The trend of work-from-home setup is increasingly popular
Working from home is increasingly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies and individuals recognize the benefits of remote work, such as saving travel time, reducing office costs, and increasing flexibility. Technological devices such as laptops, large screens, ergonomic desks and chairs, and software to support remote working are essential for an effective home office setup.
At the same time, organizing a neat, comfortable, and stylish home office setup also helps enhance the workers’ spirit and creativity. This trend not only brings high efficiency but also improves work-life balance and is forecast to continue to grow strongly.
The importance of properly arranging your home office set up
Properly organizing a home office improves work productivity and mental health. A well-organized home office setup enhances concentration, reduces stress and creates a more comfortable work environment. Essential factors include choosing the right location, investing in quality furniture such as office chairs and desks, and arranging the necessary technology equipment.
A practical work from home setup helps you maintain professionalism and facilitates work-life balance. Arranging your workspace properly can reduce distractions and help you stay motivated, thereby improving the quality of your work.
Necessary furniture for home office setup
Choosing the right furniture is important to ensure comfort and efficiency when setting up a home office. Discover the furniture you need to create an ideal working environment right at your home.
Laptop or PC
The choice of laptop or PC is critical in setting up a home office setup. For example, if you need a laptop, the Dell XPS 13 model costs around 1,800 AUD, while the Apple MacBook Air costs around 1,500 AUD. The HP Pavilion costs around 1,200 AUD for desktop PCs, while the Dell Inspiron usually costs 1,000 AUD or more. Investing in quality equipment not only improves productivity but also facilitates remote working.
Desk
Choosing the correct type of desk is essential when setting up a home office. There are two main types of desks: standing desks and sitting desks. Standing desks help you change your working posture, reduce back pain and improve health. For example, the Uplift V2 standing desk costs around 800 AUD, and the Fully Jarvis desk costs around 850 AUD.
Sitting desks are still trendy and convenient while more flexible than standing desks. For example, the Ikea Bekant desk costs around 200 AUD, while the Officeworks Atlas desk costs 250 AUD. Choosing between the two desk types depends on your needs and budget, but both can help create an efficient and comfortable home office setup.
Ergonomic office chair
Investing in an ergonomic chair is important to protect back health and improve comfort when setting up a home office. Ergonomic chairs often feature adjustable height, backrest, and headrest to fit your body shape.
For example, the Herman Miller Aeron chair costs around 1,400 AUD and is known for its excellent support and durability. Another option is the Steelcase Leap chair, priced around AUD 1,200, which offers plenty of customization and effective back support. Both are good options for improving the work-from-home experience.
Laptop stand
A laptop stand is an important accessory that enhances working comfort when a home office is set up. There are many laptop stands, from simple models to height-adjustable designs. For example, the Grovemade Laptop Stand costs around 150 AUD and features a sophisticated wood design.
Another popular option is the Rain Design mStand, priced around AUD 90, and features durable aluminum and a stable design. These laptop stands help improve working posture and reduce neck and back strain.
Multi-port hubs
Multi-port hubs help expand laptop connection ports in a home office setup. For example, the Satechi Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter V2 costs around 130 AUD, offering HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports. Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 costs about 100 AUD, offers multiple ports and supports fast charging. Both options help optimize connectivity and workspace organization.
Cable and charger
In setting up a home office, cables and chargers are indispensable accessories. Anker PowerLine+ II USB-C to USB-C cable, priced at about 30 AUD, stands out with its high durability and fast data transfer speed. The Belkin BoostCharge 30W USB-C charger costs around 40 AUD and offers quick and reliable charging. Both help maintain productivity and keep devices ready.
Keyboard and mouse
Choosing the right keyboard and mouse is very important when setting up a home office. Logitech MX Keys cost about 150 AUD, featuring a comfortable typing feel and stable wireless connection. Apple Magic Keyboard costs about 180 AUD, has a slim design and is easy to use. For mice, the Logitech MX Master 3 costs around 150 AUD and offers many features and high precision. These options help improve work efficiency and comfort.
Mobile storage
Mobile storage helps organize documents and belongings neatly when setting up a home office. For example, the Ikea Kallax Mobile Storage costs around 150 AUD, with an easy-to-move design and plenty of storage compartments. Another option is the Officeworks 3-Drawer Mobile Pedestal, priced around AUD 120, which provides drawers to hold documents and accessories.
Earphones
When setting up a home office, earphones help focus and participate in online meetings. For example, the Apple AirPods Pro costs around 350 AUD and offers noise cancellation and high-quality sound. Sony WF-1000XM4 costs about 320 AUD and also stands out with good sound insulation and long usage time.
Computer speakers
Computer speakers help improve sound quality for meetings and entertainment when the home office set up. For example, the Bose Companion 2 Series III costs around 150 AUD and provides clear and powerful sound. Logitech Z623 costs about 200 AUD and features a 2.1 speaker system and high power. Both options enhance the audio experience in your home workspace.
Webcams
Webcams are important tools for video meetings and conversations when setting up a home office. For example, the Logitech C920 costs around 120 AUD and offers 1080p resolution and sharp image quality. The Razer Kiyo costs around 150 AUD and features a built-in light that improves video lighting.
Wi-Fi
Strong Wi-Fi is important to ensure a stable connection when setting up a home office. For example, the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 costs around 200 AUD and offers fast speeds and a wide range. TP-Link Archer AX73 costs about 250 AUD, supports Wi-Fi 6 with high performance and multiple devices connected simultaneously. Both help ensure a smooth and efficient internet connection for remote work.
Lamp
When setting up a home office, lamps provide light and create a comfortable working space. Philips Hue White Ambiance costs about 120 AUD, allowing you to adjust the lighting according to your needs. Ikea RANARP costs around 80 AUD, providing clear lighting with an elegant design. Both help improve working lighting, enhancing efficiency and comfort.
Table mats
Table mats are an indispensable part of setting up a home office. They help protect desk surfaces from scratches and stains while creating a highlight for the workspace. There are many types of table mats, such as leather mats, silicone mats, and fabric mats. For example, a leather mat can cost between 30 and 60 AUD, while a silicone mat costs around 20 AUD. Fabric rugs are usually cheaper, starting at 15 AUD or less.
Advanced setup for podcasters
A dedicated workspace is key to creating high-quality podcasts. Discover the steps to upgrade your workspace and improve your podcast.
Microphone
The microphone is the most important equipment for podcasters to ensure clear and crisp sound quality. Common types include condenser and dynamic microphones. For example, the Rode NT1-A condenser microphone costs around 350 AUD, while the Shure SM7B dynamic microphone costs around 500 AUD.
The arm supports the microphone
The microphone support arm is an important device that helps fix the microphone in an optimal position and makes it easy to adjust. The common type of arm is the boomerang style or foldable arm. The Elgato Wave Mic Arm powered arm, with its flexible design and high load capacity, costs around 130 AUD.
Another option is the Rode PSA1, which has easy angle and height adjustment and is priced at around 120 AUD. Arm support not only helps improve ergonomics but also minimizes noise caused by unwanted collisions or movements.
Audio interface
An audio interface is a device that converts audio signals from a microphone into digital signals for computer processing. It also provides power to the microphone and helps improve overall sound quality. For example, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, with its high-quality audio processing and flexible tuning features, costs around 250 AUD.
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96, another popular choice, offers clear sound and is easy to use for around 150 AUD. The audio interface helps ensure that audio recorded from the microphone is converted and transmitted accurately, facilitating the podcast production process.
Advanced office setup for YouTubers
A professional workspace can be the deciding factor in the success of YouTubers. Let’s explore improving your workspace to enhance your productivity and creativity.
Main lights and border lights
Main lights provide the main lighting for video, helping to illuminate faces and workspaces. Common types are ring lights and softbox lights. For example, the Neewer 18” ring light costs around 200 AUD, while the Godox SB-FW 60x90cm softbox light set costs around 150 AUD. Border lights, like the Philips Hue Lightstrip LED strip lights, costing around AUD 120, create background lighting effects and highlight spaces.
Background
The background creates professionalism and appeal for the video. Popular options include solid-color backdrops, patterned backdrops, or curtains. For example, a blue or green fabric backdrop can cost between 50 and 100 AUD. Savage roll backdrops, such as the Savage Widetone, cost around AUD$150, provide a wide area, and are easy to use for a variety of shots.
Camera and lens
Cameras and lenses are important equipment in creating high-quality video. A DSLR camera like the Canon EOS 90D costs around AUD 1,400 and offers sharp image quality and 4K video recording. Lenses like the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II, priced around AUD 2,200, help create diverse and detailed footage.
The secret to arranging your desk more neatly
A tidy desk helps you easily find necessary documents and tools and creates an efficient and comfortable working environment. Below are some simple but effective tips for tidying and dynamic workspaces.
Organize furniture logically
In home office setup, arranging furniture scientifically helps increase work efficiency and save space. Use containers and shelves to sort and store items like pens, papers, and accessories. Arranging items by function and frequency of use helps you easily find them and tidy your desk.
Keep only necessary items
Keeping only essential items on the desk in a home office setup helps avoid clutter and enhances concentration. Remove unnecessary or rarely used items, and leave only the main equipment like computers, notebooks and some basic tools. This helps optimize your workspace and reduce distractions.
Organize cables
Cable organization is an important part of a home office setup to keep the work area neat. Use cable ties or clips to neatly wrap power cords, USB cables, and other connections. This not only helps avoid cable tangles, but also protects the cords from damage and creates a cleaner workspace.
Use wall shelves
Using wall shelves in your home office setup is an effective way to optimize space and keep your desk tidy. Place shelves or small bookshelves on the wall to store books, documents, and decorative items. This saves space on the desk and creates a more comfortable and professional working environment.
Clean periodically
Regular cleaning is important in maintaining a neat and efficient home office setup. Take weekly time to clean your desk, removing dust and unnecessary items. Not only does this keep the workspace clean, but it also feels fresh and improves concentration.
A home office setup is not simply about choosing furniture and equipment, but also about creating a workspace optimal for productivity and comfort. Hopefully the information and suggestions in this article will help you set up an ideal home office and enhance your remote working experience.