If you want to upgrade or set up a home office but don’t know where to start from, you are in the right place! We’ve teamed up with design mavens and veteran freelancers to help you create a functional & comfortable workplace. Scroll down!
Lots of people prefer to ditch their office work in favor of freelancing and a flexible schedule. It’s especially relevant now when we have to meet the challenges of Covid-19 and curb its spread.
Although working from home may seem an ultimately convenient option, it comes with plenty of challenges.
One of the most difficult things for new freelancers is mentally leaving home mode and entering work mode, especially when your cozy bed or favorite entertainments are only a step away.
So, how to get inspired and work effectively at home? Seasoned freelancers say that a well-thought home office organization is a must to stay engaged, focused, hence productive.
In this post, we are sharing the 12 top inspirational ideas so that you can upgrade your home office and make your work and life easier.
12 Home Office Upgrades You Need If You Work Remotely
1. Get High-end Appliances
It may seem strange to begin upgrading your workplace by getting appliances. But wait! How do you start your day?
A cup of good, strong, flavorus coffee or tea and you are ready to move mountains, right? That’s why we recommend buying a tea or coffee maker, e.g. a nice teapot, French press, or a coffee machine.
The market offers groundbreaking technologies that will not only brew a perfectly delicious drink for you but also keep it warm for hours.
If you live in a hot climate, it would be wise to invest in a small countertop ice maker so that you can easily make something refreshing during the busy working day.
Actually, homemade, tasty drinks are a self-care perk of working from home. So, use such an advantage to the full with high-end appliances!
2. Invest in a Home Smart Automation System
Are you a fan of high-tech? Then you’ll definitely love a home smart automation system, no question. However, even casual users will appreciate the convenience of the smart home.
Every work-from-homers agrees that there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing that you’ve forgotten to turn the light on/off, open/close blinds, or the room is too hot or cold, or anything after you start working.
Incorporating a smart system into your home office design will allow you to control everything with a push of a button right from your workplace.
3. Consider a Laptop Instead of Desktop PC
We can’t imagine a modern home office without a top-notch laptop. Lots of freelancers swear by these gadgets. They say that fast and reliable laptops successfully compete with the best desktop computers.
Besides, they give you a kind of freedom – you can move away from your desk and work from the sofa, terrace or balcony. Or you can choose more exciting places like a local cafe or park and continue doing your projects there.
4. Use a Reliable Home WiFi Modem & Router
When working from home, chances are you heavily depend on the Internet. One of the worst things for freelancers is dealing with poor internet connection.
Spotty WiFi can wreak havoc on video calls and online meetings; it interferes with your work and you just can’t stay productive under such circumstances.
Therefore, a premium-quality WiFi modem and router are must-have gadgets in your home office. They should feature excellent speed, ease of use, and smart features.
5. Consider a Computer Stand and a Phone Holder
Do you often use an iPad or phone for work? A specifically designed stand/holder will raise a gadget to the level and angle of your laptop screen, so you’ll be able to use it as the second screen for the laptop.
Next, lots of users find a laptop stand really helpful for at least 2 reasons. First, it helps with posture and comfort; second, such a stand helps to keep a laptop cool and high-performing when you run lots of programs.
A quality stand is convenient to use, it shouldn’t move even if you’re typing a storm. So, check this option before buying a stand or holder for your home office.
6. Invest in an Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
A home office keyboard and mouse are absolute essentials for remote work productivity. They must feature an ergonomic design to improve your precision and speed when working online and typing. But not only that!
Have you ever experienced wrist and hand strain from typing after long, focused work sessions? Do not put up with it! The chances are to be diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Luckily, we can prevent it by using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, they’ll reduce hand strain and improve comfort.
7. Get Good Headphones
Are you planning regular online meetings with your colleagues or clients while working from home? Then you definitely need a high-quality pair of headphones with a decent microphone. This way, you’ll hear everyone better and ensure that people hear you clear and loud when you speak up your thoughts and ideas.
Choose stylish headphones with a clean wireless design, active noise cancellation, and a simple setup.
8. Get Good Speakers
Your favorite music can help you relax, or conversely, get energized. On top of that, music can improve your efficiency and productivity.
What do you need to listen to the quality sound? Right, good speakers! Having wireless, Bluetooth speakers at the workplace will allow you to feel your room with mood music and wash out distractions to enhance your concentration.
9. Invest in a Proper Desk
A healthy home office must include proper furniture since working at home involves sitting down for long hours, and it can badly impact the posture.
A good solution here will be an adjustable desk, which allows changing the posture quickly with no need to interrupt a working process.
When you work, your shoulders and neck shouldn’t hunch over. So, take time to regulate the desk until you find the right position that helps you to maintain a proper posture.
10. Consider an Ergonomic Chair
Comfortable, ergonomic home office desk chairs with maximum lumbar support are a must-have for all work-from-homers!
A good chair will enable you to sit naturally with your back and legs at the right angle. Conversely, a bad-quality seat can cause poor blood circulation, stiffness and pain in the back and joints.
So, prevent negative health effects by investing in the right home office furniture set – a desk and a chair.
11. Design Adequate Lighting
Home office lighting must be one of your top priorities. Your workstation should get enough natural light. But if you work at nights, organize adequate overhead lighting and a desk lamp for comfortable overnight shifts.
Lifehack: if your eyes are overly tired at the end of the working day or night, it’s a sign that you need to upgrade the lighting. Try to adjust the position of the current illumination or add another source of light.
12. Create Good Storage for the Documents & Stationery
When organizing your home office, consider things that will help you keep your documents and stationery tidy and well-organized. Do invest in a functional and stylish shelf, drawer, storage bin, etc.
Make your workstation even more inviting and comfortable by adding accessories, artworks, books, and family photos. All this beautiful stuff will create an inspiring atmosphere.
Hopefully, our ideas will help you design or upgrade your own home office! If you have more ideas, do share them with us in the comment section below!
Read Also:
- How To Beat Distractions While Working From Home
- Should You Let Your Employees Work From Home Permanently?
- What Items You Need to Set up an Efficient Home Office
Author’s Bio: Kevin is a content writer for about 3 years. He studied Design and Arts at College in Pennsylvania. A fan of home interior design, he has taken it upon himself to spread his love for decorating homes by informing people on some of his ideas through his articles.
