Setting Up Your Home Office
This is a blog in a series of blogs for small business owners, particularly law firms and paralegal firms, about setting up your work space. I recommend you start by setting up your work space right in your home. The space should obviously allow for your confidential files to be stored in accordance with the laws, but other than that, you can set up shop wherever is most convenient for you.
Lock It Down
Having a dedicated room that you could lock is not only the easiest for you, but it is also a nice selling point to share with potential attorney-clients. They will feel more comfortable using your services knowing that your workspace is so secure. However, it is not necessary and is often a luxury to be able to have an actual private room for your home office.
Wherever you decide to set up your home office, keep in mind that this is your home as well. For example, you could set up your office in your bedroom, but more than likely this will interfere with the zen-like atmosphere that a paralegal needs to be able to escape to after a long day’s work.
Do You See What I See?
Additionally, it is nice to be able to meet via webcam with your team, attorney-clients and/or clients. Consider what would be on-screen when communicating via webcam when you are picking the spot for your home office. You can literally go to the DollarTree.com and pick up decor for a $1. They will ship to your local store for free. It doesn’t have to be expensive at all.
Shabby Chic?
If you are not too picky, you should try checking out Facebook’s Marketplace or even your local Goodwill when looking for a desk or chair. I have done this plenty of times and I suggest you make sure that you know what you are buying and figure out the cost or labor of picking up the furniture.
Let’s Go All Out!
If you really want to give your home office a high level of professionalism, don’t mess around – get a standing desk with an ergonomic chair. If you buy brand-new you might as well take care of your biggest asset, which is you, and get a desk that you can sit or stand at with the touch of a button.
We Will Need A Promo Code for All Out
I’m just saying, these desks are gorgeous and come with a five-year warranty. Paralegal Power has a full 20% off discount on limited stocks for our blog readers. That’s the biggest discount I have ever seen offered by StandDesk.co. Just make sure you click on the links in this blog to get to their website and once you are there enter coupon code: 20%off to get these top of the line desks at the best price.
Working With That Zero Budget?
Maybe you don’t have a budget at all for furniture, don’t let that stop you. Look around your own house to see if you can find something that you can use for a desk. All you need is sandpaper and a little paint to transform old furniture into your new business furniture.
Once you have your space defined, figure out what office supplies you will need. Remember less is more. When I first started my business I felt like since I did everything virtually, I wouldn’t need too many office supplies. Which for the most part is true.
Dry Erase Boards Get Me Pumped
To keep organized, I always need a dry erase board in my life. If you know me, you know I can’t live without one or five. Lol.
Here is a list of other office supplies I regularly use:
- Paper
- Ink
- Paper Clips
- Stapler & Staples
- Pens – Blue Ink
- Highlighters – All Colors
- Fine Tip Sharpies – All Colors
- “Sign Here” Tabs
- Post-It Notes
- Notebook
- “Copy” Stamp
- Standing Folder w/ Folders
You can pick these up at your local office supply store or order them online. Ordering your ink online will certainly save you some money. Check out our Resource Page for discounts on everything from ink to a standing desk and a bunch of freebies too.
Rethink “Office Supplies”
But don’t worry about having too many “office supplies.” Your paralegal business will be largely run from your computer. Your most valuable “office supplies” will be in the apps and software you use to manage your business. Scroll all the way down to find a link to our blog “Best Apps for Legal Professionals” and other related blogs.
If yes, you will get 10% off our business formation services. If not, what are you waiting for?
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About the Author
Valentina Zapata Harris
Mother | Advocate | Blogger
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