With cozy blankets, endless snacks, and no shoes required, who would ever want to go back to the office? Create the perfect space to be productive with this ultimate home office essentials checklist to make sure you feel prepared for your nine to five from the comfort of your home.
Find Your Chair
You will be spending a lot of time in your chair, so you want to make sure it fits your body. A good office chair is comfortable and adjustable, and it would help if you looked for a chair that supports your back ergonomically. Chair issues can lead to poor posture and backaches, so take some time choosing the correct one.
A Monitor or Two
Working from your laptop is fine but could be more manageable if enlarged on a monitor. If you have a large desk, consider buying a larger monitor or even multiple monitors to increase efficiency and make work feel easier. If you decide to go with multiple monitors, make sure they support the same resolution so that one doesn’t look blurry compared to the other. And, of course, don’t forget about color quality!
Dependable Wi-Fi
There are many different choices in internet providers, and you will want to take the time to choose the one that can handle your daily tasks. You should check their download speed and capability, especially if multiple people will work online at once.
You can even turn your home addition into an office without fretting about your internet connection. And don’t worry if it has a metal roof; metal roofs don’t affect your service!
Good Battery Life
Your laptop’s battery life can be a make-or-break factor when you’re working remotely. Some laptops last only 4 hours on a single charge, while others have batteries that run for 18 hours. Finding the right device is crucial—especially if you work at coffee shops or other locations with limited electric sockets. Since battery life depends on many factors, including screen brightness and resolution, it varies significantly among devices.
Headphones
One of the most important things you’ll need for your home office is a good pair of headphones! They can help drown out all that noise and allow you to focus on the task at hand. Headphones with built-in microphones can also be helpful for video conferencing.
Video Conferencing Software
Video conferencing systems are the new in-person meetings. They allow you to meet face-to-face with clients, prospects, and business partners no matter how far away, even working from home. In addition, you can use them for internal team collaboration. The most common video conferencing technologies include Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Microsoft Teams.
Cloud Storage Solutions
The term “home office” can mean anything from a designated room to the kitchen table. All you need is access to the internet and cloud storage capabilities, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. With cloud storage, you can securely store, organize, and share files with coworkers or clients. Many solutions have been popping up over the past few years, but it’s essential to choose one that fits your needs before committing.
Ready for Remote Work
If you’re feeling uncertain about working from home, don’t panic. Follow our ultimate home office essentials checklist and add in your personality. Hang pictures of your family, prepare a space for your dog to chill during meetings, and prepare for the future of work.
