1. A Good Internet Connection
Your internet connection is the backbone of your business. You can’t be a successful remote worker without a reliable connection. So, take some time to research the best internet service provider in your area before you start working from home. This will eliminate any interruptions or issues with your work down the line.
2. A Computer with an All-Day Battery Life
If you work from home and don’t want to worry about charging your laptop, investing in a laptop with battery life is vital. Laptops with all-day battery life are perfect for remote workers because they provide uninterrupted power while eliminating the need to constantly plug in your computer (and deal with tangled cords). You should also consider investing in a desktop if you have room – it might be easier on your back and arms! Plus, it’s not as easy to lose as a laptop!
3. A Good Workstation
The first step to working from home is getting a good workstation. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you do need to make sure it’s ergonomic and has ample room for all your equipment.
4. A Nice Desk Setup
Working from home often means working on a tight budget. If you need help setting up an office space at home on a budget, try looking for free furniture at thrift stores or garage sales so you can save money on furniture that will still look nice enough to keep things professional at home. Investing in good-quality furniture is essential, so when you feel tired or overwhelmed, you can feel inspired by your decluttered space.
5. An Ergonomic Chair
When you work from home, you might be tempted to sit on the couch or the bed. But working in an ergonomic office chair with good back support can help reduce your risk of back pain and improve your posture.
If you’re stuck at home all day, make sure to switch positions every hour or so. You don’t want to get too comfortable! Trust ergonomic chairs; your 50-year old self will be glad you were more careful when working from home.
6. Good Lighting
The best type of lighting for remote work is natural light. Natural light can make you feel more energized and productive. It’s also the best type of light if you have problems concentrating. But if you don’t have access to natural light, you should use a lamp with a color temperature between 4,000K and 6,500K and a brightness of at least 1,500 lux.
7. A Noise-cancelling Headset/Earphones
Noise-canceling headsets or earphones are great for those who need to block out noise from the outside world. The last thing you want is to be distracted by things going on in the background.
8. Water Bottle
Stay Hydrated: You will be more productive if you are well-hydrated. A simple way to increase your productivity is by staying hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day helps with concentration, focus, and energy levels. Stay away from sugar-loaded drinks or caffeinated beverages, as they can make you feel jittery and anxious. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and stay away from any liquids two hours before bedtime.
7. Calendar
If you’re easily distracted by other things, staying focused on your work can be challenging. And if you have a calendar that helps you see the big picture and prioritize your tasks for the day.
A calendar lets you know what deadlines are coming up, which means less stress about forgetting something important. You can also use your calendar to schedule when you’ll take a break or plan out to do other things around the house.
You could use the calendar on your phone, but opt to buy a flip or whiteboard calendar if you’re easily distracted.
8. Apps for Organization & Self-Care
The key to being successful as a remote worker is finding ways to be productive without interruptions. One way to do that is by using apps for organization, which will help you stay on task and make sure you’re not wasting time. Of course, this is easier said than done when you have all sorts of gadgets and apps! Luckily, there are plenty of apps out there that can help you stay on top of your work life. For example, some apps can help you schedule your day or even help you organize your inbox, so you don’t get overwhelmed with messages from work.
Whether you need a calendar app for scheduling meetings or reminders, or document storage for sorting through paperwork, these eight must-have remote worker apps will help you stay organized and get things done:
- Any.do: This app helps keep track of your tasks, never to forget anything again. It syncs with your phone and tablet so that you can use it anywhere.
- Evernote: This app lets you take notes from your phone or computer (or write them up manually). You can also use the app to record audio memos, access web pages for reference, and attach files to your notes.
- Dropbox: This app makes it easy to create folders for organizing different types of documents, like contracts or invoices. You can upload documents folders onto the cloud and access them safely from any device.
- Google Calendar: Use this free app to organize all of your appointments so that everything is in one place. You can even add reminders to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
- Wunderlist: The Wunderlist organization system will allow you to sync up with others on projects so that everyone stays updated on progress. It also has a great reminder system for deadlines.
- Lifesum: Wonderful app if you struggle following a healthy lifestyle. You can track calories, input meals, set goals, and even sync data from fitness apps to follow your progress.
9. Comfort Items
Your day-to-day routine is going to change when you work from home. You may find yourself getting up earlier, working in the morning, or staying up later. That can be a difficult adjustment to make. One way to ease the shift is by bringing some comfort items to your home office that remind you of the familiar things at work. For example, if you usually work at your desk, make sure you eat elsewhere. Enjoy the little moments you have sitting on modern fabric sofas and avoid eating meals in your workspace.