Just because the "office" is closer doesn't mean you need to spend more time at work. A key to getting set up as an effective telecommuter is to find ways to create some separation between your work and the rest of your life. Ideally, a separate room at home - with a door that can be closed - is the best way to do this. If you don't have that luxury, then you need some kind of visual separation so you can "close" the work area off from the rest of your home - perhaps a folding screen that can act as a movable "door."

It also helps to set some time limits. Many telecommuters say they won't do any work after, say, 8:00 at night. If they get that late-night brainstorm or they remember something they should have done, they can just jot it down on a piece of paper and leave it for the morning - just as they would if they got that same late-night idea at home and had to wait until going into the office in the morning.