15 Work-From-Home Must-Haves
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Work-from-home must-haves can be the difference between barely getting through the day and feeling like you’ve got this.
When you’re managing work, parenting, and everything else life throws at you, the right setup makes all the difference.
Here are a few things that help keep the wheels turning (without losing your mind in the process).
1. Keep Your Coffee Hot (All the Way to Noon)
If you’re anything like me, your workday is powered by coffee.
The problem? It never stays hot long enough.
Enter the coffee mug warmer—a compact upgrade that keeps your cup warm without the microwave shuffle.
I own three, and I’m not embarrassed to admit it.
2. Tame the Cable Chaos
Nothing ruins a clean workspace like a tangled web of charging cords.
Keeping cords under control makes the whole space feel more functional and less cluttered.
Magnetic silicone cable ties and cable management boxes are simple but effective solutions for keeping everything neatly bundled and easy to access.
I originally bought the cable management boxes for my son’s room, but they’ve made their way into my office.
3. Double Your Screen Space Without the Desk Takeover
If your laptop screen is starting to feel like a shoebox, adding a second monitor makes a big difference.
I use (and love) the ViewSonic VG1655 Portable Monitor because it’s lightweight, simple to set up, and doesn’t take over my desk.
It plugs right into my laptop (no extra plug) and gives me more real estate, especially when I’m comparing documents or juggling tabs like a digital gymnast.
4. A Planner That Actually Works
I’ve tried them all—digital apps, fancy journals, bullet systems. Most made me feel busier, not better. This spiral agenda planner is the only one that stuck.
It’s structured enough to keep me focused without feeling like another thing to manage. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as crossing things off a to-do list with an actual pen.
5. Comfort, But Make It Productive
If your work setup isn’t comfortable, your productivity suffers.
Cozy enough for winter mornings, but not so bulky that it gets in the way of working efficiently. My solution? The electric throw blanket with a foot pocket.
6. Drawer Dividers: The Unsung Heroes of Organization
They make it so much easier to grab what I need without rummaging through a chaotic mess.
If you have a “junk drawer” situation going on, these drawer dividers can help.
7. The Unexpected Hero: An Under-Desk Treadmill
I resisted the under-desk treadmill for so long, but now it’s an essential tool.
Plus, it tricks your brain into thinking you’re being productive even when you’re just pacing in pajama bottoms.
Even a slow walk helps with focus, mood, and getting out of that weird post-lunch fog.
If you struggle with mid-afternoon slumps, this might be your solution.
8. Optimize Your Lighting
A dimmable LED desk lamp with warm light settings helps reduce strain, and a clip-on ring light can be useful for video calls.
Bad lighting can lead to eye strain and headaches.
9. Upgrade Your Chair (or at Least Your Cushion)
If you’re sitting for long hours, a quality ergonomic chair is worth the investment.
Adding a seat cushion or lumbar support pillow can make a huge difference in preventing back pain.
(Ask me how I know. 😆)
10. A Whiteboard or Sticky Notes for Quick Reminders
Instead of cluttering your desk with loose papers, use a whiteboard or a stick-on note pad to jot down quick tasks, reminders, or brainstorming ideas.
They’re easy to glance at—and even easier to erase when you’re done.
11. Block Out the World
Between lawnmowers, barking dogs, and your own kid watching YouTube on volume 100, noise-canceling headphones are a gift from above.
Whether you prefer over-ear headphones or discreet AirPods Pros, just get something that keeps your brain in your own business.
One great budget-friendly pick? The Soundcore Noise-Canceling Headphones—they’re well-reviewed, Bluetooth-enabled, and a fraction of the price.
12. Invest in a Proper Keyboard and Mouse
Typing all day on a laptop keyboard can cause wrist fatigue.
An ergonomic keyboard and a wireless ergonomic mouse can make a big difference in comfort and efficiency.
14. Foot Rest for Better Posture
If your chair doesn’t quite support your legs properly, a footrest can improve circulation and help with posture.
15. A Timer for Productivity Breaks
The Pomodoro method—25 minutes on, 5 off—helps you stay on task without zoning out.
Use a simple timer or app to make each work block count.
New to Pomodoro? Here’s how it helps.
13. Add Some Greenery
A small desk plant can boost mood and improve air quality. If you’re not great at keeping plants alive, go for a low-maintenance option.
Smart Tweaks, Big Impact
Making your workday better doesn’t mean splurging on expensive gadgets or overhauling your entire setup.
It’s about fixing those little annoyances that add up—like cluttered cables, bad lighting, or an uncomfortable chair—so you can actually focus.
For more ways to make your workday smoother, read this guide on boosting focus during busy days.