Working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years. If you are one of those people who prefer this type of work environment, then having a conducive work-from-home setup is essential if you want to achieve high productivity. A comfortable office at home will not only boost your productivity but will also help improve your work-life balance.
In this post, we’ll examine all the important things you need to set up the perfect work-from-home setup, from ergonomics and equipment to lighting and accessories that will help make your remote working enjoyable.
Without further ado!
1. The Location
The first thing you need to do when deciding on your work-from-home setup is to find the perfect location. This should be away from distractions in a quiet area. Here are factors to consider.
Noise levels: avoid high-traffic areas or noisy sections of your home, such as the garage or workshop.
Natural light: a work area that receives plenty of natural light can help boost mood and thus productivity.
Privacy: not only should the area be quiet, but it should also have privacy. You should be able to close the doors and reduce interruptions from other members of the family.
Space: make sure that there is enough space to place your desk and other accessories that you might need.
2. Choosing the Right Furniture
The type of furniture you choose will play a big role in your long-term productivity goals and health. Get furniture with an ergonomic design that is comfortable and helps you achieve your work goals.
Desk
Ensure the desk you choose is sturdy and offers sufficient space for the computer, keyboard, as well as any other essential accessories. You may also want to consider storage to help reduce the clutter.
Chair
Get a chair that features lumbar support to help prevent any back pain. You can get extra comfort from adjustable armrests and headrests.
3. Computer Accessories
At the heart of any work-from-home setup is a reliable computer. Depending on the type of work that you do, you might either need a laptop or a desktop.
Laptop vs Desktop
A laptop has the advantage of being flexible and portable. It’s always a good idea to find a higher-performance model, especially if you plan on handling intensive work such as video editing.
A desktop, on the other hand, offers much higher processing power and more customization, allowing for much heavier tasks such as programming, gaming, and graphic design.
Monitor
You can improve your workflow using a second monitor. Achieve faster speeds thanks to the reduced need for excessive window switching.
Go for a monitor with an adjustable height that also features eye-friendly settings like blue light filtering. That will help reduce eye strain.
You might even want to consider curved monitors that can help create a more immersive experience.
Keyboard & Mouse
You can reduce the strain on your wrists and fingers with an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. Moreover, achieve even greater mobility by opting for the wireless options. A mechanical keyboard will offer an even better typing experience and is an ideal choice if you type often.
4. Internet & Connectivity
Every work-from-home setup will benefit greatly from stable, fast, and reliable internet connectivity.
Go for internet speeds of between 50 and 100 Mbps, allowing for video conferencing and large file transfers.
Ethernet Connection can help provide a more stable and reliable connection over say Wi-Fi and can help reduce lag or disruptions.
Wi-Fi extenders, as the name implies, can extend the range of your Wi-Fi connectivity, which will help improve connectivity in multiple rooms.
Backup connections, such as a hotspot or secondary ISP, can help keep you connected during those unforeseeable outages.
5. Good Lighting
Reduce eye strain with the help of proper lighting, resulting in a much more comfortable working space.
Consider placing your desk near a window to allow in plenty of natural light. Installing sheer curtains can help diffuse excess light and glare.
A desk lamp can provide focused light. Make sure it has adjustable brightness to help adapt to different lighting and working conditions.
With the use of ambient lighting or soft background lighting, you can develop a more comfortable working environment. Warm light can help reduce stress and boost comfort.
6. Noise Management
If you are planning on working from home, then distractions are going to be expected. Consider the following solutions:
Noise-cancelling Headphones: help improve focus by canceling out background noise. You can get better noise-canceling features with the over-ear models.
White Noise Machine: This can help to mask out noises in the background and create a more calming working environment.
Sound Deadening Material: wall panels, curtains, and carpets can help absorb noise. Consider window seals and door sweeps to help block out external noises.
7. Keep Your Workspace Clutter-Free
You can boost efficiency by creating a clutter-free working environment. Plus, it can also ensure you are less stressed. Consider getting:
- Filling Cabinet: this can help you store your documents in a more organized manner. While using a filing cabinet, remember to label the folders for quick access.
- Cable Management: get cable organizers, cable clips, or even under desk strays to help keep the cords tidy and out of the way of your workspace.
- Shelves: ensure that the items you use frequently are placed within easy reach. You might also consider installing floating shelves to help save space, especially if the work-from-home setup is small.
8. Comfort and Ergonomics
Making sure that your work-from-home setup is both ergonomic and comfortable is essential for productivity and long-term health.
- Monitor Position: To help reduce strain on your neck, ensure that you keep the monitor screen in a comfortable position. Consider using a monitor stand to archive this.
- Keyboard Mouse Placement: make sure that both the keyboard and mouse are placed in a position that is comfortable for the wrist. Not too high or too low.
- Footrest: keeps you from getting leg fatigue and helps maintain a proper sitting position when working at the desk. If you plan on getting a standing desk, then consider an anti-fatigue mat.
- Regular Beaks: consider the 20-20-20 rule, which states that for every 20 minutes you spend working on your desk, take time to look at something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help alleviate eye strain.
9. Office Décor & Personalization
Make your workspace more enjoyable by adding a few personal touches. We are talking:
- Plants: consider getting low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants to bring in a touch of nature while also offering fresh air to breathe.
- Wall Art: You can add a vision board to help keep you focused on your goals. Also, consider getting calming images or art to spruce up the home office walls and atmosphere.
- Color scheme: paint the walls using colors that will help you keep focused and energized. Blue, for instance, will keep you calm while working, while green has been shown to boost mood.
10. Electrical Backup
Having some type of power backup can be one of the most crucial parts of your work-from-home setup, and a portable power station can be all you need. Power outages can stall your progress, hurting your productivity. Look for portable power options with sufficient capacity to power your essential devices during outages.
Luckily, a portable power station such as the BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station, with its 1800W output and 1152 Wh capacity, can provide you with the power you need to keep all your equipment and accessories running, ensuring that you keep your productivity up regardless of an outage.
And if you don't need much equipment and only need your laptop, smartphone, and perhaps a WiFi router, then you might want to consider the BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station. It comes with a 1000W output and 768Wh capacity.
The right portable power station for you will depend on your unique needs. Consider the battery capacity, number of charging ports, output power, and charging options. Some units, like the Bluetti AC180 above, can be charged using solar, making them ideal for long-term use.
11. More Accessories
There are some extra accessories you might want to consider to further enhance your work-from-home setup.
- Webcam and Microphone: these are essential accessories, especially when planning to hold virtual meetings and make communications online. You can get better video quality with external cameras than with the built-in cameras on your computer.
- External Hard Drive: This will give extra storage for those important files.
- Surge protector: helps keep your equipment safe during power surges. You can also get a UPS as backup power when there are outages.
How to Set Up Your Work-From-Home Space
After you’ve settled for your location, these steps will help guide you in building the ideal work-from-home setup.
1. Clean the Area
Take out any unnecessary stuff and declutter the area. You’ll get better mental clarity when the space is free from clutter.
Do a deep clean by dusting off surfaces, shelves, and the floor. This will help you achieve a better mood and more clarity.
Make sure all the paperwork, supplies, and personal items are kept in the right location and that it is easy for you to access them when needed. Use bins, boxes, and shelves.
2. Positioning the Desk
The best position for your desk will have sufficient natural light coming in without exposure to glare. You can position the desk to face the window directly, allowing you to view outside without losing focus on your work.
Keep the desk in a position where you can easily move around it. This helps prevent feelings of conformant giving you a clear mind and boosting productivity. It will also better help you transition between tasks.
3. Computer and Monitor Setup
You can ensure that the screen is at eye level by using an adjustable arm or monitor stand. The monitor should also be placed at arm’s length.
You may want to consider adding an extra monitor if your work demands that you work on several tasks simultaneously. A curved monitor can also give you a much more comfortable view.
Make sure that the cables are connected and neatly routed to help prevent any tripping and accidents to both you and damage to the computer accessories.
4. Chair Arrangements
Choose an ergonomic chair with adjustable height and back support. Ensure your feet rest flat on the floor and your knees bend at a 90-degree angle.
Extra accessories like footrests and lumbar pillows can help provide you with a comfortable sitting position during long periods of working.
Ultimately, the trick is to test the sitting position by tilting the back and height, checking how comfortable you are, and making the necessary changes and adjustments until you find the perfect sitting position.
5. Organizing Accessories
Stuff like pens, notebooks, and charges should be placed at easy arm's reach. Consider getting desk organizers to keep everything neat.
Make use of the shelves and drapers to keep items that you may not need immediately but still within easy access while keeping the space clutter-free.
6. Add Personal Touches
You can decide to include wall art or motivational quotes, plants, and anything else that can inspire you.
Comfort items such as soft rugs, clocks, and family photos can help you personalize your working space.
You may also consider installing adjustable LED lights or even a small speaker system for background music.
7. Testing the Setup
Before going straight to work, check how functional your work-from-home setup is. Check whether the internet connection is working correctly and that everything is working as expected. And that the lighting is sufficient.
Make the necessary adjustments if you notice that one area isn’t to your liking. Make the necessary tweaks, which might include things like repositioning the monitor or even rerouting the cables.
These steps can help you create a work-from-home setup that is not just functional but also comfortable. The steps even mentioned above will cater to not just the physical aspect of an ideal work-from-home setup but also the psychological aspect. This ensures that your home office is specific to your needs.
Conclusion
When it comes to creating a functional and efficient work-from-home setup, there is a need for careful planning and investing in the necessary equipment and accessories. By finding the right location, securing ergonomic furniture, getting proper lighting, and fast internet, while also adding personal touches, you can achieve a comfortable and highly proactive workspace. Remember, a functional workspace not only enhances your performance but also nurtures your physical and mental well-being—whether working from home temporarily or long-term.
