If you own a home-based business, having an appropriate work space is critical to your productivity. Depending on the nature of your business, your office could be anything from a small computer cart on a closet, to a full room complete with meeting area and library. But whatever you choose, it's important to do some planning prior to buying furniture or storage.

First, clarify your needs. Do you spend a lot of time at the computer, or do you spend more time meeting clients or producing product? If you're a consultant, you may need to bring clients in to your office regularly; this would necessitate having a seating area for two or three people. If you're a writer, you may only need a desk and a comfy chair in a quiet corner. The most important thing is to decide whether you need a full room or not, and where in the house it should go. Generally, a room away from the main flow of traffic is best, and one with good natural light all year is especially good. If you don't have the space to dedicate an entire room (I sure don't!), using a spare bedroom, dining room, or other similar light-use room can work fine.

Second, you need to figure out exactly what type of work will be done. If you write, you may spend most or all your working time at a computer, necessitating the need for a very good desk and chair, and proper storage for a myriad of computer equipment. If you produce hand crafts to sell, you'll likely spend time both on the computer and creating your product, so you'll need a computer workspace and an appropriate production space, complete with storage. If you're a consultant who meets with clients regularly, you'll need a good, clean computer area with a professional, comfortable seating area. These are just examples, but the important thing is to know exactly what will be going on in your office so you can properly furnish and arrange it.

Finally, you need to decide your furniture and storage needs. A large corner computer desk with plenty of shelving and drawers and a comfortable ergonomic chair may be perfect for someone who does a great deal of computer work, and needs to reference books, magazines, or other paperwork regularly. A small computer desk with just enough space for electronic devices, a large work table, and a good chair to use at both would work well for someone who produces their own goods. Storage products are quite varied, with everything from large drawer and shelving units, right down to small fabric boxes and bowls for small items. Make sure you consider what you frequently keep in your office and need to have at hand, and what you use less frequently and thus can be stored away from your workspace.

Setting up a home office can be easy or difficult, depending on how you approach it. It can also be made more difficult and stressful if you don't take the time to plan ahead of making purchases. If you spend some time considering your needs, you can prevent headaches and difficulties down the road when you realize your space just isn't working.

Christina Keightley is a stay-at-home mom, freelance photographer and writer, and owner of TiKi Photography. She also writes for several blogs, including http://christinakeightley.ca and http://bbb.christinakeightley.ca

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