Creating a Home Office is of utmost importance. We need an office that is well optimized for the daily tasks performed, yet one that is comfortable, and practical. When you have a Home Office Set Up with ergonomic office chairs, adjustable desk area, that could also provide for periods of standing to avoid any back pain, leg stiffness or neck pain.
How the Home Office Became Our Daily Reality
Since the Pandemic, more and more of us have become Telecommuters or Homeworkers. This was once thought of to be a non-productive way to accomplish the daily projects for the Office. Now, however, it has become a popular, and to many, a primary location of conducting the business day.
This article can be used as a checklist, it is a practical solution to acquiring the items needed, the office decor and workplace necessities. Following a guideline of items that are most often needed.
Best Desk for Your Home Office
The most important piece of furniture that you will be purchasing is the Office Desk. Obviously, depending on the type of work you do, space is a necessity. You need a desk that will fit in a smaller type office space, yet one that fulfills all requirements. Space for Laptop or desktop Computer, the modem, internet box, a Printer and copier, and of course drawers for copy paper, pens, ink ribbon, stapler and other Office equipment that may or may not be used consistently.
A highly recommended Office Desk would be an L-Shaped desk. These are available at many locations, for a reasonable cost.
The Furologee 66 inch L-Shaped Desk with an electrical plug cord, shelving space and two drawers is available on Amazon for less than $200. The desk has a wood grained appearance, metal legs and brackets for sturdiness.
Chair Mats for Smooth Movement
Of course, you need a Chair mat. Utilizing a chair mat will enable the user to move the chair quickly from one station at the desk to another with no issues. A Chair mat is made from sturdy material such as plexi-glass or plastic. Prices range, depending on size or material used.
Soonan Corporation makes a sturdy, reliable mat made from PVC, a tough plastic. This is clear, thick and durable. This mat is made from a flame retardant material, and is scratch resistant. The best part about this mat is that it is eco-friendly and reasonably priced at less than $60.
Ergonomic Office Chair for Long Hours
When it comes to choosing a desk chair, be sure that you choose one that is ergonomic. An ergonomic and adjustable desk chair from the Capot Brand is one that will last you for a long while. There is an adjustable lumbar support, flip up arms, adjustable head and neck rest for extended periods of sitting. This ergonomic desk chair is made of a breathable mesh material. The seat has a wider and thicker base and will support up to 400 pounds.
Must-Have Desk Lighting
One item that is not given much thought to, and really is one of high importance is lighting. No home office is complete without proper lighting. A Desktop Lamp is an essential necessity for a proper workplace set up. A lamp is actually more of a desk accessory that should be given a lot of thought to. Home Office WorkStations must have proper lighting, bright enough to see, yet not so bright it is blinding.
Desk lamps can range from a basic style that sits on the corner of the desk to one that stands behind the desk, is adjustable for height and also has 2 or three ‘wing’ lights.
This allows for the proper lighting at each station of the Workspace. One option is a Screen Bar, this is a lamp that attaches to your computer screen and eases the eye strain caused from computer lights.These lights are considered to be “Eye-Caring’, with an LED Auto dimming light, and rotatable swing arm. For an ideal light such as this for your Home Office Setup the price averages around $50.
Essential Accessories & Tech Gadgets
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous productivity pieces that all Home Offices should have on hand. These include items such as stapler, scissors, tape, staple remover, and cable management solutions, also be sure to have a wireless charging stand handy on the desk.
A clock with an alarm and a webcam for those Zoom meetings. Highly suggested pieces to include for your Home office include a laptop stand or riser, an SSD External Drive, earphones, a set of speakers, a docking station for multiple connections, a surge protector. For those that use a desktop version, be sure to purchase the ergonomic Monitor Arm. This will be a blessing for those long days of sitting and working at the computer, it helps prevent stiff muscles in the neck and back, and is adjustable for comfort.
An ergonomic keyboard will be perfect for those times when there is plenty of responding to emails, documenting meetings or writing stories and articles. A mouse that is easy to use, fits in your hand comfortably and is not complicated, wireless is super handy for many office workers today.
Another less often thought about necessity to prevent loss of important Office work is a great Back Up System. Many people just assume that all their work is backed up on their computer, until they find out it isn’t! There are many options for this back up. IDrive, Google Cloud or whichever service is your favorite and most trusted.
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No desk or office space should be dull or boring. Leaving the walls or desk space clear may be beneficial to some, however, pictures and other decor can be very welcoming and relaxing. Simple family photos, scenery pictures or humorous signs will help the Home Office set up feel comfortable and inviting. Plants, whether real or artificial, have a relaxing effect on those of us who work from home.
The plants also add color and life to what would otherwise be a boring office space. Artificial flowers come in a multitude of colors, and can be arranged into gorgeous bouquets in pretty vases.
Cute little statues, stress balls or other trinkets will help when you hit a ‘writer’s block’. Humorous sayings, simple jokes on plaques, all these items will help to kick the boredom, the plain views and add life and fun when needed.
The most important of all items needed for a proper Home Office Setup is, of course, the Computer. Computers can be a desktop model with a modem, or a laptop computer. The choice rests with you. What are you more comfortable with?
Utilizing the desktop version with an added harddrive and storage system could be beneficial, but is not a good plan for those that like to carry the work with them. There are some that prefer to carry a laptop so that they can work on the spur of the moment, whenever a bright idea, a perfect storyline or just spare time hits and they are on the road traveling or out having a coffee.
No matter what type of computer you choose, it is advisable to visit an actual computer store such as Best Buy when shopping. The associates are there to help choose the exact type of system you will need.
Some of the important questions to ask an associate would be:
- How much memory is available?
- What is the Operating system?
- Are there Firewalls and other security installed?
- Do you need the Office Software, or is it standard?
- How many ports are available?
- What is the screen quality?
- What is the battery life?
- Is there a warranty?
Purchases can be made directly through a Computer brand on their website, Sales sites like Amazon, or make an in store purchase at a location such as Office Max, Best Buy or private Sales stores, if you feel they can be trusted and are knowledgeable in regards to the products they sell.
In conclusion, setting up a Home Office should not be stressful, making a list of the different important Office necessities makes it a simple process. When you make an investment in your Home Office, it is of highest importance to get reputable brands that can be trusted. Furniture that is comfortable and will help alleviate any discomfort from sitting for long periods of time, such as the ergonomic suggestions made.
Be sure to include the proper lighting to avoid eye strain. Of course, you want to make the Home Office space your space, so add decor that defines you. Family photos, wall signs, and desk gadgets.
When you have all the equipment and proper furnishings and necessities, working from home is the best experience one can have. There is an improved Work-life balance, better productivity, flexibility and no commute in the morning traffic.