The way everyone works is changing. Thanks to technological advances, more and more people are finding that they can work remotely, whether from home or another location entirely. While this offers a great deal of flexibility, it also requires a certain amount of preparation. Here are a few gadgets you should have if you want to be productive in your home office.
Strong Internet Connection
When you work from home, the Internet is your lifeline to the world. You will be working with clients and colleagues on the other side of the country or world, so you need a fast, reliable internet connection.
A strong internet connection will also come in handy if you will be streaming media and downloading software and updates. When possible, avoid Wi-Fi and use an Ethernet cable to connect to your router. Also, use a reliable and high-speed internet provider to cut short any lagging or buffering issues.
Network Accessories
In addition to a reliable internet connection, you will need key accessories, including a router, fiber cables, adapters, and more, to ensure your work-from-home setup is effective and efficient. Make sure you choose a fiber cable that is high quality and has low latency.
Don’t forget to stock up on other essentials like batteries, power strips, and surge protectors. These items will help to keep your devices charged and safe from power surges.
A Good Ergonomic Chair
Working from home means you can design your office how you want, and you have no excuse to sit in a cheap office chair with little lumbar support, a tiny seat that makes your back hurt after an hour, and arms that don’t adjust to the right height. An ergonomic chair will put your body at ease and help prevent back pain and soreness.
A Good Computer
Your computer is a big part of the work you will be doing at home, and it should be able to get the job done. Ensure you get a computer with a good processor, enough RAM, a big hard drive, and an anti-glare monitor to help relieve eye strain. Also, consider buying your next computer with a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a traditional hard drive. An SSD will improve the speed of your computer significantly.
Noise Canceling Headphones
Unless you are in a soundproof room, noise can hinder productivity. Even if it’s just the hum of your computer and a few people, noise-canceling headphones can cut that all out, allowing you to focus.
They also come in handy if you need to take conference calls or participate in video meetings. It’s also important to make sure you have a comfortable pair of headphones that you can wear for long periods without getting sore ears.
Elegant Desk Accessories
Investing in some accessories is a great idea if you want your desk to look aesthetic and professional. Things like pen holders, file folders, and even elegant supplies like vases of flowers can liven up your workspace. Storage accessories will also help keep your desk organized since a cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind.
A Good Printer
Even if you can always use a local print shop, running back and forth to a store every day can be tiring and time-consuming, which is why an all-in-one printer will come in handy. An all-in-one printer allows you to print, scan, and copy documents, which comes in handy when you need to make hard copies of documents or send them electronically.
File Cabinet or Portable Storage
While many people opt for digital storage solutions, a file cabinet can help keep your hardcopy records organized and accessible. In addition, a file cabinet can help to protect your documents from damage from spills, water damage, or even from your kids if they happen to be playing near your home office. For digital storage, you can use a service like Dropbox to store files online that are accessible from anywhere.
Bottom Line
Working from home is a dream for everyone: no commute, no office distractions, and the ability to design your perfect workspace. But there are some things you should have before you can start working from home effectively, and the above are a few you shouldn’t miss.
