Even if I’ve been working remotely for years now, this quarantine period has been the longest time I’ve actually worked from home exclusively. (Side note: I chose to work remotely because of my love for travel; obviously, I’m not travelling right now). This is probably why it’s only now that I’m realising that my home office lacks the most basic work from home essentials.
With that, I’ve decided to start researching for the best work from home essentials out there. I figured that since working from home is becoming the new normal, I should start investing in key pieces that will improve my work habits. That said, I present to you my ever-growing wish list of work from home essentials.
Also read: Work From Home: 13 Tips to Help You Stay Productive Amid the Coronavirus
Work-from-home essentials
1. Desk and chair
Since we’re spending our days at home now more than ever, it’s important that we pay attention to the ergonomics of our work from home essentials. We aren’t moving as much as we used to; aside from stretching every now and then, our working posture should also be something we pay attention to.
A desk and a chair are the most basic work from home essentials to have. If you decide to invest in these, make sure they are as ergonomic as can be. The desk should be tall enough that you won’t have to slouch to use your laptop. Meanwhile, the chair should be properly fitted to support your lower back. A good idea is to invest in an office chair with lumbar adjustment, so that you can alter the height and depth accordingly.
Ergonomic desks
Check out our list of the best ergonomic chairs here.
Also read: How Dressing Up for Work at Home Can Help You Stay Productive
2. Plants
Becoming a halamom is a quarantine trend you shouldn’t resist. At a time like this, it’s great to bring the outdoors inside! Plants are soothing and they’re proven to reduce stress. Plus, gardening is a great hobby to pick up. Need I say more?
Botanists believe that different plants have different benefits. Some are even popular for their anti-anxiety effects; others are especially known for being good for the eyes! Go for an indoor plant that doesn’t need too much of your attention — like air plants or a snake plant. The last thing you need is another distraction from work!
Plant accessories
3. Coffee maker
Sadly, our days working at coffee shops are over for now. So if you need coffee to function, then why not invest in a coffee maker? You might be surprised how many yummy coffee recipes you can master!
Depending on your preference, you can score different kinds of coffee makers on whatever budget you have. There are even available portable coffee makers in online stores; this might come in handy for your future travels, too!
Coffee makers
Check out our full list of coffee essentials here and espresso machines here.
Also read: 50 Cafés & Stores Offering Coffee Delivery & Pick-up in Metro Manila
4. Bluetooth speaker
I can’t be the only one who works better in silence! But since I’m not the only one working from home at our place, I need to make the necessary adjustments. When our house gets noisy, I play jazz music to focus.
Bluetooth speakers are a great investment because you can bring them anywhere! These can live in your home office; but once you want to move elsewhere to work, you can bring your music with you. Also, speakers are a great device if you’re sick of putting on earphones for every online meeting.
Also read: Promate Philippines: The Best Electronic Gadgets to Invest In
5. Water bottle
Hydrate!
Since I started my eco-conscious lifestyle, I’ve made it a habit to bring a water bottle wherever I go. I never realised how handy it would be to apply this same habit even at home! Having a 500-mL water bottle by my side reminds me to drink, drink, drink.
Since I’m aware that of my bottle’s size, it’s easier for me to do the math: We should be drinking at least two litres of water per day; that means, I should be refilling my bottle at least four times a day!
Back then, there were many days I didn’t consume enough water — simply because I was too lazy to get up and refill my regular 8-oz drinking glass. Truly, the 500-mL water bottle hack has changed my life for the better.
Also read: 10 Best Reusable Bottles and Tumblers for Your 2020 Travels
6. Art
It’s only now that I discovered why actual offices look better than my makeshift home office. I don’t have art hanging on my walls! It’s a shame — we have more freedom to decorate our home offices, so we should invest in art that will liven up the space.
You can try making art for your home office. It’s a great way to relieve stress! If you aren’t interested in that, then print out art from your favourite Instagram accounts instead. These can include quotes, paintings, photos — whatever floats your boat. If you’re looking for investment pieces, I recommend that you contact the artists and purchase quality prints.
7. Decorative storage
While the world is transitioning to cloud storage, most of us still have a few printed documents lying around. Others are still firm believers of pen and paper; you might also have books cluttering your home office.
This said, why not invest in storage boxes that function as decorative pieces as well? Store your work from home essentials in beautiful containers, and you’ll feel neater and more productive in no time!
8. Desk lamp
Whether you’re working until the wee hours or your place just doesn’t support enough natural light, a trusty desk lamp should be a part of your work from home essentials. Facing a screen in a dark environment will strain your eyes. A desk lamp allows you to diffuse the light around your display.
When choosing a desk lamp, the best option for reducing eye strain is a lamp that scatters light. Get one that offers a 360° luminescence instead of those that just provide a spotlight.
Also read: Work-Life Balance Tips for Remote Workers to Ease Work-From-Home Woes
How do your home offices look like right now? Share photos with us on Instagram at @tripzillaph!
