THE ULTIMATE HOME OFFICE CHECKLIST

The idea of working in your home office can be really exciting, considering the fact that you don’t have to worry about rushing to work or the traffic jams at peak hours. However, you may find yourself running around in circles when it comes to physically setting up a space that will help you work productively. We know how overwhelming this process can be, that's why we've compiled a well-rounded yet streamlined list of all the work from home essentials to ensure you’re poised for success (and you look the part while you’re at it!)

As a bonus, we have also attached a PDF checklist with additional essentials, so you can print it out and get cracking!

1. The Right Furniture

If you already have a computer desk and chair you can work form, ask yourself whether it is supportive enough to sit in for 8 hours a day. If you can’t wait to get out of that chair at the end of the day, it is time to invest in a high-quality ergonomic sit-stand home office desk and a home office chair that has lumbar support and adjustable features. Your company may cover a part or all these costs, so be sure to ask.

2. A Comfortable Keyboard

Irrespective of whether you’re using a laptop or a desktop keyboard, the wrong keyboard can put unnecessary stress on your wrists and tire your hands prematurely. In addition to physical strain, the wrong keyboard can contribute to typos and quite often loud key noises that can cause irritation while working. Consider getting a keyboard that makes the tips of your fingers feel comfortable. Most high-quality ergonomic keyboards have wireless versions, so you don’t have to worry about cables!

3. Ergonomic Mouse and a Mouse Pad

An ergonomic mouse should be one of the top things on your home-office checklist for similar reasons as an ergonomic keyboard. Old style mice with the rubber ball underneath are not only notoriously bad for accurate mouse movements, but also because they’re a breeding ground for bacteria and gunk. This build-up may cause uncontrollable mouse action, interrupting the flow of your work. Optical or laser mice work best for long periods of use and work smoothly on most surfaces. However, if your home office desk does not look conducive to a mouse, a good quality mouse mat can fix that for you.

4. A Laptop Riser

Most employers provide their employees with work laptops. If you are not into getting an external monitor, a laptop riser might be the next best thing for you. A laptop riser elevates your laptop (with multiple height settings), so you don’t have to hunch over your laptop all day. Plus, it allows for more airflow, preventing your laptop from overheating.           

5. A Printer

Your line of work may require you to deal with physical copies of documents. If this applies to you, having the option to print and scan at home is a large part of being productive. Though printers may be pricey, the advantages outweigh the cost. No more running out to print that “one thing”. Plus, you save valuable time and energy. Wireless printers allow you to print irrespective of where you are and what application you’re using. They also let you share your printer with anyone that you choose.

6. Document Storage

There are always some hard copies or important notes you will need to hang on to. These papers strewn everywhere on your desk can look messy and make you feel overwhelmed. The best place to store these documents — and be able to find them later — is in a Document Box!

7. Stationery Supplies

Basic stationery supplies like pens, sticky notes and folders will enable you to take notes quickly and prioritise your work in a matter of seconds. However, since you are going to be spending the majority of your waking hours at your desk, it is easy for these supplies to clutter your space. Consider purchasing a bookcase or shelving to prevent that chaos. This Drawer Set may be your best bet if you want an easy storage solution.

8. Plants or Art (Or Both!)

Most of us are not fortunate enough to have an office overlooking the beach and so it is easy to feel disconnected from the outside world. If you relate to this feeling, consider getting some houseplants, or moving your plants into your workspace. A study conducted in the UK revealed that adding plants to one’s workplace increased productivity by 15%! If you cannot get your hands on a plant, try setting up your space with art you created, a painting, a picture of your family or even incense sticks. Low-maintenance and massive ROI!