Article
From Spare Room to Office - Fast!
Let's Go Shopping
Now to the fun part... shopping! Whether you decide to shop online or in a conventional store, don't forget your list and layout plan. As you shop for items, take their measurements and draw them on your plan to make sure they fit. A few online stores that you might visit are:
What to Look For
...in a Desk or Workstation
Since the advent of the computer, one small desk is often no longer enough: a workstation is a more appropriate item now. Depending on what your profession is, you'll need desk space for your computer, and then more desk space for administrative work. Think about what type of equipment you will need, and where it will go.
How much room do you have for a desk? Usually your best option is to get an "L" desk. What I mean by this is choose your favorite desk, and then choose a smaller desk that can be placed perpendicular to the main desk (or, if you can, buy a desk with a 'return'). The big desk is perfect for your computer equipment, and the smaller desk can be kept clear as a writing surface.
Be sure to choose a sturdy desk that you can keep for a long time. It's better to fork out a few more bucks now than to have to replace your desk in a year or so. Also, find a desk that's at a height that is comfortable for you. And if you don't have enough money to buy a new desk, try visiting the Salvation Army or a used furniture store to save money.
...in a Chair
You chair is one of the most important items in your office. If you purchase a cheap chair, you could hurt yourself and/or hate working in your office. A good chair reduces fatigue and other pains that occur when posture is bad for long periods of time. Buy an adjustable chair (height, armrests, back angle, and lumbar support) so you can enjoy your office and avoid pain and injuries.
...in a Bookshelf
The size of the bookshelf will probably depend on how much room you have left in your office after your workstation and chair are in place. My suggestion is to install your bookshelf right behind and above your desk. This way books are always at arms' reach and you save yourself a lot of room. Purchase as big a bookshelf as you can -- you'll be surprised how fast it fills up!
...in a Filing Cabinet
At the very least, you'll want to buy a four-drawer filing cabinet. It's crucial that your filing system is organized and easily accessible.
...in a Telephone
It's important to get a telephone that has a hold and speaker button. It's also a good idea to get a separate line for the telephone and fax / modem.
...in a Computer
The computer will most often be the most expensive piece of equipment you purchase for your office. Because of the large number of variables involved, let's look at this in detail.
Operating System
Your first decision is going to be the operating system for the computer. Unless you have a reason to choose otherwise, you are going to be looking at a Mac or a Windows machine. If you have experience on one platform you might want to stick with it. When you work on your own without any kind of system support, you'll want to use a computer that you're comfortable with. All things being equal, if you are a graphic designer, desktop publisher, you work with digital video or need to mix audio, use a Mac. For anything else, buy a PC.