How to create a home office

by Startacus Admin
So you have decided what business you would like to start; next on the agenda is creating a good working environment, AKA the home office.
Let’s assume that you aren’t going to move directly into a dedicated office (unless of course you are, in which case, great!) but the vast majority of people starting new businesses have more humble beginnings than that. There are probably a few options open to you, so the first thing you need to do is decide where exactly you are going to work.
It isn’t enough to say “I will just work wherever I like”, this is going to be a long, laborious process, and it warrants a specific space in which it can be delivered; sadly sprawling on the sofa just isn’t going to cut the mustard.
Pick a room
If working from your own home, you basically have 3 choices regarding where you can create a working space;
- An empty bedroom within your house that could be quickly converted into a makeshift office
- A little-used room that could be given over solely to your working needs
- A garage or shed
We recommend that you select a space which can become exclusively used as your office. Not only will this bring the practical benefits of not being a multipurpose room, but will also help you to adopt a ‘work’ mentality when you are in it. Keeping your workspace separate from the rest of the house also serves to create an after hours buffer between you and your work responsibilities. This ensures that you can relax without constant reminders of all that you have yet to do.
Alternatively
If however, you don’t have the available space for an office, you are going to have to just make do with whatever is available; just ensure it is away from distractions and somewhere that you won’t be constantly interrupted. Many people in this situation find that public spaces can offer a realistic alternative to working from home; coffee shops are a great example of this, but just make sure that you read these ground rules, before you begin.
Now that you have selected your workspace it’s time to start thinking about how you will improve its suitability for the work that you have to do.
Consider not only what practical elements you need to change, but also how you will alter it aesthetically to nurture a more focussed, hard working mentality.
There are lots of things that you might like to do to achieve this, such as having;
- A proper desk with ample space to work and plenty of storage. This will not only help you to stay organised but can also contribute to the creation of a good working mindset.
- Extra storage space to avoid the almost inevitable stack of miscellaneous documents
- Secure storage for the safekeeping of sensitive / private documents
- A comfortable, yet practical, chair
- A good stationery supply
- Plenty of light, including desk lamps for later working
- A source of fresh air
- No distractions such as televisions or other technology
- Ample access to important utilities such as power points
- IT equipment that will meet all of your requirements e.g. printing, photocopying, etc
- Excellent internet connectivity
- Decorative touches such as posters, plant life, and so forth that will make your office a more pleasant place to be
- A comfortable space where you can relax whilst working away from your desk i.e. making phone calls / reading etc
- At the very least look into whether or not you need to upgrade your home insurance in light of the fact that you will be running a business from there; chances are you won't, but it can’t hurt to double check.
There are so many things that you need to consider when creating an office in your home that many people simply opt to skip it in favour of a more casual home / work arrangement. Whilst this might work in the short term, it will become more and more untenable as your business continues to develop and the level of space you need increases.
You might like to check out our recent post on creating a business remotely, for some top tips and advice on creating a functional working environment in your home.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.

Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.

With the UK facing a clear digital skills gap, Amy Caton, Digital Talent and Impact Senior Manager at BT Group shares some insights on what businesses should do to close that divide.

The lowdown on Berlin-based Beazy and its innovative solution that helps teams to plan, produce and deliver creative content and helps businesses to connect with talented content creators.

The lowdown on Fluffy, the app offering dog training, 24/7 vet messaging and insurance to give pet owners peace of mind and support them with their pet care responsibilities.

Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.

Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.

Kingussie High School scoops first place for Junior and Senior categories at this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition.

The lowdown on Manchester-based Arctic Shores and its innovative recruitment solution to help candidate potential count as much as skills and experience.

With the demand for tattoo removal now greater than ever, specialist NAAMA Studios makes a bid for a further £11m in funding.
Published on: 17th April 2015
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Tech Nation report reveals UK Tech could quadruple in value by 2032 with right conditions 23rd Mar 2023 Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
- Neurodiverse learning and training platform Neve shares major six-figure investment opportunity 22nd Mar 2023 Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
- Huckletree opens new London hub for tech companies pioneering Web3 solutions 16th Mar 2023 Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.
- OpenSponsorship making its move into the music sector 16th Mar 2023 Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.