How to Equip a Home Office on a Budget
The home office is no longer relegated to a dark corner of the basement or an eye sore in the living room. With more companies opting to allow employees to work from home, it’s time to turn your corner desk into a corner office with a view. Whether you’re using your home office for managing the family finances, telecommuting for a part-time or full-time employer, or you are the CEO of a home-based business, there are some basic necessities required to ensure your success.
For the average work-from-home setup, equipment can range from a laptop with Wi-Fi to hardware you’d find in a regular office: PC, copier, fax machine, shipping area, and maybe even a second desk for additional employees.
While having employees work from home might help your employer’s bottom line, there’s no reason for you to take the financial hit on your end. Doing some research and using a little forethought can help find the right solution in setting up your home office so that if functions just like the ones on Main Street—and on a reasonable budget. Let’s take a closer look at some of the options you have for creating your own “Home Office, LLC.”
Cell Phone & Business Line
Ensure you have two distinct telephone systems: cell phone and a hard-wired business line. Reserve your cell phone for employees (if any), close business contacts, and for use during travelling. A business phone on your desk looks more professional, will take your messages while you’re away, and will prevent your cell phone from interrupting an important client meeting.
Some phone systems, such as the Panasonic KXTH1212, allow your cell phone to communicate with your home business phone.
Computer/Laptop
There are so many different options when choosing a computer for your home office today. So until your business is well of the ground, the first choice for a computer should be a laptop so you can take your entire business with you—everywhere. Since you are serving as janitor and president, your information should be where you are at all times.
A great starter laptop that can double as your PC is the Acer Aspire Laptop PC. The 15.6” screen is large enough for your home office duties but small enough to be a great travel partner. Not only does it ship with Windows 7, it has a 320GB hard drive to store all your important records.
Acer Aspire Laptop (Model No: AS5534-1121)
Print/Fax/Copy
As much as computers have reduced paper records and information, there are times when you need it on paper. This is where a multi-function printer comes in handy, one that can print, fax, scan, and copy. An all-in-one unit will save you space, time, and money—exactly what you home-based business needs.
The Lexmark X6650 is the perfect 4-in1 office mate. It can print contracts, fax bids and estimates, scan proposals, and copy accounts receivable checks.
Lexmark All-in-One Printer (Model No: X6650)
Repurposed Items
Although it might be exciting to have every single item in your home office all shiny and new, look for items that you can repurpose, at least temporarily. Even small items, such as scissors, a 3-hole punch, or filing baskets can be reused until you can afford the matching set at your local office supply store. Also looking for chairs, desks, or tables in your home that can easily provide months of service before needing replaced.
Still have questions? Feel free to speak to an expert hhgregg sales associate. We offer the best-educated associates in the business who are smart enough to make it simple. Price and Advice Guaranteed!
