Working from home is something that most of us dream about, but only a minority get to do.
And when that dream becomes a reality, some people underestimate the work involved in creating the perfect home working environment.
With that in mind, here are 10 must-have items for a home office.
1. Laptop
If you’re torn between a laptop or desktop, a laptop wins hands down every time because it allows you to take your work wherever you go — whether it’s to go to business meetings or to the living room when you need a break from your office. If you’re not sure what laptop to get, check out a review site such as LaptopMag.
2. Second monitor
Having a second monitor enhances your productivity and efficiency because it enables you to multitask and keep multiple windows open at the same time, which means you have more room to see the full scope of what you’re working on.
3. Shredder
A shredder will help prevent your office from getting cluttered up with endless piles of paperwork and more importantly, you’ll be able to destroy redundant sensitive and confidential business documents.
4. Surge protector
A surge protector is a super practical office item that allows you to plug in multiple devices and crucially, protect your precious electronics from damage caused by random surges in power.
5. Ergonomic chair
An ergonomic chair is a must if you’re sitting at your desk for long periods. They’re specially designed to support your body and provide maximum comfort throughout the working day. To find out more, check out an ergonomics specialist such as Humanscale.
6. All-in-one printer
With an all-in-one printer, you’ll be able to print, scan and fax documents from the same device. So whether you’re someone who likes to keep hard copies of documents or sends regular paper communications, it’s a worthwhile investment.
7. Headset
If your work involves a lot of phone calls, a headset with a microphone is a savvy investment which allows you to keep your hands free whilst you’re on the phone — you can take notes or type away at the same time.
8. Fan
With a fan by your side, a cool air supply is just a click away on those hot, draining summer days when you need a nice breeze to keep you energised. If you’re pushed for space, consider a portable USB fan.
9. Plants
Aside from being nice bits of decoration for your office, plants have some major practical benefits too — they reduce stress, boost productivity, purify the air and block out noise.
10. Entrance mat
No home office is complete without a snazzy entrance mat with your company logo printed on it — it’s the perfect way to bring your brand to life. So head to a mat manufacturer such as Kleen-Tex and design your ideal product.
What other items are essential for a home office? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
