If you work from home, you already know that you at least need a computer and a decent internet connection. These are the bare necessities, but there are plenty of other items that can help you stay happy and productive throughout the workday. Here are a few things to consider.
1. A Dry-Erase Board
When you work from home, staying organized can be a challenge. But when you prioritize tasks for the day, you’ll be better equipped to coast through your workday while staying as productive as possible. And what better way to prioritize tasks than writing them on a whiteboard?
A dry-erase board is a small investment that can really pay off. Hang it by your desk and write out a list of your goals for the day. And if you’re juggling multiple deadlines, you might consider a dry-erase monthly calendar. That way, you can keep track of everything due, and by the end of the month, all you have to do is erase and repeat.
2. A Mug Warmer
If you’re juggling meetings, presentations, or even just a whole slew of deadlines, it’s easy to forget about that morning coffee or tea. And when you finally get around to it, it’s gone unpleasantly cold. With a mug warmer, you can skip the repeated microwaving and keep your favorite beverage nice and toasty all day long.
3. A Laptop Stand Or Desk
One way to keep yourself focused at work is to move around while you do it. With an adjustable laptop stand, you can work comfortably while sitting on the couch, working at a desk, and even standing up. And if you frequently like to stay relaxed while working, consider getting a lap desk. That way, you can keep your computer still and secure by knocking out all the work you need to do.
4. A Chair Mat
A computer chair mat doesn’t just look nice. It protects rugs and carpets from damage. And since it distributes your weight evenly, it also reduces strain on your back and neck. Chair mats have come a long way, too: you can choose ultra-cool glass mats that fit right in with sleek office decor.
5. A Reusable Smart Notebook
Want to combine old-school handwritten notes with the convenience of cloud backup? Try a smart notebook. You can use a special pen to digitally write on the pages. They’re then uploaded and saved on your computer or the cloud. After uploading, you just clear the pages and start again. It’s quite convenient and eco-friendly, too.
6. A Cord Organizer
Just about every work setup involves a whole slew of cords. Looking at the tangle of power cords on the floor behind your desk can be stressful and irritating. Luckily, you can easily fix that with an inexpensive cord organizer. These organizers are usually small rectangular boxes that sit on the floor, streamlining and covering power cables, computer cords, and more.
7. A Desktop Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re one of those people who works better with music on, a small Bluetooth speaker is a great investment. A good-quality speaker lets you stream music easily. Plus, it helps you avoid having to wear earbuds or headphones for the entire workday. Just make sure you choose one with high-quality audio: nobody likes listening to buzzing bass and distorted vocals all day!
8. A Webcam Cover
If you often need to sign onto work meetings, a webcam cover is a great idea! You can avoid accidentally appearing on camera while wearing your pajamas. And even if you’re not too tech-savvy, you’ll be able to easily tell whether you’re on camera or not.
Even if your work doesn’t involve meetings, covering your webcam is a good idea. Some computer viruses allow people to remotely watch you through your webcam. Even if you don’t think you have a computer virus, it’s better to be safe!
Bottom Line
With a few cool accessories, you can quickly transform a drab home office into an exceptional one. After all, working from home can sometimes feel isolating, so the least you can do is set up a home office that you’ll look forward to going to each morning!