Working from home has become the new normal for many of us, but it’s not just about having a laptop and a comfy chair. There’s a bit of science behind creating an environment that helps you stay productive, focused, and comfortable all day long. The great part is that you don’t need a huge budget or a massive room to actualize this. That’s exactly what we’re exploring in this article – the best work from home essentials to make your remote job easier and more enjoyable no matter your space or budget. We also explained some of the common challenges and solutions for remote workers, so, make sure you read to the end. Let’s go!
Home Office Furniture Essentials
Creating a comfortable and functional home office begins with the right furniture. Key pieces like ergonomic desks, chairs, and smart storage solutions contribute to both productivity and well-being. Let’s explore these essentials.
Ergonomic Desk and Chair
Comfort should be your first goal when working on a home office setup, especially since you’ll be sitting all day. So, with an ergonomic desk, you can work comfortably for long hours without causing strain. However, before getting one, ensure it has enough room to accommodate your computer, monitor, and other key work essentials.
An ergonomic chair will also help to support your back and encourage good posture, keeping you from slouching. Before purchasing one, test it to ensure it feels right for you.
Finally, don’t forget the under-desk footrest. Even though it seems like a little addition, it will help take the pressure off your feet and lower back when you’re sitting for long periods.
Storage Solutions
If your workspace is disorganized, it affects your energy and productivity. That’s why storage solutions like filing cabinets, floating shelves, and drawer organizers come in.
A filing cabinet is perfect for storing and organizing important papers. However, a simple file folder could be enough if you’re not dealing with mountains of paperwork.
Floating shelves are usually fixated on the wall, so they help you maximize your space. You can use them to store books, decor, or even office supplies. Plus they give your workspace a clean, modern look.
You can also get drawer organizers to store your writing materials, like pens and notepads, paper clips, and sticky notes. This keeps your desk clear and prevents you from wasting time searching for things you use every day.
Additional Furniture for Breaks
You don’t stay productive by working 24/7. Rest is important and having pieces of furniture you can use for relaxation in-between work is surely the way to go. So, consider getting a comfy linge chair where you can chill away from your work for a moment and recharge.
A sofa or bean bag is also a good idea. You can stay there and catch up on your favorite show, or read a book after work hours.
Tech and Gadgets Essentials
Your work-from-home setup is certainly not complete without your tech and gadgets. Let’s look at some of the below:
Reliable Internet Connection
Let’s face it, a fast and reliable internet connection is non-negotiable when working from home. This is the only way to have smooth video calls, quick file uploads, and uninterrupted productivity. To ensure you’re always connected, simply get a WiFi modem and router.
You might also explore other connectivity options like a hotspot or using a Wi-Fi extender to eliminate weak spots for stronger internet coverage, especially in rooms farther away from your router.
Laptops and Desktops
These are the most important tech essentials for your work-from-home setup since your work life will revolve around them. If you work with multiple applications or need a larger screen to focus better, a desktop is a better choice. It provides a clearer, and more comfortable view of your work, especially for detailed tasks. However, if portability is your priority, your laptop might suffice. You can also use a laptop stand to improve your posture and make your setup more functional.
Headsets and Webcams
You must be prepared for many virtual meetings when working from home. So, good audio and video will make all the difference. A good headset, preferably noise-canceling headphones with a microphone, ensures clear communication during meetings, and a high-quality webcam helps maintain clear, face-to-face interactions.
Tech Accessories
Some important tech accessories you should consider getting include a phone stand or dock, timer, cables, and cable clips to keep your workspace neat and free from tangled messes. An external hard drive is also needed to save you the heartbreak of losing important files. While cloud storage is great, an external hard drive gives you extra security even if your computer crashes.
Music can be a constant companion for remote workers. If you fall under this category, get a quality speaker, either wireless or Bluetooth to give you great sound while working. Don’t forget your phone charger. It’s best to get a wireless charger to cut down on clutter in your workspace.
Backup Power Solutions
Power outages can be a nightmare when you’re working from home. You’ll likely miss a deadline, lose your internet access, or even get cut off during an important meeting. That’s why having home backup power solutions is a must. To build home backup system, get a solar generator with a solar panel. They will keep all your devices, including your laptop, computer, phone, and tablet, running without relying on electricity. Having a portable power station or a UPS bank is another option, especially if you’re working with a tight budget.
Work Environment Essentials
A productive work environment goes beyond just furniture and tech. Proper lighting, noise control, and temperature regulation can all improve your focus and comfort. Let’s look at how to optimize your workspace.
Lighting
Now, good lighting isn’t just about brightening a room. A strong and adjustable desk lamp helps reduce eye strain when working or reading. It also transforms your workspace. Alternatively, a ring light can provide even lighting if your desk is in a dimly lit area. You’ll look clearer and more professional in virtual meetings. Even a budget-friendly option can do the trick.
Noise Control
You need a quiet workspace to stay focused and productive while working from home. But sometimes, this is hard to achieve, especially if you’re a stay-at-home parent or live with housemates. To manage noise effectively, install acoustic panels or foam in your workspace. They help absorb unwanted noise. You can also add soft furnishings like rugs, carpets, or upholstered furniture to reduce echoes and block out noise. They do this better than hard surfaces. Finally, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can help block distractions and keep you focused while working.
Temperature Control
Your comfort is a non-negotiable when working from home. And it’s mostly about finding the right balance in temperature. If your office feels stuffy or too warm, a small desk fan or portable AC unit can keep the air circulating and help you stay cool during long work hours.
On colder days, a space heater or a cozy electric lap blanket can make all the difference, keeping you warm without overheating the whole house. An air purifier can also help maintain fresh air quality, especially if you’re in a space with limited ventilation. When your environment feels just right, it’s easier to focus, stay productive, and enjoy your workday.
Common Challenges and Solutions for Remote Workers
While working remotely has its perks, it also comes with challenges. Here are some of the challenges and how to tackle them:
- Staying Productive: Distractions at home can affect your workflow. To solve this, set up a dedicated workspace, establish work hours, and use time and project management tools like Asana, Trello, Hubstaff, Clockify, Time Doctor, and Toggle Track to stay on track.
- Feeling Isolated: Remote work can get really lonely. So, feel free to schedule virtual coffee chats, join coworking spaces, or take your laptop to a café to bring back that social buzz you miss.
- Work-Life Balance: Now, without a clear separation between work and home life, it’s easy to overwork. Stick to set work hours, take proper breaks, and unplug after hours to recharge.
- Power Outage: You could be in the middle of an important meeting, and the power goes off. Or even worse racing to meet a deadline but all your laptop and router are dead. Power outages can be a nightmare and will cause you unnecessary stress. To stay prepared, consider monitoring your home power consumption in advance or having a reliable backup solution, like the EcoFlow RIVER Pro Portable Power Station, which provides the peace of mind you need to stay prepared. It runs on a 2 x 600W AC Outlet and 720Wh Capacity, capable of charging and running multiple devices at once including your laptop, Wi-Fi router, and even a second monitor, so you’ll have an uninterrupted workflow.
- Distractions Everywhere: Family, chores, and social media can eat into your work hours. Use noise-canceling headphones, set boundaries with household members, and block off deep-focus time for important tasks.
- Staying Healthy: Finally, sitting all day isn’t great for your body. Stretch, take walking breaks, and follow the 20-20-20 rule (look away from your screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away) to prevent eye strain. You can also register in a gym closest to you to keep your body fit.
Conclusion
As you can see, setting up your ideal work-from-home space isn’t as complicated as you imagined. With the right work from home essentials, from the furniture to the tech and gadgets essentials, you can create a space that helps you feel focused and comfortable at work. The best way to heighten your productivity and manage distractions is to integrate robust power solutions like the EcoFlow RIVER Pro Portable Power Station. It is designed to recharge up to 9 devices on the go, ensuring that your devices stay powered throughout the day.
FAQs
What type of equipment do you need to work from home?
To work effectively from home, you’ll need key equipment like an ergonomic chair, a computer or laptop, and a sturdy desk. A webcam, headphones, and reliable Wi-Fi are also essentials for communication and productivity. Consider adding a second monitor, a printer, backup hard drives, noise-canceling headphones, and good lighting for a complete setup.
What is your best work-from-home accessory?
The best work-from-home accessory is a standing desk, which helps reduce the negative impact of sitting all day on your spinal health. Pair it with an ergonomic chair for comfort and a second screen for increased productivity. Don’t forget blue light glasses, noise-canceling headphones, and a desk organizer to enhance focus and keep your workspace tidy.
What is not recommended while working remotely?
When working remotely, avoid overworking by setting clear boundaries for your work hours and sticking to them. Make sure to take regular breaks and disconnect from work when your scheduled hours are up. Don’t let your personal time bleed into work hours, and prioritize downtime for a healthy work-life balance.
How to structure your day when working from home?
To structure your day when working from home, start by creating a clear work schedule with set start and end times. Plan your tasks in advance, focusing on one at a time. Set boundaries with your household and eliminate distractions, like turning off notifications. Keep a tidy workspace and reserve cleaning for after work hours.