Convenience, that's the only thing that guarantees success when you work from home. There are no more mysteries and it is what you should look for if, for whatever reason, you are carrying out your professional activity within the home. So, if you are interested in achieving it, we are going to tell you taking advantage of our own experience how to create the perfect home office.
Where and how to work comfortably
Depending on whether you are going to work remotely temporarily or as something prolonged in time, you may be more or less interested in investing in certain equipment, but in both situations you must seek comfort above all.
The great recommendation is to do it in a space dedicated to it. For example, setting up a small office or office in a room that, in turn, allows you to limit the work area from the leisure area. If it is to develop your professional activity always remotely, it is something to assess, but if not, it is complex. Also, it must be admitted that not all of us have an extra room at home that we can “do without”.
Therefore, depending on the options of each one, what you do have to be clear about is where you are going to place everything to not having to go assembling and disassembling every day. And if there is no other choice, make it an efficient solution. So that you have everything you need to do your job without wasting time. With this in mind, our recommendation is clear:
- Choose the most optimal workplace
- Place a suitable desk for your activity and devices or things you need to carry it out
- Take care of ergonomics
You meet the first point by looking for a place that is well lit, preferably natural light. Although you can also get some artificial light solutions. For example, if you need to buy a desk lamp, the recommendation is clear, that you can regulate color temperature and intensity. We gave you some ideas a long time ago, like the Xiaomi lamp or even others with even an integrated Qi charger. Although if you want to give it a touch of color, the catalog is also very extensive.
With the light controlled, for the desk you can opt for a table that you have at home, or buy a board and a couple of easels. Logically, if you are going to establish a fixed space, the desk options that allow you to work standing and sitting are interesting. And not because you have to work 8 hours standing up, but because there are times when certain activities are carried out more efficiently in that position.
What yes We recommend that you be comfortable at the table, that you do not feel "tight" if you need different devices in your day to day. As, for example, it could be the computer (laptop or desktop), screens, keyboard, mouse, speakers, notebooks, etc. If for some reason you did not have the option of a dedicated table or of the necessary dimensions, a great idea is to get a kitchen cart of those typical In it you can create your own charging station, hard drive storage and other devices or accessories. By having wheels you can easily carry it from one place to another.
Finally, to work comfortably and ergonomically, a good chair. Here you do have to choose what type you need or want. These are perfect for upgrading your work or leisure space, although if you're not buying a new chair, take a look at the chair cushions that relieve possible back pain, believe us that they work.
Tips for having the perfect home office
Controlled the space and the basic elements such as lighting, table and chair where you are going to work, there are other tips that you can take into account to further improve your work from home. So, we are going to see it one by one.
Use a second or larger monitor
If you work with a laptop, even if you are used to them, having a second screen is always recommended. Firstly, because by using both you will gain desktop space and you could divide the documents you are working with in one and messaging applications, email, etc. in the other. And secondly, because even using a single screen, if it is external, you can have a larger diagonal and the ability to place it at a much more comfortable height.
To work for many hours, our recommendation is to do it on an extra screen, if it is 27 inches, even better. This is an ideal size and you have very interesting price options with resolutions up to 4K.
It is now a matter of choosing which option interests you the most. If you are going to use it together with the laptop screen or not.
Articulated arms for the monitor
If you have a fixed space to work in, the best way to use your external monitor(s) is with articulating arms. These greatly improve ergonomics in the workplace by being able to better adjust the height and inclination. Also because they allow you to use the screen vertically, something that not all stands allow.
So, for this and for other advantages such as having a cleaner workspace and computer, monitor arms are one of those essential accessories when you try them out.
laptop stands
If you decide to work solely and exclusively with your laptop, in addition to our following recommendation, a laptop stand can be very useful for you. And it is that, raise the screen and place it at eye level Avoid possible postures that could trigger fatigue after long periods of use.
See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on AmazonHere it is a matter of choosing the one that best suits your needs, if you want something fixed or better something portable that takes up little space when you want to collect the work area.
External keyboard and mouse
Again, if you work on a laptop at home, you should also work on a external keyboard and mouse. The reason is obvious, you are going to improve ergonomics. Because, no matter how much you are used to its keyboard and trackpad, with these you can place the laptop in a higher position and that will avoid possible problems or pain in the cervical area due to maintaining a position in which you look down for a long time.
There are many types and prices of keyboards and mice, but this is like everything else: the better the device, the better the experience. Logitech's MX Master is a great mouse, but only if you're right-handed. And with the keyboards more or less the same, there are very interesting models, such as those that offer an ergonomic design. Some of our favorites are as follows:
See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on AmazonIn terms of keyboards there are also multiple options, but once again a good keyboard shows. Although the main thing is that the travel and resistance of each key be optimal for you. Here we could extend a lot and value from traditional options to mechanical or ergonomic ones. Some options:
See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on AmazonThese keyboards and mice are wireless, which brings advantages known to all. Although you should keep in mind not to run out of batteries. Because it is true that they last a long time, but if by any chance you run out of them you will not be able to use them and that is annoying. So it's best to get charger and rechargeable batteries or take advantage of one of the many existing packs like these.
See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazonisolate yourself from noise
If you work alone or don't bother anyone, speakers are always a great option. Because they are more comfortable than always having something placed in your ears, although they also have advantages if they provide Noise Cancellation.
As we have already seen on more than one occasion, having noise canceling headphones helps when concentrating if there is noise at home. Noise from neighbors or even other family members at home.
For comfort, quality and effectiveness of its noise cancellation, the most recommended options are those with headbands. But you can also use others of the in-ear or wireless button type that are very comfortable during the day.
Chargers and power strips
With so many devices such as phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, wireless headphones, etc., having everything you need to charge comfortably is important. Therefore, the starting point is to have a power strip with a sufficient number of sockets to cover the needs. Some options also include USB connections like this AOFO smart power strip, so you can reduce other chargers.
See offer on AmazonHowever, since many devices are currently charged via USB cables, it is best that you use some type of multiple usb charger or wireless charging bases. Because you will only have to connect the cables you need there when you want to charge several devices at the same time. You could even charge your laptop depending on the power it needs and whether or not it has a USB C port.
See offer on AmazonAs an extra tip that affects comfort in the work environment, have good cable management and organization. Achieving it is not complex at all, so we encourage you to do it. Even, taking advantage of what we discussed before, you can create that charging station in the bottom tray of the cart where you are going to place everything you need to have your "mobile office" inside the home.
Give it a touch of color
As you can see, achieving a comfortable work environment is not complex at all. Many of the things you may already have, and improve it to create your perfect home office it is a matter of making small investments in devices or accessories that really improve the time you spend busy with your professional activity.
So, do not forget to give it a touch of color or place some elements such as small plates or objects that give an organic touch to the space. Since you're at home, don't make that corner a cold place. Of course, remember that no matter how comfortable you are, it is also important to take breaks and disconnect.