Working from home doesn't mean you have to use outdated office equipment or work from your living room sofa. Bring your home office up to date with high-tech options that revolutionize your phone communications, the way you present your work, and even your desk space. With the right equipment, you can make the most of even limited office space to hit new heights of productivity, practicality and organization even as you maintain your personal comfort.
High-Tech Communication
You may already have a landline phone at your home and a personal smartphone as well; however, chances are you don't want your business calls directed to either of those phone lines – which makes VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, a great home office solution. This Internet-based phone service is usually cheaper than either landline or mobile phones, and it typically comes with the same free long-distance calling you get on your cellphone, in addition to low-cost or free international calling. You can even get your voice messages forwarded to your cellphone or sent to you by email. Many Internet service providers offer VoIP. You can also use a dedicated provider and you can link a multi-line phone to your service that ties in your home landline. The one drawback is that you can't send faxes over a VoIP phone.
Leverage Your Desk Space
If you're working from a small office desk, you know how important it is to keep it tidy. Boost your productivity with a desktop organizer that fits between your computer keyboard and your monitor. You can fill it with notes to yourself, as well as the office supplies you need most frequently, whether those are Post-It Notes, pencils, erasers or your stash of candy. Look for an organizer that also lets you charge your wireless devices to save space.
All-in-One Printers
An All-In-One printer is a must for a productive home office. Choose a printer that lets you not only print, but also scan, copy and send faxes. With a WiFi enabled printer, you can print from your computer at the touch of a button and you can set your printer up in a different room without the hassle of cables and connectors. Some printers small enough for a home office come with multiple paper trays. In the long run, you'll save money with a printer that handles double-sided printing. In addition, you may want to look for a printer that connects to your smartphone. You'll have more flexibility and mobility.
Portable Data
If you work from a home office, you may head out for meetings or presentations frequently. Make sure that your work stays backed up and that you have access to it anywhere you go by using cloud services as well as physical backups. High-tech options include password-protected flash drives for additional security., as well as those that can upload files to your choice of cloud provider. This type of service guarantees you can always access your data even in the event of a catastrophic data loss or a stolen computer.
Leveraging up-to-date high tech options in your home office lets you enhance your productivity while it also makes heading to work more enjoyable. Even if your commute is only a few feet away from the living room TV, your home office can provide you with comfort, efficiency and great communication, all at the same time.