10 Work-From-Home Essentials

Nearly 4 million Americans report that they’re working from home at least part of the time. Working from home (also referred to as telecommuting), whether as a remote worker or a freelancer, has a romantic appeal that’s attractive to digitally savvy millennials. After all, it’s a chance to set your own hours and work from almost anywhere in the world.

If you’re drawn to telecommuting’s freedom and flexibility, you might think that all you need is a laptop, a cell phone, and a dream. But that’s not entirely true. These 10 additional work-from-home essentials are key to being an efficient, successful, and happy remote worker.

Work-From-Home Essential #1: Reliable Internet

Yes, you have Wi-Fi at home. But before you begin working from home full-time, make sure your connection is fast enough for the files you’ll need in your job. You’ll also want to test to ensure you have the capacity to avoid slowdowns when roommates are streaming, spouses are surfing, or kids are gaming in the room next door.

Work-From-Home Essential #2: A Video Call Setup

Remote workers typically spend a lot of time in video meetings, so you’ll need to be prepared for video calls. Choose a video meeting provider, such as Skype, so you can invite clients to meetings. And make sure you have a business-appropriate place to meet featuring good lighting, a neutral backdrop, and a door for blocking out noise.

Work-From-Home Essential #3: A Real Schedule

When you can work any time, it’s easy to work all the time. Skip that path to burnout by establishing real working and non-working hours. Set end-of-day reminders on your calendar, share your schedule with family and significant others, use a time-tracking app on your phone, and use an appointment scheduler, such as SimplyBook, on your website to show prospects and clients when you’re available.

Work-From-Home Essential #4: A Supply Closet

Most digital businesses eventually need old-school office supplies to control paperwork or just to mail things. So stock up on non-digital office necessities such as file folders, pens, staplers, paperclips, envelopes, and stamps before you need them.

Work-From-Home Essential #5: A Business-Appropriate Wardrobe

PJs are great, but many longtime work-from-home employees will tell you that, over time, not getting dressed in the morning can become depressing. Create a morning routine that includes a wardrobe you can face the world in.

Work-From-Home Essential #6: Software

The specific programs you’ll need will vary, but if you’re used to working on a company-supplied computer, remember to add the cost of whatever software you’ll need to your business plan.

Work-From-Home Essential #7: Storage

Digital or not, work requires — and creates — stuff. So make sure you have an area for storing physical paperwork and work-related gadgets IRL and online storage and backup for all your files with a service like Google Drive for Business.

Work-From-Home Essential #8: A Good Chair

Dining-room chairs are great for social events, but if you’re going to be in the same seat all day, you’ll need something better. Look for a chair with the support and ergonomics required for sitting long hours (yes, even if you’re planning to stand while you work).

Work-From-Home Essential #9: Co-Workers

People might joke about how annoying co-workers can be, but the in-office social connection is one of the advantages of the old-fashioned office-work model. Remote workers don’t have built-in colleagues, so plan ahead to create opportunities to see people. You can share a table in a coffee shop or join a local remote workers meetup to make sure you talk to ‘real people’ regularly.

Work-From-Home Essential #10: An Office Away From Home

The same four walls. 24/7. Enough said. Scope your neighborhood for places that offer a change of scenery but still inspire productivity. Coffee shops and co-working spaces are great options, but don’t overlook your local library — with free Wi-Fi and an emphasis on quiet, it’s a great place to hang out and work for free.

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