Working from home has so many advantages, but sometimes those same benefits can become the obstacles to your productivity. All the great thing like your kids being in the next room, your favorite couch being 3 feet away, your availability to watch your favorite show midday, and more, can be temptations that are easy for anyone to give into at first. But, that’s ok. It only takes a few minor changes and a tiny bit of discipline to get in the habit of being productive daily without giving in to temptation.

Define Your Workspace

The first thing you have to do is realize that you’re running a real business and it needs an office. Now, that doesn’t mean that you even need your own room at first if there’s not enough space in your house, but you will need a spot to call your own that is specifically for work. If that’s the corner of your kitchen, or the back of the garage, that’s fine. The point is that your workspace is defined.

Filing System

A filing system is the core of your business organization, especially when it comes to the finances.
Create a detailed file system in a cabinet with folders and sub folders just like you would on a computer. Save all your receipts and make sure you have a folder for every type of cost/expense that exists in your business. This way, you can get into the habit of dropping it from your pocket into the appropriate folder as soon as you get it.

Be sure to limit those that you print out manually though. Emails often don’t need to be printed and you’ll have enough space filling up with contracts, receipts, etc. as it is.

Speaking of your computer, a filing system for your computer can be done manually with today’s amazing operating systems, but you may want to check out some third party applications for to-do lists and tasks. There are som great ones out there and some are been based online like ToodleDo.com (but private of course).

Keep Your Desk Clear Too!

If your business has a lot of in and out documents that can’t be condensed by doing it all electronically, then be sure to have a clear tray on your desk that is specifically for those tasks and files.

An office can get disorganized easily in general, but in the comfort of your own home, sometimes you get a little too at ease and settle into a mess by mistake. Enjoy the fact that you’re working at home, but still remember that it’s a business that needs to be guided with a clear vision and organization