How To Set Up Your Home Office Quickly to Increase Productivity

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Don’t know how to set up your home office?

Yup, I’ve been there!

When I first decided to setup my home office I wanted everything to be Pinterest perfect.

I wanted the perfect desk, with the perfect chair, file cabinet with matching folders, trendy office décor, etc., etc.

I wasted so much time looking online for the best set up for my home office that I ended up procrastinating and putting off important business-related tasks. I thought, I’m just starting and I can easily catch up and organize all of my paperwork.

And all of a sudden my business forms were scattered everywhere and getting lost with the stack of household bills.

Things got cluttered and confusing quickly.

I knew I had to focus on the basics and create a dedicated space to work. It didn’t have to be perfect, just functional.

A peek into my home office set up:

My home office at the moment is a built-in desk between my kitchen and living room. I use a laptop with a wireless keyboard and mouse, a printer, a clear file organizer with hanging folders, binders, and wall-mounted boards.

Inside one of my closets, I keep a small file cabinet like the one here with all the forms I need to store long-term.

Right now, I’m happy with the setup.

Is it perfect? No, it’s not.

Is it a trendy and beautiful office space? It Depends on who you ask. Ha!

But none of that truly matters.

What matters (and what I want to encourage you to do) is creating a workspace that keeps the business organized and running smoothly.

Also, I love that my office is on my main floor next to the room I use for the family daycare I operate out of my home. I like being able to keep everything related to my business in a designated area of my house.

Related: If you are starting a home daycare business check out my post about the essential equipment you need to setup your child care program.

How to choose the right space for your home office?

Now think about the space you have in your home and find a place you can set up your workspace. It doesn’t have to be a huge space.

Maybe you have a corner in your living room or bedroom you can use. Or perhaps you have an empty counter in your kitchen or a big enough storage closet that will fit a desk inside.

With a bit of creativity, I’m sure you can find a spot in your home you can use.

So once you identify that space, clear it out and let me inspire you and help you get your home office set up…

What do I need to set up a home office?

1. Your Home Office Desk

Do you have space for a desk? If you do, the best home office desk for you will depend on the size and shape of the space you have available. You can choose a conventional straight edge, a L-shaped desk or a corner desk.

As mentioned before, I have a built-in desk that I use as my home office and was able to skip this step.

If a desk is on your things to purchase and you have limited space then check out this desk, it has great reviews and it’s reasonably priced.

2. Desk Chair

This is the desk chair I currently use. It’s the perfect size for my desk space. It was within my budget, and so far, it’s been working out great.

However, if you will spend most of your work day sitting down at your desk you will be wise to spend a bit more on an ergonomic chair with more support like this one here.

3. Chair Floor Mat

It’s important to protect your hardwood floors, (or even vinyl or laminate) with a plastic mat under your rolling office chair. Here’s the one I use and recommend.

Now if you have carpet in your office, you’ll want to protect it with a this plastic chair mat. It has good reviews and it’s an Amazon choice.

4. Laptop

The #1 Laptop I use for my business. My absolute favorite business tool, and what you absolutely need to operate your home-based business, is a powerful laptop.

I’m currently using a Dell XPS 13 laptop. It has state-of-the art specs that should be more than powerful enough for the vast majority of users. It also has a stunning design and is light as a feather.

Need more options? Here is a list of the best laptops for business based on customer reviews.

5. File Cabinet

Good record keeping is vital for any business to thrive. So If you’re starting your business, make sure you implement a system to organize and store all of your paperwork.

I use a file cabinet like this one with hanging file folders to store all the documents I need to keep long-term.

6. Desktop File Organizer

I also have a smaller file folder organizer on my desk with the paperwork I’m currently working on. This is the one I use.

7. File Folders

I like using file folders in my business too, because they really take my office organization to the next level. They help me keep track of all my documents and files for each of my clients.

These come in a pack of 100, so no need to worry about running out of folders anytime soon and you can find a really good deal here.

8. All-in-one Printer

If you’re going to be printing a lot of pages make sure you get a low cost per page printer.

This is the printer I use and recommend.

The cost of this printer might seem pricey for some. But its super-low operating expenses makes the Epson EcoTank Et-3760 one of the best investments you can make for your office.

I print many forms to create my client packages, business forms, early learning materials for the kids in my childcare. So this printer was a no brainer for me.

9. Magnetic, Dry Erase Calendar Board

I use a magnetic, dry-erase calendar board similar to this one in my home office. Although I use paper calendars and bullet journals to jot down activities, due dates, to-do lists, etc., I like to write everything going on in the current month on my whiteboard where it’s always in sight.

You know what they say, out of sight, out of mind.

If you want the exact wall calendar I have, try checking Hobby Lobby, that’s where I purchased mine. 🙂

I also have cork boards like these on the sidewall next to my desk. I use it to pin new information regarding my business, family photos, etc. If you choose to use cork boards like the ones I have, you might want to get Command strips because the adhesive they come with isn’t that great.

10. Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

When I work at my desk, I prefer to use a keyboard and mouse like this one and put my laptop on an ergonomic stand. This setting makes working at my desk more comfortable, and I like that the keyboard has the number keys on the side which my laptop doesn’t.

Also, I want to mention that this keyboard and mouse set requires a USB port. Make sure your laptop has one or that you have a USB C to USB adapter.

I recently added a keyboard wrist rest pad and mouse pad like the one here to my home office. It adds a bit of color to my workspace, and it helps ease the pressure on my wrists. Win-win!

11. Office Supplies

You will need to keep essential office supplies within reach such as binders, pens, highlighters, notepads, post-its, paper clips, scissors, etc.

Use shelves, drawers, or storage bins to maintain a clutter-free office environment and promote easy access to all your office tools.

12. Ensure safety measures

Reminder: Childproof the office area by installing outlet covers, corner guards, securing cords, and removing any potential hazards.

Also, keep sharp objects, and confidential documents stored safely out of reach.