what should i put in my home office

Create a home office station that includes your printer, a corkboard, files, and a calendar. The benefit of clustering essential items into a centralized area of your space means you have immediate access to critical paperwork and supplies, preventing them from being misplaced and cluttering other areas of your office.

Full Answer

What things are needed for a Home Office?

For a home office, you need a space in your home to set up your workspace, a computer, and a strong internet connection. Everything else depends on the kind of work that you do. Our preference is to invest in a setup with a laptop, a larger monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse, at minimum.

What do you need in a Home Office?

What do you need in a home office?

• Purchase A Standing Desk. A standing desk is an adjustable desk that can be used for either sitting or standing.
• Have Proper Lighting.
• Use An Ergonomic Office Chair.
• Set Up A Private Business Phone Line.
• Go Wireless And Avoid Clutter.
• Get High-speed Internet.

How to organize office supplies in the Home Office?

Designate a Space for Your Home Bills

• Laptop, tablet or desktop computer
• Printer
• A desktop organizer or mail tray
• Filing box or an accordion file folder
• Filing folders with tabs. ...
• Miscellaneous office supplies such as paper clips, stapler, post stamps, pens, highlighters, and my favorite: a PAID stamp!
• My free printables. ...

How to choose the perfect desk for a Home Office?

• Your desk should provide clearance for your legs; standard desk heights of 29 to 30 inches from the floor are sufficient for most users.
• Sitting behind the desk, there should optimally be at least three-and-a half feet of space. ...
• For computer-users, keyboards need to be placed at a comfortable height. ...

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How do I set up a nice home office?

How to Set Up a Home Office You Love: 12 Tips— Find the Best Location. For some people, choosing a spot for their home office is easy. ... — Add Privacy. ... — Consider Who Else Uses the Space. ... — Invest in Yourself. ... — Prioritize Comfort. ... — Support Your Neck and Eyes. ... — Get the Right Desk. ... — Stash It Away.More items...

How can I spice up my home office?

10 Tips For Sprucing Up Your Home OfficeClaim your “office” as your own. Whether you have a dedicated office or a makeshift work from home environment, try to claim a space as your own. ... Prioritize lighting. ... Choose your chair wisely. ... Power up. ... Add some plants. ... Set the mood with scents. ... Upgrade your wall space. ... Clean up.More items...

How can I make my office look nice?

6 Ways to Make Your Office Look AwesomeLess is more. Nothing makes an office look better than removing the clutter. ... Hire quality vendors. ... Check under the carpet. ... Break up your space with plants. ... Mix and match your lighting. ... Arrange your desks to encourage natural light.

How do you stage a home office?

Home Office Staging TipsRemove all furniture but the essentials. When staging any space, the less furniture in it, the better. ... Declutter and de-personalize. A home office is one of the quickest spots in the home to become cluttered. ... Set up an organized workspace. ... Keep it neutral. ... Accessorize.

How to make your home office sound better?

If you like to work in different spaces of your home, opt for Bluetooth speakers that offer you greater flexibility and great sound quality. These speakers also allow you to hold conference calls no matter your location.

Why is it important to have a home office?

When you set up a home office, it's important to have the right tools and equipment that allow for greater productivity. Knowing some common home office essentials can help you create a more focused environment in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we explain the importance of a home office and list 34 home office essentials you should have in your designated workspace.

Why do we need a water bottle near our desk?

Having a water bottle near your desk can help you stay hydrated and focused throughout your workday. Make sure to purchase a leak-proof bottle to prevent spills on your workspace or computer.

What do you need to have a notepad?

If you're going to have a notepad, you need the right writing utensils such as a set of pens or pencils. Make sure to choose ones that feel comfortable in your hand and as you write. You can also purchase highlighters to help you emphasize certain parts of notes you take or any portions of important work documents.

Why do we need a file cabinet?

Consider purchasing a file cabinet if you need to store important documents. A file cabinet allows you to store these documents in an orderly fashion. If you don't have that many documents to store, opt for a file folder and scan the rest of your documents to keep them digitally.

How to boost energy in office?

If you need an energy boost, have a cup of coffee or tea nearby. Consider keeping a coffee pot or tea in your home office so you can have quick access whenever you need a boost of productivity.

Where to store sensitive documents?

If you have really important or sensitive documents, store them within a safe in your home office. You can also use a safe to store expensive equipment and other valuables.

5. A waterproof desk pad, which doubles as a mouse pad and a coaster to protect your desk or table from scratches and coffee cup rings

Promising review: "These are beyond wonderful for protecting the desk and providing a nice surface for writing, keyboarding, and for a mousepad. After purchasing one, I knew I needed two more. These terrific desk pads are not only functional but are also beautiful. There was no funky smell and I simply rolled them back to get them to lay flat.

6. A ceramic stone oil diffuser for a touch of chic decor that'll fill your home office with your favorite scents

You can also pick up a blend of essential oils for focus to keep in your office, too.

7. A fluffy faux fur rug to give your chair or the floor by your desk a quick and glamorous makeover

Promising review: "I bought this to cover up the ugly desk chair that came with my dorm. I love it! It's really soft and luxurious, plus it doesn't shed. When you first get it, there are some creases from how it was packaged, but you just have to fluff it up and they go away." — Kelsie Thomas

11. A set of six cable clips so you can keep your charger cords organized and in sight. No more digging around and behind your desk to find them

Promising review: "These seem to work very well. Other brands had comments about them not sticking well so I went with this brand and am very happy with them. I am using them on my desk at work as well as on the back of my night table at home to keep my charger cords from slipping behind the furniture.

16. A set of mini macaron trinket boxes you can use to store small office supplies or even just for decor. These pretty little things will brighten up your space and your day

Promising review: "These little macaron containers are perfect. I am using them for various crafting purposes and to travel. I use them to travel and put my smaller stud earrings in them. I take them with me for paperclips and stuff in the office when I have meetings on the go.

17. An ergonomic wrist-rest set made of soft and breathable material to make all that typing more comfy for you

Promising review: "Wow, what a difference! These keyboard and mouse wrist pads make keyboarding so much more comfortable that they're helping me type faster, and no more 'mousing shoulder,' since you don't need to move your arm around as much while using the mouse. (Seriously, 'mousing shoulder' has been a very painful issue on many occasions.

18. A daily tear-off planner pad for an easy and aesthetically pleasing way to lay out everything from your daily water intake to meetings and tasks

Promising review: "You can stop scrolling around looking for the perfect planner because this one is absolutely PERFECT. Really helps manage my time and keep track of things all across the board. I also appreciate the positivity it exudes. Starts my day off just right!! I'll definitely be ordering more." — Brit

How to make a home office?

1. Location, Location, Location. You'll likely spend many hours in your home office, so don't stiff yourself on space (e.g. squishing a tiny desk into a windowless closet to preserve the rarely-used guest room). OFFICE INSPIRATION.

How to keep important papers on desk?

Hang floating shelves on the walls to get papers and office equipment off the desk, and use vertical file folders on the desk to keep important papers within arm's reach. Are you a stacker or a filer? If you tend to make piles, get a nice basket to tame your mail, notes and papers. If you prefer a clean desktop, designate one drawer for your "to-do" papers. Wooden or metal cube storage is a fun alternative to bookshelves, since each space can be used for books, knickknacks or baskets of odds-and-ends.

How to look up from a computer?

Position the desk where you can stare at something more interesting than a blank wall (even if you do love the color) when you glance up from the computer. A window's natural light is ideal, but if you're in a windowless space, hang a pretty picture above the desk, or position your chair to face the door.

Is working from home productive?

Working from home can be comfortable and productive — unless your home office is a disaster.

How to work from home without losing your mind?

Make sure you set clear boundaries for when you start and stop working. Get dressed in the morning so you can feel ready for work, make sure the TV is off so you're not distracted, and when you're done for the day, turn off the computer if you can (or close all your work-related tabs). You can even disable notifications after 5 pm in work apps like Slack. WIRED's Digital Director Brian Barrett has more tips you can read in How to Work From Home Without Losing Your Mind.

How much is a staples hyken chair?

Here are a few the Gear team likes. Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair for $160: Reviews editor Jeffrey Van Camp says he personally tried "all the chairs at all the stores" in 2019, and this was his favorite—it's still at his desk. It reclines, has neck support if you need it, and the mesh holds up.

How to make your home office more productive?

Even working at home can get tedious and dull. A drab home office can sap your energy making it hard to work. Paint your home office in a color you like. Hang pictures, posters, and décor on the walls. Surround yourself with items that motivate such as pictures of your family, inspiring quotes, a vision board, and other items that bring you joy.

Where to put your desk for home business?

Your kitchen table or a desk tucked into a corner of a bedroom is a good place to get started on your home business journey, but as you grow, you’ll want to design an office that supports your work. Having to pack up to move off the dining room table each night can get old quickly. The ideal space in your home is free from work-time distractions and has a door, both of which make it easy to divide work time and space with your personal time and space to create greater work/life balance.

What is a T-shaped desk?

T-shaped desks are ideal if you have a partner or spouse you’re building your home business with, or need two work stations. A T-shaped desk can also have bookshelves or a hutch at the top of the T, giving you even more storage.

How to reduce clutter in your home?

Reuse and recycle paper and other items whenever possible. Switch to digital tools over planners and other paper items. Use energy-saving light bulbs and power strips, and weather seal your windows, which will save on your power bill.

What is the ideal space in your home?

The ideal space in your home is free from work-time distractions and has a door, both of which make it easy to divide work time and space with your personal time and space to create greater work/life balance.

What is a straight forward desk?

A simple straight-forward desk is ideal for small spaces, if you prefer a minimalist design, or if you’re just starting and don’t have the budget for office furniture. A table can even work, although a desk with drawers offers storage to keep your desk clutter-free.

Why do you need to set up your office furniture?

If your home office requires a lot of technology, you want to set up your furniture so that outlets are within easy reach of your equipment. While extension cords can give you some flexibility, they can get in the way and cause a tripping hazard. All your furniture and tools should serve to help, not hinder, you in your home business. It includes your desk, bookcases, file cabinets, and anything else you need.

What is the best light for a home office?

Warm light, such as from firelight, promotes relaxation. Cold light, such as daylight, improves productivity and alertness. That's what you want in your home office. 1  Windows and exposure to daylight can also impact your physical and mental well-being. 2 . Working in a space with natural light can reduce headaches and eyestrain, ...

How to be more productive when working from home?

Research has found that you'll be more productive if you get up and move around a bit throughout the day. 6  These brief mental rest periods break up the workday and can improve your focus, but it's easy to forget about time when you're working from home. Before you know it, you've worked 14 hours for the third day in a row.

Why do we need plants in our workspace?

You might want to keep a plant or two in your workspace as an added touch that can improve your well-being. Research has shown that having plants in an office can increase your productivity and make you happier while you work. 3 

Why do you need a dedicated studio?

You might need a dedicated studio that's separate from the rest of your home if you need space to spread out design or tech equipment. Your employer might require that you have a door that closes and locks for reasons of confidentiality if you telecommute.

Why do you need a spare room?

You might find that a spare room with a door can reduce noise from the rest of the house if you'll be on the phone frequently. It could make sense to choose a room near the front entrance of the house if you'll be meeting with clients in your home office. You might need a dedicated studio that's separate from the rest of your home if you need space to spread out design or tech equipment.

How to avoid mixing personal expenses with business expenses?

Keep your personal life from spilling over into your business life—and vice versa. Setting up a business bank account is the first step in helping you avoid mixing personal expenses with your business expenses.

Why is working from home important?

Working from home offers many advantages, including the flexibility of setting your own schedule, saving time and money by eliminating your daily commute, and allowing you to start a business with minimal overhead. But being successful in a home office requires creating a space that promotes efficiency in a non-traditional work environment.

How to organize a home office?

No closet, no worries. Use open shelves to organize and style your home office. In this office by designer Joanna Whittaker, the two white shelves put a substantial amount of empty wall space to good use while leaving enough room for a floor lamp. The chic arrangement is kept organized with the use of two large baskets on the bottom shelves that hold the messier work items. Keep books on shelves from looking too disorganized by keeping them in order using sturdy and decorative bookends.

How to make your desk look organized?

You’ll feel a lot better if it looks organized. The best way to achieve that is to purchase a few efficient and visually-pleasing accessories that can give your desk a streamlined look. This desk from Fancy Things keeps clutter off the surface with a cup for pens, a magazine holder for folders and small journals, and a stacked drawer unit on the far left that blends in seamlessly with the desk and wall to keep papers and other small items out of sight.

What is a white desk sorter?

A white desk sorter effortlessly blends in on the desk of this chic office from The Lovely Drawer .

What is a home office station?

Create a home office station that includes your printer, a corkboard, files, and a calendar. The benefit of clustering essential items into a centralized area of your space means you have immediate access to critical paperwork and supplies, preventing them from being misplaced and cluttering other areas of your office.

How to liven up unused wall space?

Pin onto a board or wall inspiring clippings and random pieces of paper. By using your vertical space, you'll give them a place to live instead of left in a forgotten pile of papers. That's what Interior designer Vanessa Francis did in her home office by dedicating the space under her shelving and behind her monitor to thought-provoking imagery. It's also a way to liven up typically unused wall space.

1. An acrylic organizer set to corral your desk necessities into neat compartments so you're never again looking for something last-minute before a big presentation

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (also available in a file holder and magazine holder ).

3. A bamboo monitor stand with various customizable nooks and crannies so you can get even more storage space based on your specific needs

Promising review: "This shelf is super sturdy, great looking, and exactly what I needed for my 28" monitor. The custom storage cubbies are excellent for keeping my frequently used items close at hand. Couldn't be any happier with this product!" — Itsmelt

8. And if you're going for more natural desk decor, then this wooden lamp with a warm light could be the perfect addition

Get it from Amazon for $28.88+ (available in a larger size or as a set).

10. A mini retro fan to cool you on the days when your office feels like a sweltering 100 degrees

Promising review: "This is a perfect size for my desk at work. It sits right next to my monitor. It has two speeds. I've used both, but the lowest setting blows plenty of air. It's more powerful than I anticipated, which is a good thing, and it's quiet enough that I don't have to turn it off when I meet with a client." — M. C. Willis

11. And for the days when the office is an ice box, this little heater will keep you toasty warm from your head to your toes

This little heater is temperature-adjustable with three settings: high, low, and fan only. It has a built-in overheating protector so you don't have to worry about it well, bursting into flames.

13. A mini Crock-Pot to heat your food right at the comfort of your own desk. Say goodbye to waiting on that microwave line!

This Crock-Pot has a lid for easy travel and is dishwasher-safe. Its 20-ounce capacity is the perfect single person serving. Also to make sure you avoid burns, the outside of the pot doesn't get hot while warming your food.

14. Adhesive cable clips that'll tame that wire jungle you're currently experiencing on and underneath your desk

Get them from Amazon for $8.87+ (available in two colors) and check out these magnetic cable clips for a sleeker look.