10 Things You Need for Your Home Office
1. A Desk or Other Space
This may seem obvious, but you really do want a work space separate from your regular living space. Working from the couch can limit your productivity, and might not offer you the most comfort or the space that you need to be efficient! Which brings us to our next point…
2. A Good Chair
That’s right, where you sit MATTERS. Make sure that your chair fits your body! You want to have back support without cutting off the blood flow to your legs.
If you are particularly short or tall, we recommend sitting in a chair before buying it, so you know what is comfortable. You also have the option of picking up and exercise ball as a chair - they even make chair frames for them so you don’t have to worry about accidentally rolling away.
3. A Proper Computer Setup
Previous posts have suggested having at least a laptop and a second monitor; and here we’ll expand upon that. Whatever your typing on - you want it low enough that you’re not raising your shoulders or elbows to type.
You want at least one viewing screen to be at eye-level for your normal sitting posture. Having to crane your neck up or down (or side wise) will make your work physically uncomfortable and could result in injury down the road.
4. A Keyboard
If you're using a laptop, you should plan on investing in a keyboard. As a accountants, we personally prefer having a keyboard with a 10 key. Other considerations to make while buying a keyboard are- connection (wireless or cable), operating system (don't buy a PC keyboard if you're using a mac), and ergonomic features.
5. A Second Monitor
This is especially practical if you’re main computer is a laptop, but it’s useful for desktop users as well. Having two screens to display data and/or program windows on allows you to be faster and more accurate in many cases.
While you can display multiple things on one screen, having them split between two screens will make managing your different windows more efficient.
6. A Calculator
It doesn’t have to be overly expensive or fancy, but something with more functionality than your cellphone will be nice. You’ll want a way to double check your numbers and a ten-key calculator that has a paper receipt can be very useful for this. Some also have programmable functions that can be used to determine markups, tax rates, and various other things.
7. Basic Office Supplies
Something to write with, something to write on, and somewhere to keep these things. If you’re working with paperwork that goes back to your client, consider the value of pre-made stamps to keep forms sorted.
You’ll probably want clips to fasten papers together over staples, sticky tabs to mark important papers or lines, and several colors of writing implements (not including the ever useful hi-light marker).
- A Paper Place
Even if your goal is to work in a “paperless” environment, there will always be some sort of exception. Some desks come with drawers made to fit hanging files, this can be a great option if you have a small amount of paperwork.
You can also get free standing boxes in both cardboard and heavy plastic; we recommend the latter for easier movement and security. If you have more paperwork than a drawer can handle you can also go for a filing cabinet(s).
8. A Paper Place
Even if your goal is to work in a “paperless” environment, there will always be some sort of exception. Some desks come with drawers made to fit hanging files, this can be a great option if you have a small amount of paperwork.
You can also get free standing boxes in both cardboard and heavy plastic; we recommend the latter for easier movement and security. If you have more paperwork than a drawer can handle you can also go for a filing cabinet(s).
9. Stand Alone Scanner
Having digital copies of everything you need to access can be extremely useful - especially if you’re working remotely. Whether you need to send things to colleagues or clients, being able to easily scan the document and email it saves time and hassle.
A lot of modern scanners boast wireless capabilities, but we don’t recommend relying solely on this. Make sure your scanner of choice has a USB port and that it comes with a cable.
The most important part of your scanner might be the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). This is where you place all your to-scan files, and is really a must-have to help you save time.
Here are a few great starting places:
10. Something that Makes you Smile
A nice photo, your favorite miniature, or your collection of plushies all make good companions for a regular work day. They’ll also help remind you that there’s a lot more fun waiting for you after a productive session.
As we’ve mentioned before, we’re partial to Wonder Woman notepads and slinkies!
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.