add up quickly, so be sure to monitor your business’s financial health. For example, you can use accounting software like FreshBooks or Quickbooks to automate tasks like batch invoicing. This software saves considerable time by letting you send multiple invoices at once. Automating your invoicing allows you to gain visibility on your finances.

Functional Office Ideas

Now that you have the go ahead, you can get to work creating a safe and functional home office. Start by choosing your location wisely. Ideally, you’ll want a room with lots of natural light and in close proximity to or with a private bathroom. Your office should also be large enough to accommodate your desk and chair and spaced out seating for visitors. A side note here: You should also have a spot designated for video conferences. The Ladders business blog explains that you need to pay attention to your background. Further, your office should be far enough away from everyone else in your home that you avoid accidental on-camera intrusions. Remember, your kids can and will show up at the worst possible time if you let them.

Something else to consider is the color that you paint your office walls. If you want to add a pop of visual interest, you can start with a soft gray and then use textured or patterned wallpaper as an accent. If you’ve never hung wallpaper, there are lots of new options available, and you can install it on your own in just a few minutes with a minimal amount of tools. If wallpaper isn’t an option, such as if your walls are brick or already textured, a statement art piece can serve as an icebreaker when you have new clients on-site.

Your next priority is organization. An organized office is a professional office and, more importantly, efficient. Real Homes offers many tips on how to organize your home office, including adding modular storage and using a variety of different types of shelves and containers to put your stuff in.

Remember to also keep cleaning top of mind. And while it’s great if you have the time, it may be worthwhile to have someone else come in to clean your office from time to time. If you have large windows, you’ll want to have those professionally cleaned as well. Simply search for “house or window cleaning services near me” to find the right experts to do the job.

A final thought: Invest in the best technology. This means your internet, computers, printers, phone and even your headphones. Having the right tools at your disposal will ensure that your home office is every bit as able to handle common business transactions as your customers expect.

Working from home comes with many challenges, but creating the perfect office doesn’t have to be one of them. Before you slap a desk in a room, make sure that you’re legally able to do so, and then pay attention to your design. A large office with plenty of sunlight, seating, and shelves should do the trick.