Working from home has become the norm for many professionals. Taking the time to choose the right work-from-home setup is essential to your productivity and state of mind. You will need several office essentials to create a comfortable and practical work environment at home. This includes:
Computer/laptop
Few, if any, remote workers can complete their work without a computer. Luckily, there are so many options available online with great deals to meet your specific needs. A laptop offers much greater flexibility than a stationary desktop computer, making it the ideal choice for a mobile home office or if your work involves travelling to other places. While you’re at it, consider buying a laptop stand with adjustable height settings as it elevates the screen closer to your eye level, thus preventing posture problems.
Monitor
A laptop screen may not suffice if you’re used to working with a larger screen or have to work with multiple windows and programs simultaneously. Clicking back and forth from page to page can be tiresome, confusing, and lead to mistakes. Consider getting a larger monitor to increase your desk real estate and to decrease scrolling. You can even have a dual or multi-monitor desk setup to simplify multitasking and maximize productivity. You’ll also need a monitor arm mount to help maximize desk space. The height and angle adjustment features allow you to achieve the right posture, thus reducing eye strain and neck pain.
High-Speed Internet
Whether you’re a consultant, entrepreneur, blogger, or pretty much anything else, you need an internet connection to get things done. The key is high-speed internet. The last thing you want is an important business call dropping or downloading files for hours due to slow internet. All these tasks require a fast and strong internet compared to your everyday browsing and online shopping.
Desk
A desk is at the very center of an efficient and comfortable work-from-home setup as it houses many of your essential office equipment, including computer and stationeries. Office desks are available in different styles, sizes, and designs. You’ll even be able to get great deals if you compare prices from multiple sellers. Consider getting an adjustable standing desk as it allows you to switch between sitting and standing. This helps to prevent health problems associated with sitting all day, every day.
Ergonomic Chair
Given how much time you’ll spend sitting down, a comfortable chair is a must-have. Look for one with height adjustment, lumbar support, and armrests. A swivel-based chair and casters aren’t vital but are worth having for easier movement. These ergonomic chairs provide immense support, keeping you in the correct and comfortable position all day. This lets you focus and minimizes back pain and other ailments that may arise from bad posture.
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
This piece of equipment provides backup power in case of a power outage, giving you some time to save important work and safely shut down your equipment.
Keyboard and Mouse
The last thing you should be dealing with after a long day of work is wrist and hand strain from craning your hands on a keyboard. Over time, you’ll risk getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. For this reason, you should buy an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. Pay attention to the curvature of the mouse and the angle of the keyboard for maximum comfort. There’s a wide array of options when online shopping for a keyboard or mouse. There are even wireless options for more flexibility. Be sure to get a coupon code online to save money.
All-In-One Printers
Working from home mainly involves working with digital products, but there will be many occasions when you need to copy, scan, print, and even send files. Luckily, an all-in-one printer can handle all these tasks. Many online stores have voucher codes that you can take advantage of when purchasing a printer.
Paper Shredder
There’s so much sensitive, confidential business information and documents in your home office, and a shredder is a must-have for destroying them beyond retrieval.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
There are a lot of noise distractions from other family members and even neighbors when working from home. Noise-cancelling headphones help block out noise so you can focus on the tasks at hand. Having them on is also a clear indication to anyone in the house that you’re busy and shouldn’t be disturbed. Be sure to invest in high-quality products for the best features.
Plants
No work-from-home setup is complete without plants. They increase aesthetics and add a fresh vibe to the place, making your work environment more pleasant. This has been shown to improve productivity and reduce stress. A few plants in your home office will also enhance air quality and improve overall wellness.
Conclusion
There will undoubtedly be other essential items for your home office depending on your work, but this checklist covers the basics. One great way to save money on these items is to take advantage of online coupons. Noon Daily Coupon lists different promo/coupon code and sales happening at various retailers, so check them out to create the perfect home office without breaking the bank.
