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Original poster

Tips for home office & wfh

91 replies

moveoverhogger · 02/01/2022 18:07

I'm changing role in the new year & it's 100% remote so am busy turning our spare room into a home office. I have a desk, comfy chair & have ordered new monitor/keyboard/mouse.

What other things should I get for the home office to make working from home easy?

Might be a silly question but what do others wear on their feet? Normally at home I just walk about barefoot or in socks, not sure this is suitable for the majority of my time though 🤣

OP posts:
Funnylittlefloozie · 02/01/2022 18:12

Why isn't it ok to work in bare feet or socks?

I would get a monitor stand to ensure its at the right height. I would also have a couple of plants because I like having plants in my working environment. Good luck with the new job!

JuneOsborne · 02/01/2022 18:13

Heated throw, nice cardigans. Coffee machine.

SwedishEdith · 02/01/2022 18:15

If I had an actual home office, I'd have a whiteboard. I need to be able to 'see' what needs doing or people who need to know stuff.

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WhatDidISayAlan · 02/01/2022 18:20

It’s not possible for everybody but when I changed my spare room into a home office the best thing I did was to face the desk out of the window. Gives me daylight, something to look at when I need thinking time, and I can warm my feet on the radiator. I also have plants on the windowsill, and wear slippers or socks and crocs on my feet.

StCharlotte · 02/01/2022 18:20

Might be a silly question but what do others wear on their feet? Normally at home I just walk about barefoot or in socks, not sure this is suitable for the majority of my time though

I bought Ugg mini fluff ankle boots in Autumn 2020 for this very purpose as I (correctly) predicted another wfh stint for me over last winter.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 02/01/2022 18:21

Defo put desk near window if possible, uggs for feet. I bought a little oil heater as there's no point in heating the whole house just for me, just need the office warm.

Fizzgigg · 02/01/2022 18:22

I bought some mahabi slippers. My feet got freezing sitting at a desk at home all day plus not wearing shoes all through lockdown meant my feet got really painful. A slipper gave my feet a bit of shoe like structure.

Fizzgigg · 02/01/2022 18:24

@WhatDidISayAlan

It’s not possible for everybody but when I changed my spare room into a home office the best thing I did was to face the desk out of the window. Gives me daylight, something to look at when I need thinking time, and I can warm my feet on the radiator. I also have plants on the windowsill, and wear slippers or socks and crocs on my feet.
I was going to do this but it's south facing and the sun beams directly in so I'd be blinded. I'm side on now so I can look out frequently and have daylight on me
Passthecake30 · 02/01/2022 18:25

Do a workplace assessment to ensure you’re sat at the correct level. Blinds to block out the sun.
I wear slippers and also have wrist warmers for cold days.

Classicblunder · 02/01/2022 18:26

I am barefoot all day - why wouldn't you be?

A printer is worth thinking about.

A bit random but I also have a yoga mat and weights so that I can take 5 min exercise breaks

trashcansinatra · 02/01/2022 18:26

If you are doing presentations or lots of VTC calls consider a ring light and a decent microphone (though good web cams often have good mics within them)

RestingPandaFace · 02/01/2022 18:28

I WFH in what was the box room.

I have a coffee machine and comfy armchair so that I can get away from my desk if I’m reading etc. I also have an oil filled radiator so that I don’t have to use the heating during the working day.

I wear slippers in winter, fitflops in summer. I find that I stay a lot warmer if my feet are cosy.

PollyGray · 02/01/2022 18:28

A sit stand desk top thing so that you can change position during the day and still use your keyboard.

RestingPandaFace · 02/01/2022 18:29

I also have some art and photos on the walls, and I got an IKEA Kallax too tidy everything away so it looks neat on video calls.

Original poster
moveoverhogger · 02/01/2022 18:34

Some brilliant ideas so far thank you all.

I can't have the desk up against the window unfortunately as it is a velux window 😞

And not sure why I feel I shouldn't be barefoot all day, maybe I'm turning into my grandma 🤣

OP posts:
comeundone · 02/01/2022 18:40

Lap blanket and fingerless gloves for cooler days, get your monitor setup so that your back is straight. Make sure that the comfy chair is supportive too. Slippers with a good sole on them so that your feet stay warm. Look at the camera and light setup so you're not fiddling about with lights/curtains all the time. I hate blinds with a passion, but can see their use in this context.
I have a small whiteboard for keeping deadlines and tasks on, and a lidded crate that everything can be pushed away into when I'm not working from home that slots nearly under the desktop.

Doofas · 02/01/2022 18:44

I've never worked from home, but I found when I was studying part time I worked better if I put proper shoes on I worked better because i felt like I should be working, so to speak. And yes to wrist warmers or fingerless gloves to keep your fingers warm enough to type!

mewkins · 02/01/2022 18:45

Sheepskin boots! My feet get so cold!!! Also alexa or similar so you can tellbthe radio to go off if you get a call. I have the radio on all day in the background though.

HeyMicky · 02/01/2022 18:49

Standing desk
Double monitor
White board and bulletin board
Blinds
Fan/dehumidifier and heated blanket
Monitor riser
Decent chair
Ring light and headphones
Plant
Several lamps
Storage and filing

Chewbecca · 02/01/2022 18:50

Height adjustable monitor to avoid hunching and a jabra speaker to avoid my ears being squashed spending all day on calls.

BelendaCarlisle · 02/01/2022 18:52

Always get showered and dressed appropriately in the morning before working. I don’t wear my office clothes but I don’t wear really casual stuff. I don’t deal with the public but I dress in a way that if my boss demanded an immediate video call I would be ok. I think it gives you the correct mindset.

I take my breaks away from my home office and I leave my desk every hour for a few minutes just to stretch my legs and give my eyes a rest.

QOD · 02/01/2022 19:04

I’ve set up behind my sofa in the lounge. I like being near the dog, kitchen, door etc

purplesequins · 02/01/2022 19:13

good light source so that you don't look ill on video calls.

a separate web cam just above head height or a stand for the laptop that the camera is at the most flattering right height.

a printer/scanner if you are allowed to use one.

remember to build in a commute (short walk mornings and evenings) and to take breaks.

AdmiralJaneway · 02/01/2022 20:05

I second a riser for your laptop - really puts the screen at the right height - I see you’ve already got a separate monitor- that’s brilliant - I simply couldn’t live without my extra monitor now.

The ultimate accessory though is a garden room Grin obviously that may not be possible.

You say your chair is comfy but I really would invest in a proper office chair.

MsFogi · 02/01/2022 20:12

Can anyone recommend a Ring light - some of them look hugely expensive but I also wonder if the cheaper ones are a waste of time?

OP, I would second the sit-stand desk - I have a Bekant from Ikea and also stand on a wobble board whenever I am standing (so that I don't lock my knees). Also, double monitors.