Home Office Basics
While an office for a work-at-home mom could be a laptop on the kitchen table, most WAHMs require more structure and privacy than that. Figure out what kind of office you need to set the stage for a successful work-from-home career.
Should You Take the Home Office Deduction?
If you work from home and you meet the requirements to take a home office deduction, it might seem like a no-brainer to take the deduction on your federal income taxes. But be careful. A home office deduction is not always in everyone's best interest.
If you work from home and you meet the requirements to take a home office deduction, it might seem like a no-brainer to take the deduction on your federal income taxes. But be careful. A home office deduction is not always in everyone's best interest.
All-in-One Printer Fax Scanner Copier
For most work-at-home moms, an all-in-one printer/scanner/fax is a useful tool for both the home and family offices, and the Epson WorkForce 600 is an excellent choice.
For most work-at-home moms, an all-in-one printer/scanner/fax is a useful tool for both the home and family offices, and the Epson WorkForce 600 is an excellent choice.
Home Call Center Office Requirements
Companies that hire work-at-home agents to staff call centers for in-bound or outbound telephone customer service have different requirements for office equipment and space. As a general guide, these are some of the technical requirements for a home-based call center.
Companies that hire work-at-home agents to staff call centers for in-bound or outbound telephone customer service have different requirements for office equipment and space. As a general guide, these are some of the technical requirements for a home-based call center.
WAHM Tip: Children's Toys in the Office
Have a stash of things for kids to do when they are in your office, so they aren't looking to you for entertainment. Some ideas include...
Have a stash of things for kids to do when they are in your office, so they aren't looking to you for entertainment. Some ideas include...
Determining If Your Home Is Zoned for Business
When starting a home-based business, you must first determine if you can legally operate a business from your house. Local zoning laws may restrict the type of business, if any, allowed in a neighborhood.
When starting a home-based business, you must first determine if you can legally operate a business from your house. Local zoning laws may restrict the type of business, if any, allowed in a neighborhood.
What's Wrong With A Messy Desk?
For some people maybe nothing, for others everything. Find the style that is right for you.
For some people maybe nothing, for others everything. Find the style that is right for you.
Planning Your Home Office
Before you jump right in and start rearranging the furniture, sit down and think about what you need in a home office. About.com's Guide to Home Business takes you step by step through the planning process.
Before you jump right in and start rearranging the furniture, sit down and think about what you need in a home office. About.com's Guide to Home Business takes you step by step through the planning process.
Make Your Home Office Safe for Children
Your office should be safe for children from day one. Use these childproofing tips from About.com's Guide to Mobile Office Technology.
Your office should be safe for children from day one. Use these childproofing tips from About.com's Guide to Mobile Office Technology.
Calendars and Organizers for Work-at-Home Moms
When work and home are in the same place, a combined calendar makes sense. Some moms my prefer a personal organizer while other just use the family calendar.
When work and home are in the same place, a combined calendar makes sense. Some moms my prefer a personal organizer while other just use the family calendar.
Organize Your Home Office
Dena Pasis, About.com's Guide to Personal Organizing, offers a step-by-step guide with pictures.
Dena Pasis, About.com's Guide to Personal Organizing, offers a step-by-step guide with pictures.
Free Online Software for the Office
The typical office productivity suite could cost hundreds of dollars, and if you're stating a work-at-home business money is probably tight. Daniel Nations, About.com's Guide to Web Trend, outlines some of the free options out there.
The typical office productivity suite could cost hundreds of dollars, and if you're stating a work-at-home business money is probably tight. Daniel Nations, About.com's Guide to Web Trend, outlines some of the free options out there.
Setting Up a Home Office
About.com's Guide to Interior Decorating teaches you how to set up a home office on a shoestring budget.
About.com's Guide to Interior Decorating teaches you how to set up a home office on a shoestring budget.