1. Get the Family Involved
If you've made the decision to work from home, sit down and talk to your family about what it will mean for their lives and their schedule. Let them know when you will and won't be available, and what you need from them to make working from home a smooth transition for everyone. If you have children that are going to be home while you work, set up a list of rules they need to follow so they know what is and it isn't permissible during your work hours.
2. Enlist Childcare if Needed
If you have very small children, look into some form of childcare for them while you're working. Many people view working at home as a way to work and still take care of the kids themselves. Often this doesn't work and both the children and your work suffer. Look into hiring someone to look after the kids during certain hours of the day, or seek out a part-time daycare situation so you'll have the time and focus necessary to work from home.
3. Create a Separate Office Space
Creating a separate office space not only gives you an area where you can keep your business centrally located, but it also prepares you psychologically for your workday. Having a separate home office, even if it's just a corner of the living area, helps to keep your work life separate from your home life and prevent any mix up of mail, correspondence or bills. You need an area where you "go to work" and focus on your job and a place to leave behind at the end of your shift to focus on your personal life.
4. Have a Set Work Schedule
Having a set work schedule not only helps you have a regular routine to set your day by, but it's helpful to your family and your clients as well. Your spouse and children will know when they can and cannot expect you to be involved in family life and your clients will know when they can contact you. Having a set work schedule also prevents you from overworking, which is very easy to do when you work from home, because you will have a scheduled end to your workday.
5. Enjoy the Opportunity to Work From Home
Take advantage of the fact that you're working from home. Many people choose to work from home to spend more time with the family or to get away from the corporate grind. Don't lose site of that when your home business flourishes and you have a heavy workload. Take a long lunch or a nap if you need it. Go for a long walk or take the kids to the park. Enjoy the freedom and perks that working from home offers you.
