Your Ultimate Work-from-Home Office Preparation Checklist
🪑 Ergonomics & Comfort
- Invest in a quality ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support
- Set up desk at proper height (elbows should rest at 90° when typing)
- Position monitor at eye level and arm’s length away
- Add a footrest if feet don’t rest flat on floor
- Consider a standing desk converter for posture variation
- Install proper lighting to reduce eye strain
- Test room temperature for comfort during working hours
💻 Tech & Connectivity
- Secure reliable high-speed internet (consider a backup solution)
- Test video conferencing setup (camera, microphone, lighting)
- Acquire necessary peripherals (keyboard, mouse, headset, etc.)
- Set up dual monitors if your work benefits from additional screen space
- Install required software and applications
- Create a file backup system
- Test VPN connection if required by employer
- Secure your home network with strong password and encryption
🔌 Power & Infrastructure
- Create easy access to sufficient power outlets
- Install surge protector for equipment
- Organize cords with cable management solutions
- Position desk near natural light but avoid screen glare
- Consider UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for critical equipment
- Check that your circuit can handle additional electronic demands
📋 Productivity Tools
- Set up digital calendar with time blocks
- Create dedicated workspace with minimal distractions
- Establish document organization system
- Prepare note-taking tools (digital or physical)
- Install productivity apps/browser extensions
- Create a daily routine checklist
- Set up time tracking system if required
🧰 Office Supplies
- Stock essential supplies (pens, paper, stapler, etc.)
- Prepare filing system for physical documents
- Add whiteboard or corkboard for visual planning
- Create a dedicated space for reference materials
- Set up mail/shipping station if needed
- Prepare printer/scanner with extra ink and paper
🧠 Wellness & Balance
- Establish designated break area away from workspace
- Add plants to improve air quality and well-being
- Create a water station to stay hydrated
- Plan for healthy snacks in a separate area from desk
- Prepare noise-cancelling solutions (headphones, white noise)
- Add personal touches that inspire (art, photos, meaningful objects)
- Designate an “end of day” ritual to separate work and personal time
⚙️ Communication Setup
- Test home phone or VoIP system if required
- Create professional background for video calls
- Establish “do not disturb” signals for household members
- Prepare noise management solutions for calls (quiet space, mute button accessible)
- Set up messaging platforms for quick team communication
- Create email signature with remote contact information
- Test audio quality in your workspace
🔐 Security & Compliance
- Create secure password management system
- Set up privacy screen if working in shared space
- Establish file confidentiality practices
- Secure physical documents with lockable storage
- Review company security policies for remote work
- Install required security software
- Establish end-of-day shutdown procedure
👨👩👧👦 Household Coordination
- Share work schedule with household members
- Establish boundaries for work hours and space
- Create contingency plans for potential interruptions
- Arrange childcare if needed
- Discuss noise considerations with household
- Plan meal prep to minimize workday disruptions
- Create shared calendar for household scheduling conflicts
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