Did you know that 43% of employed Americans spent some time working remotely? Whether you're a freelancer already or looking to transition into working from home, it's important to have a designated workspace.
Let's get into the top office essentials every home needs.
If you have a desktop computer, you'll probably want a monitor screen to avoid neck strain. Depending on your type of work, you may want to invest in dual monitors.
Commit to investing in a high-quality desk that has plenty of space and storage. You want to be able to stash away any important documents, but you also want plenty of space to get your work done.
Keep in mind that your desk shouldn't be a dumping ground. Keep it clean and spacious. The more clutter you have, the harder it will be to focus on your work.
That in mind, it's worth investing in a comfortable office chair. Try around a few of them. Make sure that they support your back and posture.
Tired of sitting all day? Consider using a stability ball or standing desk. Bonus- you'll get to tighten up your core!
Don't just loosely throw documents into the cabinet, either. That defeats the whole purpose of having this item. Instead, you need to create a productive filing system.
Whether that means listing documents alphabetically, numerically, or by project date, you must maintain a logical, working sense of order. To stay organized, review your cabinet every six months and dispose of any unneeded documents.
It's a smart idea to have both a personal safe (with your social security card, birth certificate, and passport) and business safe for any work-related information. Stash the safes in an unused closet or garage.
Inkjet printers are the most popular printers on the market. They are cheap, accessible, and can print out just about anything.
Laster printers, on the other hand, work well in office settings- especially if you only need monochrome printing. They offer excellent print speed, and their ink costs substantially less per page than a color inkjet.
What do all of these items have in common? They all need to be shredded! We all know the climbing rates of identity theft- shredding is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to reduce that risk.
It's usually worth paying for a cross or confetti cut. The straight strip-cut models can quickly reveal that you were trying to hide something confidential.
You should also consider a shredder that can take a minimum capacity of 12 sheets. To put that into perspective, that's about an entire pack of junk mail.
Natural light is always a natural winner. Research shows that natural light increases workplace satisfaction and productivity.
For ambient lighting, stick with neutral tones. Anything too harsh can be distracting, and anything too dim can make you feel sleepy.
Task lighting can also be conducive. Task lights refer to the small lamps that you can plug into any outlet to provide a focused stream of light.
There is no shortage of various security systems in today's market. Most of them allow you to fully set up these systems wirelessly (and on your terms). Read more now to learn how they work.
However, there's something about writing down your daily checklist with old-fashioned paper that makes it more real. Having a planner is concrete. You can refer to it whenever you need to assess how the day is going.
You don't need anything fancy (although you certainly can indulge in a high-quality one if you like). You just need one that has a calendar view and specific timeslots for every day.
The most important part of the planner? Your willingness to use it! Planning your time is only as good as actually following through with your commitment.
Are you interested in learning how to start a lucrative business from scratch? Click here to learn how!
Let's get into the top office essentials every home needs.
1. Computer
This is a fairly obvious necessity. Most entrepreneurs and employees alike use computers to work. That said, you'll need to decide if it's more efficient to have a desktop or laptop.If you have a desktop computer, you'll probably want a monitor screen to avoid neck strain. Depending on your type of work, you may want to invest in dual monitors.
2. Desk
The desk is where the magic happens. Where all the entrepreneurial brainstorming and planning takes place.Commit to investing in a high-quality desk that has plenty of space and storage. You want to be able to stash away any important documents, but you also want plenty of space to get your work done.
Keep in mind that your desk shouldn't be a dumping ground. Keep it clean and spacious. The more clutter you have, the harder it will be to focus on your work.
3. Office Chair
Ever heard the phrase that sitting is the new smoking? Whether it's true or not, we all need to sit from time to time. And if you work from home, you may need to sit, well, pretty often!That in mind, it's worth investing in a comfortable office chair. Try around a few of them. Make sure that they support your back and posture.
Tired of sitting all day? Consider using a stability ball or standing desk. Bonus- you'll get to tighten up your core!
4. File Cabinet
Even if you work virtually, you'll probably need to store some hard copy documents. File cabinets are also great for saving receipts, reimbursement information, and tax records.Don't just loosely throw documents into the cabinet, either. That defeats the whole purpose of having this item. Instead, you need to create a productive filing system.
Whether that means listing documents alphabetically, numerically, or by project date, you must maintain a logical, working sense of order. To stay organized, review your cabinet every six months and dispose of any unneeded documents.
5. Fire-Safe Box
Speaking of hard copy documents, you need a place to store your essential and sensitive paperwork.It's a smart idea to have both a personal safe (with your social security card, birth certificate, and passport) and business safe for any work-related information. Stash the safes in an unused closet or garage.
6. Printer/Scanner
The printer/scanner combination is another workplace essential. No matter your business, you'll probably need to print and scan documents on a regular basis.Inkjet printers are the most popular printers on the market. They are cheap, accessible, and can print out just about anything.
Laster printers, on the other hand, work well in office settings- especially if you only need monochrome printing. They offer excellent print speed, and their ink costs substantially less per page than a color inkjet.
7. Paper Shredder
Unwanted credit cards. Old business credit cards. Documents with your social security number.What do all of these items have in common? They all need to be shredded! We all know the climbing rates of identity theft- shredding is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to reduce that risk.
It's usually worth paying for a cross or confetti cut. The straight strip-cut models can quickly reveal that you were trying to hide something confidential.
You should also consider a shredder that can take a minimum capacity of 12 sheets. To put that into perspective, that's about an entire pack of junk mail.
8. Adequate Lighting
Poor lighting is stressful on the eyes. Too much brightness makes it difficult to see. Too little light can cause headaches, fatigue, and eye strain.Natural light is always a natural winner. Research shows that natural light increases workplace satisfaction and productivity.
For ambient lighting, stick with neutral tones. Anything too harsh can be distracting, and anything too dim can make you feel sleepy.
Task lighting can also be conducive. Task lights refer to the small lamps that you can plug into any outlet to provide a focused stream of light.
9. Security System
A security system is essential for any homeowner. However, it's even more important if you work-from-home and have relevant work documents and items at the house.There is no shortage of various security systems in today's market. Most of them allow you to fully set up these systems wirelessly (and on your terms). Read more now to learn how they work.
10. Planner
Yes, there's an app for everything. So, yes, there's an app for planning and organizing every minute of your day.However, there's something about writing down your daily checklist with old-fashioned paper that makes it more real. Having a planner is concrete. You can refer to it whenever you need to assess how the day is going.
You don't need anything fancy (although you certainly can indulge in a high-quality one if you like). You just need one that has a calendar view and specific timeslots for every day.
The most important part of the planner? Your willingness to use it! Planning your time is only as good as actually following through with your commitment.
Final Thoughts On Office Essentials
Once you have your office essentials, you'll be ready to rock the work-from-home lifestyle. And it's a great lifestyle to live!Are you interested in learning how to start a lucrative business from scratch? Click here to learn how!
Ashutosh Jha
Ashutosh Jha is a professional blogger, Blog and IT Consultant. He writes about Blogging, SEO, Making Money, Internet Marketing and Web Design.
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