The 10 Best Home Office Essentials
Taking work home with you has a different connotation these days. Now more than ever, home is the focal point of everything in life - including work. Making the switch from office to home doesn't have to be daunting. Take the uncertainty out of the equation with the home office essentials that can make working at home work for you.
The 10 Best Home Office Essentials
Creating your home office space just takes a little thought, a little time, and the right assortment of tools to create a productive and comfortable working environment.
1. Functional Desk
A functional desk might be the single most important item. You might love your couch, but you're probably not going to get any significant work done there, especially if your couch is in a central location in your home.
You need a functional desk, ideally one in the Goldilocks Zone of being just enough for your needs. One of the best, super-functional desks right now is this SHW Electric Height Adjustable Computer Desk, an electronic height-adjustable standing desk perfect for even the smallest spaces.
2. Ergonomic Chair
An ergonomic chair is a must-have for several reasons, most notably because your back will be thanking you, both now and when you're older. An ergonomic chair generally has a design that follows the natural curve of the spine, with foam cushioning for comfort and the ability to adjust the height and armrests to suit your build. Check out this one - it is low cost and has good ratings.
3. High-Performance Computer
You're going to need a computer that can keep up with the demands of your business, from collaborating with a group to running apps and software. Generally speaking, laptops these days are even better than desktop computers. Laptops are lighter, faster, and more functional overall. The best high-performance brands are Mac, HP, and Acer.
4. Reliable Printer and Scanner
Even if you can do everything online, your home office is still going to need a reliable printer-and-scanner. Hard copies are still relevant, even in 2020. Your best bet is a printer that can do it all, such as the HP All-in-One OfficeJet, which has a printer, scanner, and fax, all with wireless connectivity.
5. Filing Cabinet
While you probably already have file storage for all your important documents, you're going to want a filing cabinet specifically for your business documents. Filing cabinets these days are no longer the clunky metal ones of yesteryear. Now filing cabinets are built with multi-purpose functioning in mind, such as this 3-Drawer Storage Printer Stand filing cabinet that provides space for the things you don't want cluttering your desk.
6. Solid Internet Connection
Your current home internet connection might not be up to snuff for your home office needs. A solid internet connection for a business should be high-speed and able to tolerate high volumes of data sharing, which your basic home internet probably can't do without being incredibly - and frustratingly - slow. It's worth a call to your internet service provider to see what you can do to speed up your connection.
7. Company Cloud Drive
If your business requires team collaboration or dealing with large files (such as photos or videos), then consider investing in a company cloud drive. A cloud drive enables all members of the company to access the same files from anywhere, making it both convenient and speedy. There are plenty of low-cost cloud services that operate on annual payment plans that will work for your business such as Dropbox, Box, iCloud, or Google Drive.
8. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Working from home means working around the people who live in your home. A comfortable pair of noise-canceling headphones might be your best bet for maintaining productivity.
Noise-canceling headphones come with the additional benefit of making it easier to make video calls, even when the kids have started a pillow fight in the next room. These Hybrid Wireless Earbuds connect to all your devices, cancel out ambient noise, and are low-cost and have great reviews.
9. Desk Lamp
For the same reason a standing desk is good for your posture, a good desk lamp is necessary for your eye health. If you are prone to eye strain or you want to protect your vision, then make sure you have a simple desk lamp you can place near your computer to make it easier to see. Here are the top picks for best desk lamps that help alleviate eye strain.
10. Organization Accessories
Your home office is going to need basic organizational accessories, such as a pen holders and desk organizers, to keep everything in order and easy to find. Inspirational prints for the wall, your favorite framed photos and some fresh flowers will add the unique touches that bring out your personality. If you anticipate having frequent video calls, then you'll also want to make sure your background comes off as professional and uncluttered.
Investing in Your Home Office Is a Smart Move
Whether you're working remotely because of new company policy or if you're starting a business from home, investing in a functional home office is the smartest move you can make. The convenience of home offices also means you can save money by not having to pay for office space or the cost of commuting, which gives you the freedom to invest those savings back into your business!