We hear this question all the time: “What do I need to work from home?” Working from home has become the norm for many people across every industry, and arguably, you only need a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection to make it work. That said, true productivity comes from having an environment designed to help you work like a pro. Setting up an efficient work-from-home space with all the home office essentials will take some planning, but don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Read on for our guide to creating a remote work setup, complete with a checklist of what you’ll need and recommendations for carving out a productive space in your home (no matter what kind of space you’re working with).

1: Create a Dedicated Workspace

The first step to working efficiently from home is carving out a dedicated workspace. This could be a spare room, a desk in the corner, or even a well-organised nook. The most important aspect of your workspace is not necessarily its square footage, but its ability to be separated from the rest of your home.

Having a specific area to work helps you mentally separate your professional and personal life, which is huge when you’re working remotely, as it can be a lot harder to leave work behind. Something as simple as a folding screen can create this separation, making it easier to focus—even if your desk is in a high-traffic area of your home. Make sure the area is well-lit, ideally with natural light, and do your best to keep it organised and clutter-free to minimise distractions.

To make sure your dedicated workspace is up to par, ensure it has:
• A comfortable desk – like our Coco White Gloss Desk – and an office chair.
• Plenty of lighting, either artificial or natural.
• A divider, door, or folding screen to separate it from your living space once the workday is over.
• Some storage space to help you keep the clutter at bay.

2: Invest in the Right Tech

We all know the frustration of a lagging Wi-Fi connection! Almost nothing disrupts your flow quite like unreliable tech. Make sure your internet connection is fast and stable enough to handle video calls and large downloads.

If your workplace is supplying your computer, make sure that it meets the demands of your work. You might even want to ask about a second monitor, as having two screens can significantly boost productivity. If you’re working at home along with your partner or other family members, investing in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can give you a serious productivity boost, too.

Here’s a quick checklist for your tech essentials:
• High-speed internet connection.
• A reliable laptop or desktop.
• Noise-cancelling headphones (if you’re working at home with others).
• A second monitor (optional).
• An external drive or cloud-based backup storage.

3: Prioritise Ergonomics and Your Wellbeing

We find that when most people ask themselves, ‘What do I need to work from home?’ they tend to skip the question of ergonomics. We recommend paying attention to how comfortable you’ll be throughout your workday. Comfort aids productivity, but that’s not the only argument for making sure you pick the right furniture pieces.

On average, each person spends roughly eight hours per workday at their desk. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair or sitting with poor posture can have a long-lasting impact on your spine, pelvis, neck, and eyes. It’s worth investing in a supportive office chair with lumbar support and ensuring that your screen is at eye level to avoid straining your neck.

Here’s how to make sure you’re protected while working:
• Pick an ergonomic office chair with plenty of cushioning and support, like our Carson Office Chair.
• Make sure your screen is sitting at the proper height.
• Add a few plants or personal items for comfort.
• Pick up a standing desk so you can change position (optional).
• As you can see, creating the right remote work setup doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. It’s all about finding the right balance between what makes you comfortable, what makes you productive, and what allows you to walk away from your work once the day ends.

Find Everything You Need to Work from Home with Victor’s Choice Furniture.

We offer a range of high-quality home office essentials, from cushioned office chairs to desks with built-in storage. Use our range to create the remote work setup that suits your unique circumstances without breaking the bank.

Not sure what you need? Take a moment to browse through our range of office essentials as you prepare for a new life of remote work.