So you're finally ready to take the plunge and work from home. Congratulations!
You can now wake up 10 minutes before your start time, make a cup of coffee in your pajamas, and sit down at your dining room table to start your day.
Working from home has a lot of perks ... You can take a simple coffee break whenever you want to, make lunch, take the dog for a walk, or do a load of laundry.
You're in control of your environment, which means ... you can design it however you want to optimize your productivity. But what does that actually mean?
Working from home has become the new normal for many of us. And while it does have its perks (hello, pajama days), it also comes with its fair share of challenges.
One of those challenges is creating a productive and inspiring space to get your work done.
*If your home office is currently in a state of disarray, we've put together a list of 12 + 3 must-haves to make your home office a space you actually want to work in.
But seriously, working from home is a huge adjustment. No more water cooler talk or company-sponsored happy hours. And while it may sound like a dream come true to some people, it can be tough to stay motivated when you're by yourself all day.
Here are 12 + 3 things you need to make sure you're as productive as possible.
- A dedicated workspace: First things first, you need a dedicated space to work. And no, your dining room table doesn't count (sorry).
*Having a specific area for work will help you get into the right mindset and stay focused throughout the day.
**If you don't have an extra room in your house or apartment, consider setting up a desk in a corner of your bedroom or living room. Just make sure it's in a quiet area where you won't be distracted.
2. Your laptop. Your main instrument, with an internet connection.
3. A printer/scanner combo. There will inevitably be times when you need to print out documents or scan contracts. It's much easier (and cheaper) to have your own printer/scanner combo than it is to run out to the local copy shop every time something comes up.
4. A comfortable chair: You're going to be spending a lot of time in your home office, so it's important to have a chair that's comfortable and supportive.
*Look for something with ergonomic features that will help keep you comfortable even when you're hunched over your computer for hours on end. You're going to be sitting in this chair for hours on end, so you might as well be comfortable.
**Make sure your chair has good back support, armrests, and is adjustable so you can find the perfect position. And if you can splurge on a high-end chair, go for it! Your back will thank you.
5. A desk with plenty of storage: A cluttered desk is the enemy of productivity.
*Make sure your desk has enough drawers and shelves to store all of your materials neatly out of sight. That way, you can clear off your work surface and have more room to focus on the task at hand.
**A standing desk. Research has shown that sitting all day is terrible for your health, so make sure you have the option to stand up and stretch your legs every now and then.
***And if you have the space and the budget for it, walking treadmills are also a great way to stay active while you work.
6. A second monitor (or even a third!). You'd be surprised how much more productive you can be with an extra screen.
*Whether it's for Reference checking, participating in video calls, or just having multiple windows open at the same time, an extra monitor can help you get more done in less time ..
**And if you don't want to splurge on a second monitor, large-screen tablets are also a great way to get some extra-screen real estate without breaking the bank..
7. Good lighting: fluorescent bulbs are harsh and can cause eye strain. Instead, opt for soft, natural light whenever possible.
*If you don't have a lot of windows in your home office, consider investing in a lamp that simulates natural light. Plenty of light. One of the benefits of working from home is that you can control the lighting in your office.
**Make sure you have plenty of light so you can avoid eye strain. If natural light is an issue in your home office, consider investing in some high-quality artificial lighting.
***If possible, position your desk near a window so you can take advantage of natural light without being blinded by the sun. Or invest in some quality window treatments to help reduce glare during the day.
8. Noise-cancelling headphones: Working from home can be lonely, but sometimes you just need some peace and quiet to get things done.
*Whether it's kids screaming or construction noise from outside, there are going to be times when it's impossible to concentrate with all the commotion going on around you.
**When background noise becomes too distracting, pop on a pair of noise-canceling headphones to help you focus. Just make sure to take breaks every once in a while so you don't go stir-crazy.
9. A charging station: cords and chargers can quickly turn into a tangled mess. Invest in a charging station or cord management system to keep everything neat and tidy. Plus, you'll always know where to find your phone charger when you need it!
10. Plants: Studies have shown that plants can boost productivity and improve concentration levels. Not to mention, they add a touch of life (literally) to any room.
*If you don't have a green thumb, opt for low-maintenance plants like succulents or air plants that are all but impossible to kill.
11. Inspirational wall art and inspirational quotes. Trust me on this one —you need something inspiring hanging on your walls so you don't go stir-crazy staring at blank walls all day long.
*Personalize your space with artwork that inspires you or makes you happy. Whether it's framed family photos or motivational prints, surround yourself with things that bring joy and help set the tone for creative thinking.
**We all need a little motivation from time to time! Display inspiring quotes around your home office so they're always within eyesight. Whenever you're feeling stuck, take a quick glance at the quote and remind yourself why you do what you do.
12. Curtains or blinds and a rug: If you live in an urban area or close proximity to your neighbors, chances are good that privacy isn't something you take for granted.
*Hang curtains or blinds over your windows to give yourself the privacy you need to feel comfortable working in your own space.
**A rug: No home office is complete without a cozy rug! Not only will it make your space feel more inviting, but it will also help reduce noise levels if you have hardwood floors.
13. A whiteboard or corkboard: Having a place where you can jot down ideas or post notes is crucial for any brainstorming session. Need a place to brainstorm ideas? Track deadlines?
*Keep yourself organized. A whiteboard is an essential tool for any home office.
**Opt for a whiteboard if you want something sleek and modern, or go for a corkboard if you prefer something more rustic.
14. Organizational tools — A pen holder, bins, baskets, and boxes galore. Bins, baskets, and boxes are essential for taming paperwork, office supplies, and anything else that doesn't have a specific place in your home office.
*It may seem like such a small thing, but having a designated place to store pens, pencils, markers, etc . will save you so much time fumbling around for writing utensils! Plus, it looks way neater than pens strewn all over your desk.
**A shelf or two (or three!). Bookshelves aren't just for books —they're also great for storing office supplies, files, and anything else that might clutter up your workspace.
Creating the perfect home office doesn't have to be rocket science!
By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to having the most productive (and stylish !) workspace imaginable.
And who knows? — With such an amazing space, maybe working from home won't seem so bad after all ...
15. And last but not least, coffee ! Lots and lots of coffee .";) "
So there you have it—12+3 things every home office needs (aside from coffee).
Thanks for stopping by and reading along with us ...
Go forth and be productive!
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