Table of Contents Introduction Location, Location, Location Phone Services Facilities & IT Your Library Computer Hardware Software Office Furnishings Conclusion — More!

Furnishings

Well, by now you’ve been on quite a shopping spree, and probably have quite a messy office! So now’s the time to furnish and organize it.

You can operate with a sky’s–the–limit budget (high–end stationers and furniture stores) or enjoy bargain shopping for almost every purchase in this category (big–box office supply stores and online classifieds).

Establishing organization when you’re just getting started is much easier than waiting until you’ve got stacks of paper and folders. Believe me, it’s better to file paperwork as it’s created than, say, trying to find your incorporation papers for a potential client’s approved vendor process!

Checklist — Typical Office Furnishings Lighting (adjustable blinds, shades, or curtains on your windows; good non–glare task lighting)
Desk (big enough for everything you’d like “at your fingertips”)
Chair (sized and adjusted for you!)
Chair mat (to protect your floor or carpet)
Waste can, recycling bin
Shredder
File cabinets. Better to err on too many than too few; you’ll probably generate more paperwork than you’d expect from this “paperless office” society. It’s very important to keep your business paperwork separate from your personal finances and filing.
Bookshelves. No, you probably don’t have that many books. But my bookshelves also hold office supplies, software, magazines, etc.
Office supplies (day planner, stapler/staples, clips, pens/pencils/highlighters, scissors, letter opener, paper punch, files, folders, binders, tape)
Supply cabinet (or bookshelf space)
Business card file (for all those cards you collect during networking opportunities)
Snail mail inbox
Bulletin board
Calendar
Clock. Yes, you have one on your computer, but sometimes it’s nice to go analog.

Setting Up Your Office

Furnishings