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Having my office just the way I like is one of the biggest keys to my level of Get Sh*t Done (GSD) in a day. When I moved back to a WFH role, I took two weeks between jobs to find just the right pieces and tech to make it all work for me.
After working at a corporate desk job, I got really used to having dual monitors that were rather sizable. I also fell in love with my desk chair and keyboard – I know, that might be weird. But I do spend a significant time in the place I sit and work, so I thought it was key to have all the things I love.
Note Taking Tools
One goal I had when switching to my home office, was to use fewer paper products. You see, I am a Post-It Note fanatic. At my old job, I went through a package a week. Yes. I know. So I decided to switch to a whiteboard-type setup and see how I liked it.
I am using way less Post-It Notes with the new desktop whiteboard, which is awesome. I also like how it fits right above my keyboard which is very handy. I find that I use this more to keep my daily/weekly goals and priorities top of mind.
When I do give in to my love of paper products, it is for a quick Post-It note in my little popup holder OR my favorite spiral-bound notebook by Fringe.
For my Dad’s birthday, I got him a Rocketbook notebook {link} as he is trying to use less paper products, and he is loving it – so it just may have to by my next purchase too.
If you are interested in this route, just remember you’ll need special pens but who doesn’t love buying office supplies?! No, really – is that a thing that people don’t enjoy doing?
My two big – in size and spend – purchases were my desk chair and monitor.
Desk
One of the new-to-me tools I have gotten is a new standing desk. I wrote a whole blog post about the benefits of a standing desk here, so I won’t go into the benefits here. For me, I was looking for something to help me keep my focus and productivity high in the afternoon (when my energy wanes).
Desk Chair
I think all of my friends were tired of hearing me talk about desk chairs. But I loved the one I had at my old job – but didn’t want to spend $800 to get the same chair. So the hunt began. I bought a chair and returned it because it wasn’t tall enough in the back. My second purchase was the right one; Autonomous’ ErgoChair Pro was tall enough and deep enough for me. Super comfortable!
I did think that the leg/recliner bit was something I would never use…. Ummm, wrong! Ever sit on a Zoom call that you are mostly just having to listen to? Same – that is what the leg rest is for!
(P.S. If you are interested in this or another Autonomous product, you can use promo code 22Kaitlyn for a discount)
Monitor
Lastly my monitor. Gulp I ended up spending the most money on this. In the long run, I didn’t want to have to get a USB hub or connect more than one display cable to my Macbook Pro. Also, I had always wondered if one larger screen would be more efficient for me… Enter my Dell 34 Inch Ultrawide Curved Monitor (P3421W).
I have never used a curved monitor or a monitor this large before. It definitely was an adjustment. No literally, I had to add a keyboard tray to my desk to get myself far enough away from the screen. But it’s been worth it!
Conclusion
In summary, a well-equipped work from home office set up is essential for your success and comfort. Prioritize an ergonomic desk and chair to maintain good posture and reduce the risk of posture issues. Choose a high-quality monitor to enhance productivity and protect your eyes. And don’t forget the importance of effective note-taking, whether it’s digital or old-fashioned pen and paper. By optimizing your home office with the right equipment, you can create an environment that promotes focus, productivity, and overall well-being.
What’s your must-have office item?
