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There are plenty of benefits to working from home. Your commute is lessened and you can often have more flexibility with your schedule. But combining where you work and where you live can also come with distractions.
From kids to pets to housework, it's easy to stray away from your computer. A dedicated space can keep you on task and keep distractions at bay. Regardless of the kind of work you do, a home office should allow you to have everything you need to have uninterrupted time to finish the job.
No two home offices will look the same, as every person will require different tools or devices to finish the job. And, of course, everyone has different aesthetic styles that they prefer to decorate in. But there are a few commonalities between home offices and essentials that each should have.
1. The Right Furniture
Before adding all of the finishing touches, you need to have the right furniture for your office. No matter what kind of work you're planning to do, an office desk and a chair are the best items to start with. These can create your command center where you can complete all of your work.
When it comes to your desk, consider a traditional desk versus a standing desk. A traditional desk and desk chair tend to be more comfortable, but it's not great to sit for long periods of time. Standing desks can have some health benefits, but they may not be right for some people. Consider what will be best for you while you work.
You'll want to put similar consideration into a desk chair. Something comfortable that offers plenty of support for your back and posture will be ideal if you're going to be working for long periods of time.
If you have the space, you may also want to consider other pieces of furniture, like accent chairs, where you can relax and take a break. You may also need other surfaces to work on, so a worktable might be necessary.
2. Proper Storage
Don't forget to add storage solutions to your home office design. The type of items you have to store will inform you of the right kind of storage for your space.
If you have a lot of papers, filing cabinets, folders, and drawers may be the best option. For items like pencils, pens, and markers, you'll want cups to corral them. And don't forget containers or divider trays for small items like paperclips and pushpins.
Large shelves can be both functional and aesthetic. These can be great places to put books and magazines as well as decor like picture frames and plants. Don't forget to use wall space through corkboards or wall grids for organization.
3. Reliable Internet
No matter what kind of work you have to do, there's a good chance you're going to need to use the internet. Whether you're hopping on meetings, contacting customers, or working on websites, the internet is now an essential tool for most occupations.
Make sure your home office has reliable high-speed internet so you'll experience as few interruptions and technical difficulties as possible. If you have internet running through your home, test the connection in your office to ensure there are no dead zones from being too far from the router.
It's also important to consider how many people or devices are on the connection. If the whole family uses the same Wi-Fi, that could slow your internet when trying to work. It might be worth getting dedicated internet for your home office.
4. Your Electronics
Now is the time to fill your office with all the tech you need for your job.
To start, you'll need the basics like a laptop or a desktop computer. A printer, scanner, or fax machine may also be necessary for your job. Beyond the basic essentials, you may also want to have a speaker to play music, but a television might be too distracting.
A charging station for all your devices is also essential; they also help keep all the cords organized instead of becoming a tangled mess. You'll also want to have power strips to give yourself a few more outlets to plug in your devices. Make sure it has a surge protector, which can prevent your devices from receiving too much electricity.
Lastly, of course, you'll want to have proper lighting. Be sure you have good overhead lighting as well as task lighting throughout the space in the form of desk and table lamps.
5. Luxuries and Finishing Touches
Finally, it's time to put your personal touch on your office. Since you're working out of your home, you can make your office exactly how you want it to be. Add decor like art, personal photos, plants, and area rugs to make the space feel more comfortable.
You can also add some luxuries like a coffee maker or miniature refrigerator. A coffee bar with all your favorite toppings and add-ins will be the perfect way to start the day. And a miniature refrigerator will be the ideal place to keep your afternoon snacks.
You may also want to consider a small treadmill or step machine that can easily store away. This way, while you're working, you can get a little workout in. A fire-proof safe is another home office essential to keep all your documents secure.
Home Office Essentials to Get Your Work Done
Whether you work from home full-time, hybrid, or a side hustle, a dedicated home office is where you should get your work done. You'll be able to shut yourself away from distractions and take the time you need to finish all of your tasks.
No matter how you use your office, be sure to fill it with the right essentials to make your space comfortable. The best part about having a home office is being able to personalize it to your needs and your style.
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