The essential tools you need to work from home

There's no question that work from home is on the rise.

In fact, according to a study by FlexJobs, the number of people working from home at least part-time has increased 115% in the past decade!

But will work from home ever rule the world?

That's a question that remains to be seen.

There are definitely some pros to working from home. For starters, you don't have to commute! That means you can save money on gas and wear and tear on your car. You also have the flexibility to create your own schedule.

But there are also some challenges that come along with working from home. For example, it can be easy to get distracted by things like the TV or your bed. And if you don't have a dedicated workspace, it can be tough to stay focused.

Let's discuss what tools and essentials you need to work from home.

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What are the best tools to help you work from home?

There are a few key tools that can help you be productive when working from home.

Good internet connection

First, a good internet connection is essential.

If you're constantly dealing with buffering or slow speeds, it can be tough to get work done.

Investing in a quality router and making sure your computer is up to date can help boost your internet speed.

I bought the TP-LINK Archer and so far, I'm finding that it's really good. I also got a range extender because my bedroom/office is far away from the router. This helps improve your internet connection and makes it run smoothly.

Quiet place to work

Second, a quiet space is important.

If you have kids or pets, it can be difficult to find a place to work where you won't be interrupted.

Investing in noise-canceling headphones can help you focus on your work and tune out distractions.

Planner

Third, having a planner can help you stay organized and on track.

There are a lot of great planners out there, so find one that works for you and make sure to use it! I like to use pen and paper to plan and write notes so I prefer a physical planner instead of an online tool or app.

Comfy office chair

Fourth, get a good office chair. I like to look for anything with the word 'ergonomic' in the description because it can mean it's more comfortable.

If you're going to be sitting at a desk all day, you want to make sure you have a comfortable chair.

There are a lot of great options out there, so take your time and find one that's right for you.

Bluetooth speakers

Did you know that Bluetooth speakers can be very handy when working from home?

You can take them anywhere with you within your house, so whether you're in your office or taking a break in the kitchen, you can always listen to music!

Besides, you can listen to meetings, work-related courses, and podcasts while you work.

Smart mug

Whether you're team tea or team coffee, you need a good smart mug with temperature control.

This way, you can enjoy your favorite beverage at the perfect temperature.

And if you forget to turn it off, don't worry - most smart mugs will turn off automatically after a certain amount of time.

I like to have a hot drink near my desk just to keep me going and motivated. A smart mug ensures I don't have to keep going to the microwave to re-heat my drink.

Cables & cable organizer

If your desk is cluttered with wires and USB or other cables, it can be tough to stay focused.

Investing in a good cable organizer can help you keep your desk tidy and organized.

And if you have a lot of devices, it's a good idea to get a variety of cables so you're always prepared.

Wireless printer

Gone are the days when you have to carry a huge wired printer.

Nowadays, you can get a great wireless printer that will make your life much easier.

And if you need to print something while you're away from home, most printers have apps that allow you to print from your phone or tablet.

Talk about convenience, right?

Wireless phone charger

A wireless phone charger is a great way to keep your devices charged without having to worry about cords.

Just place your phone on the charging pad and it will charge - it's that easy!

And if you have multiple devices, you can get a charging station that can charge all of them at once.

I like that wireless phone chargers are pretty cheap these days and they charge really quickly.

Online tools

Trello is a great tool for project management. It is a web-based tool that helps you stay organized. You can create boards, assign them to people, and add deadlines.

Trello is great for both small and large projects. If you're working on a team, Trello can help you keep track of deadlines, assigned tasks, and progress.

Jasper.ai is the best AI-powered content writer. I've tried about 4 different ones and Jasper can't be beaten. If you use my link, you get 10k extra words so you can write anything, even e-books!

It can generate all kinds of copy, ads, marketing e-mails, blog posts, articles, you name it!

If you work in a field where you have to write a lot of content, this is something that's worth investing in.

Next, Slack can be a great way to stay in touch with your team. It's a messaging app that can be used for both work and personal purposes.

You can create different channels for different topics, set up direct messages, and even make video calls.

Slack can be a great way to stay connected with your team, even when you're not in the same physical location.

Finally, Google Drive is a great way to store and share files. You can create different folders for different projects and share them with whomever you need to. Plus, this is a free tool!

Google Drive is also great for collaboration. Multiple people can edit a document at the same time, and you can see who is working on what in real-time.

These are just a few of the many tools available to help you work from home. With the right tools, you can be productive and successful!

Pros & Cons of working from home

There are pros and cons to both working from home and working in an office setting. Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of each so you can decide what's best for you!

Pro: You're in control of your environment.

When you work from home, you're in control of your environment.

You can create an environment that's conducive to productivity, whether that means working in complete silence or listening to white noise while you work.

Plus, you can take breaks whenever you want and structure your day however you see fit.

Con: You can feel isolated from your team.

When you work from home, you can sometimes feel isolated from your team.

You might miss out on the watercooler chatter and impromptu meetings that happen in an office setting.

Plus, it can be harder to build relationships with your co-workers when you're not seeing them every day.

Pro: You can save money on commuting and office costs.

When you work from home, you can save money on things like commuting and office costs.

You won't have to worry about gas, parking, or public transportation costs.

Plus, you can save on things like coffee and lunch if you're packing your own meals.

Con: You might miss out on company culture.

When you work from home, you might not have the same access to company culture as you would in an office setting.

You might miss out on team-building activities, happy hours, and other company events.

Plus, you might not have the same opportunities to advance your career when you're not in the office every day.

So, what's the verdict?

Working from home has its pros and cons, but ultimately it's up to you to decide what's best for you. If you have the opportunity to work from home, give it a try and see how you like it! You might be surprised at how productive you can be in your own space.

Final thoughts

Working from home definitely has its perks - but it also comes with some challenges.

By investing in the right tools and essentials, you can set yourself up for success.

Do you think work from home will ever rule the world? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!