If you’re new to working from home and don’t know if your home can accommodate such a setup, here are all the things you need:
A spot to call your office.
This doesn’t necessarily have to be a room with a door, but you do need a place where you can set up a computer and organize your stuff.
If you have young kids or pets, an office with a door might be necessary, especially if you’re expecting regular online calls and meetings. If not, a peaceful spot where you can concentrate should be a good enough goal.
Computer or laptop and a second monitor:
You can’t work without a computer or laptop. Even traditional jobs like painters and carpenters would still need a PC to sell their work or promote their services online.
Of course, the hardware and software needed for your computer would depend largely on your job. If you’re a game developer or CAD architect, you’ll need a powerful desktop. Videographers require a high-end monitor with advanced motherboard and memory to accommodate high quality images with accurate colors.
If you’re not a fan of laptops, you’ll need a big enough monitor for your work.If your job entails a lot of writing, researching or reading text, purchase a monitor about 27 inches or bigger. A second monitor is a necessary gadget to have if you need more real estate to do more work.
Comfortable Table and chair
If you check IT companies, you’ll discover that almost all of them invest in big and tall office chairs and tables that support long hours of working. Whether you decide to use an adjustable standing table, or a traditional office table, it’s important that it compliments your chosen chair as well.
The height of your chair must match the height of your table. Otherwise, you’ll suffer from back pains or eye strains real quick.
When picking out a chair, try to invest in something that’s durable and comfortable. Your back would thank you for not scrimping on this appliance.
Ergonomic keyboard, mouse, mouse pad
You may think keyboards and mice aren’t important. You’ll think again if you’re typing up thousands of words and feeling the burn on your wrists.
Believe it or not, an ergonomic keyboard not only speeds up your typing, it also reduces the amount of force you need to press those keys. Branded keyboards often have softer, easier-to-press keys.
A good mouse also improves your precision and speed. And while you’re at it, buy a big-sized mouse pad as well – this pad will support your wrist and reduce strains significantly. Pick one that’s soft and made from an odorless material.
Speakers and mic or headset
If you’re going to be attending online video conferences regularly, you’ll need to invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. This ensures you hear the people at the other end of the call.
For those not fond of earbuds or headsets, you can also opt for a microphone and speakers combination. There are numerous brands in the market from budget to super high end, so choose based on your needs.
A Reliable Multi-purpose Printer
In most cases, you’ll need to print out documents, have it signed, scan or fax them. Choose a multi-purpose one so you won’t end up searching for a fax service in the middle of the night, if a client from another part of the country decides to fax a document to you.
Go for known brands like HP, Brother, Canon, Epson, or Lexmark, so you won’t go wrong. They have options for those on a budget and those looking for an “all-in-one business center.”
Good lighting
If your “office” spot doesn’t get natural lighting in the morning, it is essential that you supplement your space with additional lights.
If you plan to work at nighttime and you can’t leave the daylights open, make sure you invest in a good lamp for the most eye-friendly lighting. Don’t go for fancy blue, pink or multi-color lights. Stick with white light for working.
Skipping proper lighting could ruin your eyesight and cause non-stop headaches. Believe me, this is something you shouldn’t forget.
Connect with Cables or Upgrade Your Wi-Fi
Lastly, if you’re finding that your internet is going super slow at times, maybe it’s better you get wired and connect your computer or laptop directly to the router with ethernet cable.
If switching to a wired connection is not possible, your next best solution is to invest in a Wi-Fi repeater/extender. This device expands the Wi-Fi zones that your router could reach, so if your computer or home office setup is at the back of the house, extending or repeating Wi-Fi signals means your device could connect to the internet as seamlessly as possible.