The primary concern initially is not how much you need to move, but how far away your destination is. Going for the lowest price is risky.

Here are some pointers to help you decide where your home office should go and how to go about setting one up.

• Try to decide in advance the full scope of what you need your office to do for you. Maybe you just need a spot to pay bills. Maybe it's a primary work space where you will run a business (like me) or even entertain clients. Let the function of the office define its form.
  
  
• You'll have to decide whether you want the office in a quiet spot or something right in the flow of activities of the family. No matter what, it should not be placed in a high-traffic area - so avoid the kitchen, please. You should also consider privacy issues. I have a lot of sensitive, financial matters in and around my desk. It has always been very important to have it where prying eyes cannot see.
  
  
• However, if you have kids, don't isolate yourself to some part of the house where you cannot monitor what's going on. It should also be a part of the house where you enjoy spending time.
  
  
• Think ahead and plan for enough square footage to be comfortable, giving yourself a chance to grow if you own a business. The quality of life you have while working is very important.
  
  
• The bedroom is not ideal for running a business because it's hard to let go of it and truly relax. For some this will be a greater issue than others. If you can't find a logical place where you enjoy working and where you can "shut the door on it" when you're not working, perhaps gutting a closet might be an answer, as some creative people have done.  I chose my formal dining room. It's right off the main living room, but separated from my family room where I watch TV. It's downstairs; all bedrooms are upstairs.
  
  
• If running a business, buy yourself a quality task chair. Your body will thank you for it later. 
  
  
• Make sure you have plenty of storage. I hate clutter. It helps me to focus much better if my office area is orderly and clean. 
  
  
• My husband built shelf units along the side of 2-1/2 walls in the garage for additional storage.
  
  
• To separate my "sometimes" messy desk and the computer equipment visually from my living room, I made a 4' tall divider out of latice board, stained to go with the decor. It keeps the openness yet provides some measure of privacy and clutter control.
  
  
• Next to my office I needed another computer station. A computer armoire that blends with my decor was chosen to house the new computer yet close it up when not in use.
  
  
• A TV close by allows me to easily take breaks from the computer and other projects. Taking breaks from work at home is just as important for your health as taking them as an employee.
  
  
• You don't have to buy expensive furniture either. You'll find some nice selections of desks, shelf units, matching filing cabinets, armoires at your local office supply dealer. You can set them up yourself or hire someone to do it for you.