Photo Credit: Ken Tomita. www.pexels.com
Setting up your own home office can seem straightforward, but it’s only when you start trying to piece things together, figure out what you actually need and where you’re going to place things that things can get a little confusing.
Maybe you’re running a business from home, or perhaps you’re just wanting a specific area where you can contain all your family’s admin and keep on top of all your appointments, letters and finances. If you want an efficient home office, and somewhere you can work uninterrupted then you’re going to need all the right equipment.
Wondering where to begin? Read on for 6 things everyone should have in their home office.
Stationary
Sure, you might be planning on completing most of your work on your laptop or organising everything electronically, but never underestimate the power of a good stationary supply! Pens, paper, notebooks, post-it notes, staplers and of course printer ink cartridges are an absolute must for any home office. Whether you want to quickly scribble something down or you need to sign off a permission slip for a field trip, having the right equipment around you makes life so much easier.
A desk
Having a desk is the ideal scenario if you’re setting up a home office. It allows you to keep everything you need in one place and you can also design the area to be supportive of your back, neck and posture. If a desk isn’t a viable option for you, then consider the end of the kitchen counter or even the dining room table as your work station.
A good chair
An ergonomic chair is an essential piece of any office or work station. When you have a decent chair, you can support your back and hopefully prevent any spinal injuries. And if you’re comfortable then you’re more likely to work for longer.
Good lighting
Staring at a brightly lit screen in a gloomy room will start to take its toll on your eyes if you don’t have adequate lighting in your office space. Consider a lamp for your desk and ensure that the other lighting in the room is sufficient so you can stop migraines and eye strain.
Document storage
Of course, most people prefer to be paperless these days. However, you’re likely to receive print outs or letters that you need to keep hard copies of for your personal records. Rather than having them collecting dust and getting crumpled on your desk or shoved in a draw, consider a filing cabinet, document trays or files where you can store and divide your documents in an easy to follow system.
Your personality
Your home office is where you come to work, and it’s part of your home. It’s not a drab, dull office cubicle. So, adding a touch of your personality into your home office will make spending any time in there an absolute joy. Consider hanging a few pieces of artwork, pictures of your family, inspirational quotes, or something that makes you laugh! Having these kinds of reminders on your desk will help spur you on especially during those days when you’re struggling to get through your daily grind.