Episode Summary:
In this week’s episode, we share 10+ tips for creating a frugal home office to get ready for the new normal. We discuss the future of working from home after major companies have started to minimize their office space and establish more clear long-term plans for remote work. We share our advice for how to establish an effective home office that will keep you working productively and comfortably, and won’t break the bank. We dig into your home-office location, technology, ergonomics, DIY dry erase boards, and keeping things tidy and clutter-free.
Episode Notes:
Location
- Pick a place you are comfortable, whether it’s large or small. We recommend natural light and a view of some nature, but don’t sacrifice comfort or ergonomics for the best view.
- Think about what it’s next to and what makes the most sense for you. Maggie has selected an office location with the most windows that is furthest away from where her kids hang out, as it helps to avoid noise and distractions, but they also know where to find her if they need her. If your kids are younger you may need a place purposefully close.
- If you do not have a lot of space, get creative within your own personal space limitations. Consider re-doing a closet into an office closet, or even a mobile workstation so you can move around to different spaces as they are free.
Technology
- You need a big monitor. Or two. This is a worthwhile expense. Look for a used one before you buy a new one.
- You don’t need a $3,000 laptop, but don’t skimp either. $1,000 will get you a great one. Less than $500 and you’re likely to run into performance issues that won’t be worth the savings.
- It should have a large monitor unless you are going to just dock it.
- It should have a meaningful amount of RAM. At least 8GB.
- It should have a SSD, at least 500GB.
- It should have numerous external ports for connecting USB and HDMI cables.
- Get an external keyboard and mouse. It’s worth the investment.
Ergonomics
- Get a desk and chair combo that creates the right height. Your feet should touch the ground (or a footrest) and your arms should rest at a 90-degree angle on the table.
- Your monitors should be at eye level.
- Consider a footrest to help with xyz. Maggie still uses her medela footrest from when she was nursing, you can also purchase one for about $20 on Amazon, or as Mike suggests you can use a box for free!
- The costs of not getting ergonomics right can be expensive, so give this some attention. Ignoring this could cost you doctor’s visits, rehab, or medication.
Stuff + the miscellany:
- You don’t need other gadgets unless they are solving a specific and material problem.
- Minimize your office supplies. So much is done digitally that you really don’t need a lot of office supplies.
- Keep the space clear of crap. Whether it’s the corner of a room or you have an entire room, keep it as clear and clean as possible. Lots of studies suggest this helps your focus, and for those easily distracted this is clutch!
- Reuse existing things you already have vs buying new things. Repurpose an old desk, use an unused dresser for storage, repaint a bookshelf.
- Consider used first. Now that schools are going back you may find a great used desk or monitor online. Ask on local neighborhood groups before buying new.
- Make a DIY erase board. Maggie bought $5 project panels from Home Depot instead of spending $150+ on a fancy dry erase board on Amazon. And consider DIYing other things you may need or want in your office setup.
- Find out what your Company will let you expense. It can’t hurt to ask. Unless Mike is your Finance guy in which case, don’t ask.
- Printing things are expensive. You can work almost 100% digital when you’re remote, and you’ll save money if you do.
Top 3 takeaways:
- Spend a bit of time to think through the best setup for you.
- Invest in the key things that really matter for you, and then explore used things before buying new.
- Keep it clean and organized. There’s no office cleaning crew like you had at work, you’re now responsible for keeping your space tidy.
Show references:
- Home Depot dry erase and chalkboard panels – $5 each, 2 ft. by 4 ft. (perfect for a smaller panel, or to do multiple panels across a wall)
- Home Depot Eucatile Tile Board that can be used as a DIY dry erase board – $13, 4 ft. by 8ft (perfect for a larger covering to cover most of your wall, or you can cut it down to any custom size)
- Lowe’s marker board that can be used as a DIY dry erase board – $12, 3 ft. by 4 ft.
- Home Depot dry erase paint – $22
- Command strips on Amazon
- Foot rests on Amazon
- Forbe’s article on how to improve your working from home game with these hacks – some great tips in here, though we don’t recommend buying any products you don’t truly need. In case you need a reminder on that, check out Episode #067 | Wants vs. Needs: 8 Tips for buying less stuff!