The early months of a new business often revolve around coffee shop meetings and unorganized home sessions. You may feel like your business is taking over your house, and that you are glued to your laptop. This is no way to get ahead. At some point, a more organized environment needs to be secured.
Taking out a startup loan early on can help you set up a proper home office. Many people find that their productivity increases when they are comfortable and have better equipment.
Here are a few essentials to think about.
The Computer
Your personal laptop may be carrying the workload well for now, however, it may become too cluttered as business picks up. It is a good idea to begin separating business and personal items now. Startup Business Loans give you the opportunity to make your business space more official. Many people prefer a quality desktop computer for home office use. This is contingent on having a designated space, of course. If you are planning to be on the computer the majority of the day, dual monitors can help you view different documents at the same time. Be sure to get a computer with enough space to store things as you like. A solid internet connection with optimal speed and a fast printer are also common necessities.
Furniture
The furniture in an office may not seem important until you decide to meet with a client one day at home. You may be suddenly very aware of the old couch you brought down from the game room. Your office should accommodate your comfort and look appealing to guests. With the money from your loan, a functional home office should easily come together. Your chair is the next thing that needs to be a big ticket item. A chair that supports your back properly is pertinent for sitting in front of a computer for long hours. You can set up some comfortable arm chairs for guests.
Amenities
The extra items in your office space may vary, depending on the type of business you are starting. It is a great idea to get something up on the wall for brainstorming and notes. A large dry-erase board works wonders for this. If you are the creative type, a wall painted with chalk paint gives you extended space for the same purpose. Decorate a little to better enjoy spending long hours in the office. A colorful rug or patterned curtains can easily pull the room together without breaking the budget. Storage is key, as well. You need to be able to get to everything quickly. No one has time to spend 30 minutes looking for a stapler. Set up shelves and file cabinets to hold basic office supplies and books. Privacy can easily be accomplished with a sign for the door and a good lock.
When you plan out your office, your startup loan can go a long way. Start with the essentials and work your way down to the fun stuff. There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to get your new office up and running.