Guide to Small Office/Home Office Set-Up

Start a small business with the right home office furniture and office supplies.

Equipping your home office with furniture, small business software and home office supplies is the first step toward running a productive business. You'll get more done if your home office has everything you need to work comfortably and efficiently. The good news is, these days there are plenty of home office supplies and solutions tailor-made for small business owners - so in the end, your home office can be just as professional as you are. Every space is different, but if you work from a home office there are five must-haves:

1. Office furniture that fits your space.
2. Small business software for financial management.
3. A dedicated phone line for your small office.
4. Home business insurance.
5. Basic home office supplies.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose small office furniture for efficiency and style

Home office furniture should make the most of your small office space. Look for a desk with built-in storage or shelving. Small office furniture and storage solutions need to be functional, but don't forget appearance. Even if you think clients won't drop by, it pays to be prepared.

I recommend: Direct Home Office Furniture offers discount home office furniture in several styles. The workspace department at IKEA has compact desks, filing cabinets and shelving units (plus an interactive guide to designing your home business work station). Select a desk chair at Office Depot. Check Eco-Lights for desk and floor lamps.

Remember home office supplies and basic office equipment

Like any company, a small business in a home office needs pens, paper clips and other basic supplies. Turn a drawer or cabinet into your "home office supplies closet" and keep it stocked. Most home business owners also need equipment like printers, fax machines and scanners. An all-in-one printer/scanner/copier/fax saves space and money.

I recommend: HP sells printers and all-in-one machines specifically for the home office; for more choices, see the all-in-one printer directory on Business.com. Need to stock your home office? Supplies are available at any major office supply superstore, such as Staples, Office Depot or OfficeMax. PensXpress can create custom pens with your business name or logo.

Connect with small business phone service

Ask your telephone company how much it would cost to add a second phone line for your home office. Having a dedicated business phone line is critical; it keeps work and personal calls separate. Make sure your home business phone has voicemail or an answering machine.

I recommend: Verizon, BellSouth and AT&T/SBC offer a host of small business phone solutions. If your phone company charges too much for a second line, consider switching to an Internet phone service like VoIP. For a toll-free number and automated answering options, try Freedom800.

Use software geared for the small office

Small business financial software will track your income and expenses - and make taxes easier by suggesting deductions. Other software packages let you create and print your own stationery.

I recommend: Quicken home business software is a simple solution for managing finances and calculating possible business deductions. Avanquest USA's home office software creates checks, invoices, business cards and letterhead.  Find more small business accounting software at Business.com.

Get a home business insurance policy

You have a homeowner's policy, now you need home business insurance. Most home business insurance policies include general liability coverage and limited coverage for loss of income or valuable business documents.

I recommend: State Farm offers a Business in the Home policy that covers property, liability and loss of business income or records. Contact your nearest agent to ask about rates. The AARP Home Business Insurance Program is available in 46 states, and provides up to $100,000 in business liability protection for AARP members.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• If you'll be spending a lot of time in your small office, consider an ergonomic desk chair to reduce the risk of back strain.
• As your home office grows, so will your storage needs. Plan ahead to manage document overflow.
• Before choosing small business software, make sure it's compatible with your operating system.
• Make your home office a clutter-free zone. Remind your friends and family to respect your workspace.

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