20 Essentials for women setting up their home office

21 February 2017

Bag the best broadband

Good broadband is the business equivalent of central heating. You only realise when you need it when it stops working and lets you down. No-one wants to be the frazzled woman sitting in Caffe Nero leeching their broadband with a slight sweat on as you try to upload files.

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And of course your laptop

I had a proper panic when I spilled nail polish remover all over my laptop. You need insurance and the number of a good man who’ll parachute into your life and get it working again.

Invest in your mobile phone

It’s the office in your hand, isn’t it? I need a massive memory and a battery that lasts longer than your concentration span. Your mobile phone’s the one thing I would say is worth investing in and you can spend that bit more because it’s tax deductible. (Check what you can claim for in your tax return here.)

Get the power

For me, a powerbank is a must. It seems like every time you update your phone your battery has to go and have a lie-down. I can’t make mine last beyond lunchtime now, so I always need to charge on the go.

Back it up

Memory and storage are everything, so my portable hard drive is like a huge loft where you can stick everything and know exactly where it is.

Yes, you need a printer

They’re cheap as chips these days- there are some great deals out there. As much as we try to be digital and paper-free, there are times when you just need a printer. If nothing else, use it to print photos of your small people to remind you why you’re working ‘til 3am.

Choose a stylish desk

I hate a home office that looks like a home office, so I want it to blend in with the rest of the house. There are beauties for every budget

Invest in a laptop bag

For me, it’s a rucksack and I’ve just treated myself to one. When you’re as clumsy as me, a laptop cover is a must to limit the damage!

Indulge your stationery lust

Stationery has become a form of porn. I can only use a lined notepad. I don’t know why. It’s just how I am. And I bulk buy pens and pencils, because like socks they disappear. If you’re running a small business.

Don’t fear the TV

Sometimes watching a box set can be very productive. I’ve just finished The Affair and right now I’m on This Is Us. Often if you get yourself in a work cul de sac, chuck on one episode and you get 46 minutes of subconscious creative genius.

Don’t stress about dinner

There’s no need- you can get it delivered to your home!

Buy the best chair you can afford

Trial and error has taught me you’ve got to invest in a good chair and if you have any kind of post-baby back problems, spend on an ergonomic one because it will pay you back in kind.

Treat yourself to a cafetiere

Coffee runs through my veins - I can’t even speak without two cups. I’m a cafetiere girl and I always take one on overnight trips! I even took one when I was whitewater rafting down the Nile.

Set up a bribery corner

I have a box of craft kits and sweets to distract Ben while I’m doing calls. I’ve actually sat there throwing mini Haribo bags at Ben to keep him quiet for an extra five minutes!

Book your travel online

Don’t assume a train will be cheaper – there might be a great deal on another form of transport.

Sneak a night away sometimes

If I’m travelling for work I like to treat myself to a night away, which doubles up as a break from mum slavery. Sometimes Netflix in a room that Lenny Henry wouldn’t turn his nose up at is just the break I need!

Let there be light

I love a desk lamp, ideally with a dimmer to suit your mood. The later it gets, the lower the light...

Reward yourself at wine o’clock

Everyone needs wine, especially women working late into the evening. While I would never promote getting drunk as a skunk while working, a couple of glasses opens up the creative pipes. Disclaimer: write with wine inside you, but never press send until you’ve checked it the next morning.

Make sure you're insured

If you’re using your car for work, you’ll need to tell your insurer. Depending on your business, you may need public liability insurance (to cover you for claims made by a customer or client).