10 Things I Keep in My Remote Office

David Banks
Authored by David Banks
Posted Sunday, December 8, 2019 - 11:28am

It is easy to take certain things for granted when working for a company with its own operating space. You are provided with all the essentials from a desk and chair to a computer, mouse, and much more. However, what happens once you decide to change your job and start working remotely?

With the advancements in technology and in large part thanks to the internet, many now have the option to work from the comfort of home.

While it brings along a lot of benefits like no more commuting or not having to wake up earlier just to get ready, it can also negatively affect one’s productivity and efficiency.

This is why dedicating your own workspace and setting it up properly is necessary and essential for getting in the right mindset to stay motivated and productive when working from home, says ReWire. Your office does not have to take up an entire room.

Understandably, many cannot afford it, so dedicating a specific, quieter area in your home to serve as a workspace is just enough. It can help you get into your work mode and help you stay efficient the entire time.

To make the best experience possible, it is equally important to equip your space with certain items that will help you get and stay in the zone.

If you are unsure what they are, here are some great office accessories to help you get started and create the optimal working space.

1. Ergonomic Desk and Chair

Since most types of remote jobs require sitting for long periods, it can get quite uncomfortable. To avoid straining your eyes, slouching, craning your neck, and backaches having furniture that is designed for both efficiency and comfort is extremely important.

Make sure that your desk, chair, screen, mouse, and keyboard are positioned optimally for extra comfort but also your overall physical health.

2. Laptop Stand

According to Wirecutter, a laptop stand is a must for improving the ergonomics of your space. Positioning it to just the right height will enable you to look at your screen straight forward instead of always looking down at it.

A cordless mouse and keyboard is also a good option since it will allow you to easily move them around and place them at an optimal angle and position.

3. Noise-Cancellation Bluetooth Headset

These headsets have several benefits. If you have to communicate with your boss, team, or clients, they will cancel out any noise, so you can speak without interruptions or distractions. Since they use Bluetooth technology you won’t have to deal with tangled cords and you can use them to listen to some music during your break to get energized and to relax.

4. Kool8 Reusable Water Bottle

Nothing else can interrupt your workflow as having to constantly get up to grab a glass of water or a cup of coffee, tea, or any other beverage.

This Kool8 bottle is fully insulated, meaning it can keep your beverages cool or hot for hours. The product is durable, made from stainless steal, and also eco-friendly.

It eliminates the need for plastic bottles or cardboard cups, so not only is it useful for you but the environment as well. If you are a tea lover, you might be delighted to hear that the reusable bottle comes with a tea infuser too.

5. Multi-Purpose Printer

Instead of having three different devices that will take up a lot of your space, it is better to invest in a multi-purpose device that will offer you a copier, scanner, and printer in one.

Consider buying one that also has features such as mobile or wireless printing. Visit PCMag if you want to read more about all-in-one printers and see which one’s the best.

6. Artwork and Decorations

Surroundings that are plain and colorless can often be uninspiring and can sometimes immensely decrease one’s productivity.

Hanging your favorite artwork, photos, or motivational quotes can brighten up your environment and help you get in the right state of mind.

You can also have a few of your favorite candles on hand since pleasant scents can greatly lift your mood and make you feel energized.

7. Low-Maintenance Plants

Plants are not only great for inspiration but can also help reduce stress levels and improve air quality. If you do not have time to properly take care of them, low-maintenance plants work just as well so think about getting a few cacti and placing them on or near your desk.

If you enjoy cooking, you can start growing herbs which you can later use in your dishes. You can try hanging planters if you lack desk or floor space.

8. Intelligent Change Productivity Planner

Although many believe that paper journals and planners are outdated, they can actually help you stay organized and on schedule.

According to the list made by GiftWits, the planner allows you to create and keep track of your tasks, responsibilities, and chores on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

It provides a lot of space to write down not only your job duties but also home and social life ones as well.

9. A Desk Lamp

Low, dimmed lights can make you feel tired or sleepy, so having great lighting is crucial for staying alert and efficient. For late nights or gloomy days having a good desk lamp with adjustable brightness levels will not only illuminate your desk but help you stay awake and protect your eyesight too.

10. A Second Monitor

Having to complete all your work on a single screen can be extremely unproductive, especially if you have to use several different programs and open a lot of tabs at once.

This can create confusion, waste a lot of your precious time, and reduce your motivation as well. A second monitor will come in handy since it will save you time by allowing you to multitask. Larger and brighter screens might be a good choice since they offer better readability and glare reduction.

Conclusion

You do not have to be in a rush and add everything you want in your space immediately.

Instead, consider equipping your office with the most important items first and then slowly start integrating other ones little by little.

No matter how you decide to decorate your area, make sure it will inspire and motivate you to stay productive and do your job well.

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