Working from home is not for the faint of heart. Actually building a home office and remaining focused on work while at home is a surprising challenge. Many home professionals are continuously honing their home office design to keep it fresh and inspiring. Whether you’ve been working from home for years or have just accepted a job that is fully remote, if you don’t yet have a home office, but need to design one, stay tuned.

The following is a comprehensive list of home office essentials. Take it from someone who is a few years ahead of the game and has settled into a few home offices in the past. Putting the perfect desk-nest and workstation together is easier than you think.

The Basic Trifecta

Start with the basics. You’ll need a desk, chair, computer, and many professionals will need a printer/scanner. Thanks to streaming media, you won’t need a radio or a TV for background entertainment.

  • Desk or Table
    • Buy a desk or reassign a table. Folding card tables are not ideal, look for something sturdy, but with legs that won’t interfere with a rolling chair.
  • Ergonomic Office Chair
    • Find a chair that is comfortable to sit in for hours every day. It’s often worth a small investment in a good home office chair.
    • Office chairs come in small, medium, and large. Knowing this is a life-saver for short and tall people when ordering your own chair.
  • Laptop or Computer
    • Any computer that works and runs the software you need.
    • From there, choose your screens, keyboard, and mouse by what is comfortable for you.
  • Printer-Scanner Hybrid
    • If you need to handle paper documents, it’s very useful to have a hybrid printer/scanner in the room.
    • Even if you only use it 4 times a year, those are 4 times you didn’t have to go to the FedEx store.
Staying Hydrated & Caffeinated

Staying focused at your desk means having something to drink – or we’d be getting up once an hour for water, coffee, and soda. Stash beverages and your daily snack supply nearby so you can snag sustenance without breaking your stride.

  • Cooler or Mini-Fridge
    • Depending on your budget and how many cold items you need at the desk.
  • Personal Cup or Thermos
    • Whatever you like to drink out of all day long. Some people have a mug, some a coffee thermos, and some a water bottle.
  • Hotplate
    • It’s nice to have tea, cocoa, or soup at the desk. A mini hot plate makes that quickly possible.
Keeping Comfortable & Focused

If you’re uncomfortable, you can’t work. This is why most home offices have subtle room-conditioning or temperature-managing features. They are essential when the weather shifts and your deadlines don’t.

  • Lamp or Smart Overhead Light
    • Light and focus are inherently connected, but your mood for focus may change. Get a light or install a smart bulb in your overhead fixture to take control of your light levels.
  • Electric Heater or Lap Blanket
    • If your office gets cold (AC chill), have a source of heat. Some prefer an under-desk heater, or you can choose a lap-sized electric blanket. They are surprisingly effective.
  • Mini Adjustable Fan
    • In Hawaiʻi, we’re more likely to feel the heat. If your office gets stuffy or hot, place a small fan on the desk, shelf, floor, or windowsill.
Desk-Bound Personal Care

Finally, there are matters of personal care. When you can quickly solve small medical concerns, work doesn’t have to be interrupted for an itch or a cough.

  • Cough Drops
    • Soothing and menthol are good for mental focus. Also curbs appetite if you’re putting off lunch for productivity.
  • Chapstick
    • For those who chew lips while thinking, chapstick is essential at the desk.
  • Antihistamines
    • For those who get distracted by itching or sneezing, keep antihistamines close
  • Stashed Snacks and Water Bottles
    • Always have a few snacks and a spare bottle of water, just in case.
Find More Home Office Essentials

Transitioning to working at home is not as challenging as it sounds. As long as you have a checklist to help you get started. For more tips and tricks to improve remote workflow, contact us today!