Working from home checklist -- can you handle it?

by Mollee Bauer

Have you always wanted to work from home but not sure you could handle it? What would you need to make it work for you?

Before you buy all those nifty supplies and pieces of furniture, you can always do a practice run for a few days before making any final decisions.

One thing you'll want to figure out upfront is if you'll be working from home occasionally, part-time or full-time. How much and when will affect your decisions and overall budget challenges.

Before browsing the checklist below, draw up your own list of pros and cons about working from home such as will you be saving money or spending more on office goodies?

Working from home -- making it work

We've divided our checklist into two sections: the essentials and working effectively. After going through each tidbit or suggestion, you'll have a better idea if you're up to the challenge!

Are you a mom-to-be? Find out how you can manage and succeed while working from home during your pregnancy!

Home office essentials

▢ A quiet room or personal area with enough space for all your supplies

▢ Laptop or desktop computer

▢ A desk and comfortable adjustable desk chair.

▢ Pens, pencils, and any other necessary writing tools

▢ Legal pads or notebooks; paper

▢ Memo pads/sticky notes

▢ Printer and paper

▢ Dry-erase board with markers

▢ Bulletin board with pins

▢ Filing cabinet with file folders

▢ Specialty tools of your trade

Whatever it is you need for your job, you better make sure you have it!

Working effectively from home

▢ Your work space should be conducive to working

▢ Schedule and plan your day -- structure your routine to effectively manage tasks and meet deadlines

▢ Track your time and figure out if anything is distracting or deterring you from working

▢ Try to avoid checking personal email or visiting social networking sites during work hours unless this is your actual job

▢ Stay connected to people if working from home full-time.

▢ Take enough breaks

▢ Change your scenery to stay motivated

Print out this list and take it with you to the store! Why not bring a copy with you to the coffee shop and get a second opinion? What would you add to the list?

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto.