Creating A Work From Home Office Setup

Recent events have made working from home more popular and more streamlined than ever before. Millions of people are now working remotely, or have chosen to go with a hybrid schedule that allows them to switch between their place of business and their home office.

If you’re getting ready to switch things up, it’s crucial that you put together an efficient work from home office setup. This will make it easier for you to be productive—and feel comfortable in your own space.

Work From Home Office Setup: Choose Your Space(s)

The nice thing about having a work from home setup is that you get to decide exactly where it is and what it looks like. You also aren’t confined to a single place for the entire day since you can move around and have multiple work areas within your house.

Depending on your needs, this can be anything from a small area in your kitchen to a full-fledged personal office. If you can dedicate a room to working from home, that is typically ideal.

There is one specific area of your home you should avoid when it comes to work, and that is your bedroom. This makes it easier to separate your work from your personal life, which helps many people avoid anxiety and becoming overly stressed.

At the same time, your work from home office setup could also be transitional so you can move about as you please. This tends to be easier when you use a small, transportable desk like a personal table tray.

Get The Right Desk

You’ll quickly find that there are many different options when it comes to picking out a desk. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences, whether you want a large antique desk or a contemporary, minimalist work table.

Here are a few types of desks to consider:

Sit-stand Desk

A simple, basic sit-stand desk like these Jarvis standing desks by Fully are perfect for people who want a unique and customizable option. Desks like these are touted as being able to:

• Reduce back pain
• Improve energy levels throughout the day
• Boost productivity
• Lower the risk of weight gain
• Increase blood flow and minimize risk of heart disease

Workbench

Some people may not think of this as a desk, but a workbench like the Husky brand from Home Depot can easily be converted into one. They range in size from 46 inches wide up to 72 inches and have two drawers for easy and organized storage. While they are normally used for tools, they’re a sturdy work option that will stand the test of time.

Media Cart

Another uncommon but efficient item that can be used as a desk is a media cart like this one. The greatest thing about it: You can easily store it away whenever it’s not in use. That way if you have a multi-use space such as a home gym, you can put the media cart in the closet while you get in a solid workout.

Select The Best Equipment

There are a handful of other pieces of equipment you can consider for your work from home setup that are either essential for success or optional for added convenience.

Lighting

Proper lighting is crucial to your overall performance and productivity day-to-day. Bad lighting could lead to eyestrain, headaches, and reduced energy levels.

Make sure the ambient light in your office is bright enough to maintain a professional mood within the space. If you ever have video conferences, you may also want to consider having a key light that shines on your face and prevents shadows during calls.

Webcam

Speaking of video calls, it’s also a good idea to get a high-quality webcam that will produce a clear, crisp picture. Most computers and laptops come with internal cameras but tend to have poor quality, leaving your face looking pixelated or blurry. A nice Logitech 4K Pro Webcam or something similar will fix that problem.

Laptop Stand

For those who use a laptop or tablet for their work from home office setup, a collapsible stand is a must-have. This allows you to set the screen at the proper height, keeping with effective ergonomics and preventing neck strain. Since it’s collapsible, you can quickly break it down and transport it with you wherever you decide to work.

External Keyboard

Especially when using a laptop stand, you’ll need to get a keyboard to pair with your device. You can either use a standard option like a classic Apple keyboard or go with an ergonomic one.

Backdrop

For people who do video conferencing of any kind, having a high-quality and professional backdrop is vital. Anyvoo makes template-style as well as fully customizable backdrops that you can easily set up behind you in seconds. Among the most useful work from home setup ideas, they’ll remove the need for tacky looking green screens; they also effectively block out the rest of your surroundings.

Reliable Internet Connection

If you’re working remotely, there’s no question that internet access is one of the most important aspects of your setup. Research reputable internet service providers and select a plan that will be sufficient for your needs. Depending on the size of your home, you could consider getting a wifi extender to boost the signal to wherever you choose to work.

Make Your Work from Home Office Setup Work for You

All these suggestions will put you on the right path toward having a safe, comfortable space where you can work remotely. In the end, your personal preferences are all that matters. Find what works best for you, and where you can be most productive.