Whether you are currently working at home or are seriously considering the possibility, setting up & properly maintaining your home office should be part of your overall plan. Don't make the mistake of overlooking the importance of a home-business friendly environment. It may even determine your level of success.

The following list constitutes some items that are of the utmost importance when setting up your home office. Many people often overlooked these when starting a home business.

LOCATION: Where you set up your home office will depend on your particular situation, but if at all possible use a spare room. Your best bet will be to set yourself off from the rest of the house in order to afford you some privacy. If this isn't an option in your home, try to find the next best place where this could be accomplished. You need not be totally secluded from all intrusions, but you'll want the option to be able to keep distractions to a minimum when necessary.

LIGHTING: If your office has a window you'll receive natural lighting during the day. But if you plan to work in the evening or you don't have the option of using a window, you will want to provide good artificial light that's friendly to the eyes. Special light fixtures and bulbs made just for reading are readily available and could make a world of difference for a few extra dollars. Whether you choose overhead fluorescent lights, desk lamps or another type of fixture, be sure your office has plenty of good lighting.

DESK: The best scenario here would be to have a nice, professional-type desk. That's not always possible, nor affordable, for many who are just starting out. If your work area will not permit it, or it's just not in the budget at the moment, do whatever you can with what you have available. In time you'll want to invest in a good desk with plenty of work and drawer space for your PC, files, supplies, etc. You don't have to spend a small fortune to upgrade. I've found a few solid models at second-hand shops that needed only minor touching up. Check with your local Salvation Army Thrift Shop or on Yahoo Groups Recycle lists for your area, as people often donate desks they no longer have a need for in their homes/offices.

CHAIR: It may not sound like a major thing, but if you sit at a desk for long periods of time (and you shouldn't do that anyway - take a five minute break every hour!) you'll want to invest in a good chair with support for your lower back. Once again, you can find some really good deals if you keep your eyes open for them. Also, be sure to replace your chair when the padding is worn or you may start experiencing increasing back pain over time.

SUPPLIES: Know beforehand what you are going to need to run your business smoothly and then always try to have them readily available. It is inevitable that at some point you are going to run out of that thing you forgot to pick up at the store at just the wrong time. Nothing defeats productivity more than having to stop mid-stream, go pick up supplies and then try to get started back on your project again.

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