Basics of an Efficient Office

How to Create Home Office Space on a Budget

Home Office efficiency and comfort are an essential consideration for a new business. The excitement of starting a small business often leads an owner to invest more than is required for operations. Consequently, over-investing in office materials is a fundamental mistake. Hence, over-furnishing can lower your odds for success. 

The first rule for creating efficient office space is to preserve your assets! Accordingly, this rule is critical to the success of your firm. There will always be unforeseen expenses when operating a business. Maintaining your assets will help you survive unexpected outlays.

Evaluate Home Office Needs

Before spending a dime on creating an efficient office space, carefully evaluate your needs. You would be surprised at the number of new business owners who can’t wait to hit the office supply stores and go on a spending spree.  I understand the psychology of this type of spending.  It makes the owner feel that they are making tangible progress in the development of their new enterprise.  Nevertheless, unplanned spending of any type in a business is a mistake.

Our firm specializes in Social Security disability representation.  I will use the office equipment requirements for this type of business for this discussion.  SSA case representation is a service business. Service businesses usually require far less investment in equipment.

To represent a disability case requires that you write, store, print, or email information.  Hence, an advocate with a computer can perform case processing activities with a single tool.  In disability advocacy, the computer is the most crucial piece of equipment in the office.  But what is the right computer to buy?

Purchasing a Computer

In many cases, a new advocate will already own a computer.  My experience has shown that if the computer is four years old or less, it is more than powerful enough to handle the operational requirements of an advocacy service.  However, if you feel the need to purchase a new computer for your business, consider these factors:

1. Costs – The average Windows laptop or desktop computer priced under $1000 is more than adequate for case processing.
2. Processor Speed – 2 GHz or above.
3. RAM Memory – 4 GB is enough. However, 8 GB is better because it will enable you to run multiple programs simultaneously on your desktop.
4. Hard drive Memory Capacity – 1 TB or more is sufficient.
5. Four or more USB Ports – The more USB ports the better. USB ports enable you to link your computer to other office equipment.
6. Standard Monitor – A standard 24-32 inch, 1080-pixel resolution monitor is sufficient.

Purchasing a Printers

Another required purchase in creating efficient office space is a printer.  Most any brand of color printer under $100 is sufficient for an advocacy service.

High-Speed Internet Connection

High-speed Internet is vital.  Much of an advocate’s work is performed online.  Hence, you want to acquire a quality Internet connection.

 Home Office Desk and Chair

The only real considerations for a desk and chair are comfort.  Since you are working in a seated position, pay attention to back support and adjustability.

Phone System

A single phone with the ability to link an additional line is sufficient.  Phone options such as message delivery, hold, and transfer are highly useful.

Efficient Office Space

Many service businesses can be performed from a tiny home office.  The pandemic proved that service businesses can operate without the need for an external office.  Face-to-face customer contacts also proved unnecessary. Thus, these realization profoundly reduced the small business urge to purchase formal office space.

Software

Software applications can be general or specific in nature.  For instances, our company provides its students with an easy to use case management software called Olivia Prime.  Custom software can be taxing on a businesses budget, so pay attention this issue when creating an efficient office space.