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In order to work from home successfully, you need to assemble the proper toolkit. Some items are absolutely necessary and some just make life easier. Most of the items you probably already have in your home and others are very low cost.

A place to work. This can either be a dedicated space or one that has many uses. If you own a desk and/or have space for one in your home, that is great. Having someplace that you can keep you entire toolkit at can be great for productivity and keep clutter in your house down to a minimum. If you do not that is not a problem either. The dining room table, an end table, or kitchen counter can all do double duty as your workspace, especially if you have a laptop computer that you can tuck away when you are not working.

A computer. This is almost a necessary item when working from home. Whether you have a telecommuting job, you freelance, you own your own business or you are a consultant with a network marketing company, it would be very difficult to do it all without a computer. You can get a very basic desktop starting at $300 or a laptop for around $500. If that is not in your budget, look into buying a refurbished one or see if a friend or family member has one they are no longer using.

Paper and Pens/Pencils. I love writing to do lists the old fashioned way using a pad of paper and pen. Sometimes it is just not possible to sit down at my computer to write and I try to always keep a small notebook and pen on hand for when creativity strikes. They are also useful for taking notes when interviewing someone, listening to a training call, or taking instructions for a freelance job.

A Calendar. I use a two calendars, the one in my Microsoft Outlook and another on my fridge. The paper calendar is just a cheap, no frills one I picked up at the store. You will need to find the best system for you and your family, but a keeping a calendar is the best way to keep track of appointments and stay on schedule.

What are items that you consider must haves in your home office? What have you found to be completely useless? I hope this helps you begin to set up your office.

Warmly,
Mia