Best Work from Home Tools
Are you new to remote working? Or maybe you work from home occasionally, but have never made an effort to really set up a space like a home office of your own?!!?!
Obviously not every profession has the flexibility to work from home, but for thousands of people in the tech industry, and other Industries, remote working is a possibility and is a necessity right now with the coronavirus pandemic spreading here in the bay area, and all over the world.
I've been a freelancer for over 11 years, so I've had time to create a home office that works for my style of working - a need for a space to write, without distractions from my husband who is currently working from home full-time as well.
I can’t have my space being full quiet, but if catchy songs come on, I get easily distracted by singing along to Taylor Swift rather than Concentrating on writing, or deep marketing strategy thinking that I have to do when I work for my own office.
So now that a lot more people are working from home, I figured I'd write up a post about some of the tools that have worked for me for working from home. So, check out what I would get for a professional who is new to remote working:
Comfy Chair
This mesh chair with lumbar support on Amazon is one of the first things I would make sure to have for a home office. In the past, a lot of people have brought their laptops home and worked from their kitchen counter, or dining room table, but even if you have a small space, getting a legit office chair and desk is essential to creating a mental space that allows you to dive deep into work when at home.
Stand up desk
This sit down / stand up desk is what my husband and I have at home. It is great because you can choose whether you want to sit down, stand up, and you can personalize it depending on where you like your arms when you're typing. I'm short so my desk is a little lower than my husband's when we sit down. This standing desk comes in darker colors also, but it’s a little more expensive. But a good desk and the comfy chair definitely make all the difference.
Shop on Amazon for this Standing Desk.
Coffee Mugs
A Coffee Cup - Coffee is definitely a MUST for anyone working from home, so if you are getting a gift for a new remote worker, check out this “I work out from home” coffee mug… because we know that a lot of your daily meetings could be an email, and now that theory is being put to the test… Get this funny coffee mug along with a pound of beans.
A Letterboard:
Since we need some art on the walls - letterboards are the best custom gift for any time.
An Echo with Spotify membership
The larger of Amazon’s Echo is a great speaker for a home office because it can tell you the news in the morning (thank you NPR for keeping me sane), and connect to Spotify to play background music. My family opted for the Premium Family Serice with Spotify so we could each have our own stations on our phones, and not kick each other out when we use it - or gasp - deal with an algorithm that only wants to listen to heavy metal music because that's what my husband listens to.
Two Work from Home Playlists I love:
The How to Become Power Playlist, created to help you get pumped up in the morning when getting ready for work (and yes, this works even if you don't have to put makeup on to go into the “office.” It was created by General Assembly SF and Harness_U, an Oakland-based startup I am working with. My personal favorite song is Conga by the Miami Sound Machine.
Calming Acoustic Playlist with instrumental versions of various songs. I don't have a favorite because this is perfect background music that helps me relax, and stay focused.
Recently my husband started playing music all day long in our kitchen and I will tell you that when I come home from dropping my son off at preschool and have music playing in the house - I instantly feel inspired. I honestly don’t’ know the science behind it, but it feels GOOD! Try it out.
Kitchen Timer
I will continue to shout to the rooftops about how much a simple kitchen timer has helped me stay on track when it comes to my business (especially when it comes to NOT going down a Rabbit Hole when it comes to social media). This type of 60 Minute Timer works so much better than if you used the timer on your phone because we all know how easy it is to ignore that. And trust me, you can not ignore this kitchen timer.
Shop for this Simple to Use Kitchen Timer on Amazon.
The eero mesh WiFi system
This router is for whole-home coverage and good wifi is Even more essential to having a good desk or chair. This system helps ensure your Wi-Fi coverage goes further than just the one room where you have a router. Definitely invest in something like this.
Shop for the eero WIFI on Amazon
A Funko Pop Bobblehead
Okay most of the stuff on this list clear things that any remote worker should have in their home office. But you need to have some fun and these FunkoPop Bobbleheads come in all shapes sizes and you can find one for any pop culture reference, TV show, movie, etc. My personal favorite is Janet from the good place because she's a great reminder that a great attitude can go far.
Shop Funko Pop Bobbleheads.
A day planner
Even if you are working from home part-time now that your kids are off school, having a game plan for your day makes life a little bit easier. Use this Panda Planner to come up with at least 3 tasks each day that you HAVE to get done, either for your business, job, or even errands you want to get done while home from work (read more about how I create yearly goals here).
Shop Panda Planner on Amazon now.
A fitness tracker
Any fitness tracker will do. I have an Apple Watch, but the fitness trackers from Fitbit have excellent tools built into their watches. One thing you might find from working from home is that you are sitting at your desk more often than if you were at your office, engaging with other people and possibly walking around. A fitness tracker can help remind you to stand up at least once an hour, and track your steps to make sure that you're getting some exercise. If you're working from home I definitely recommend taking a break every few hours and taking a walk around the block. Pop in your airbuds and listen to a podcast, or watch a Popsugar fitness youtube video and do a quick 10-minute workout in front of your TV.
Shop FitBit Activity Tracker Here.
A Wall Organizer
As much as I love my online tools, I do like physical organizers like my day planner or this wall organize from 1 Thrive. You can put this up on the wall in your home office, or by your front door as a reminder for all family activities happening that week. The key is to make sure everyone knows that is where all the info for the next week is… (you know, for those forgetful kids or sometimes partners).
Also, make sure to have healthy snacks, plants and lots of water around you all day!
Let me know if you have any other suggestions to make working from home easier for professionals.
