Is your company letting you work from home this year? Are you starting a home-based business in 2021 and want to set yourself up for success?

We have put together a buyer’s guide to help you acclimate to life outside the office with items that will help you stay on task as well as make working from home a breeze.

1. Webcam w/ Privacy Shutter

If you need to stay connected to your co-workers in the office or in their own homes via conference calls, a quality webcam will get your face and voice front and center during your next Google Hangouts meeting. We like the Logitech C920S HD Pro, as it comes with a privacy shutter as well as 1080p video recording quality.

The camera has autofocus and light correction as well as dual mics for audio recording. There’s a clamp on the bottom of the webcam that you can use to attach to the top of your monitor (or the bottom if you prefer it angled up). The MSRP is $68, but we have seen sales as cheap as $50.

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2. Ergonomic Mouse

If you are sitting at the computer all day for work, there are a number of ways to ease wrist pain. Gel mousepads, forearm supports, etc… However, there are also alternative mice that will keep your wrist vertical and pain free.

Our recommendation is the 3M Wired Ergonomic Mouse (EM500GPS). It keeps your hand and wrist at a neutral angle with a vertical grip and a base for resting your hand. It comes in two sizes (large & small) as well as wired / wireless options. You can typically find most of these options around $60.

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3. Mechanical or Ergonomic Keyboard

There are a ton of mechanical keyboards out there, but there are a few that are specifically targeting the productivity crowd. We like the Das Keyboard 5Q, specifically because it has smart alerts for actions like receiving an email, getting tagged in Trello, stock price alerts or basically any alert you want to program in the Das software.

The downside is that it’s one of Das Keyboards more expensive models with a MSRP of $249 (sales bring it down to $199). It comes with RGB lighting, soft tactile switches and dedicated media controls. If you want to forgo the media controls for a cheaper cost, check out the previous model, the 4Q (which occasionally falls to $159).

If you are in the market for an ergonomic keyboard, that market has exploded with options. We still like the classic option from Microsoft though, due to comfort and low cost. Check out the Microsoft 4000 for about $40 on sale.

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4. Ultrawide Monitor OR Dual Monitors

If you work in programming, web design or video editing, you understand the need for a massive desktop workspace. Ultrawide monitors are all the rage right now, both for productivity and gaming. We like the Samsung CRG9 in particular, a massive 5120 x 1440 resolution that’s basically like having two 27″ 1440p monitors side by side (just without the bezel). 

We like this model because it doubles as an amazing gaming monitor, ideal for your free time (assuming you have a beefy graphics card). If you don’t care about gaming, that’s going to be fantastic for your bank account. Look for 60 Hz monitors like this this Dell 38″ U3818DW model. The Samsung CRG9 retails for about $1,300 (on sale for $1,049) and the Dell 38″ retails around $1,000 with sales around $800.

Alternatively, you can opt for smaller 34″ models as well as dual monitor options (or triple monitors if you really need more space). There are also many options for mounting these monitors to your desk in horizontal or vertical layouts rather than using the included stand.

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5. Laptop Table

If you are stuck in bed due to a cold or something more serious, having a laptop table on hand will let you get a bit of work done without getting out of bed (or perhaps a Netflix binge session!). We like the TaoTronics Lap Desk, specifically due to the adjustable legs and the ability to angle the desk up to 35 degrees.

At 17 inches wide on the large option, it gives you plenty of space for most laptops as well as a mouse. In addition, you can toss that laptop to the side and use it as a food tray when you need to take a break; ideal for a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a box of Kleenex. The stand comes in two sizes and typically retails between $35 to $40.

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6. A Comfortable Headset

If your job requires you to make tons of calls or you simply want a way to listen to music without disturbing anyone else in the house, check out the CORSAIR HS50 headset. We like this model for a few reasons. It has great performance for the price point due to a headphone frequency of 20Hz – 20 kHz and it’s designed to be comfortable for long gaming sessions.

The microphone on the headset is detachable, which is a huge plus if you simply want to use the headset for music. This headset is targeted at PS4 / Xbox One owners, but reviews indicate that it’s fantastic for conference calls as well. You can typically find it under $50, occasional sales bringing it as low as $25 to $30.

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7. The Right Chair

If you are going to be sitting all day working online, you might as well invest in a chair that provides the support you need for your back and neck. There are a number of options out there, but we’ve found that chairs for professional eSports players are really becoming a popular option. It’s a good balance of comfort at a reasonable price.

It’s tough to go wrong with the GTRacing series of chairs around $125 to $150, which come with removable head pillows and lumbar support as needed. If you want something with a footrest, check out the Respawn gaming recliner; ideal for anyone working on a laptop.

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8. A Second Internet Option

There have been a handful of times that I’ve been left without Internet service from my primary provider. While these outages typically don’t last more than an hour or two,  it’s not great for someone that needs to be online during standard work hours.

One of the easiest options has been turning my iPhone into an Internet hotspot and connecting via wireless. Of course, you will need wireless functionality on your desktop computer (fixable with an adapter). If you don’t want to use your phone, you can use a pay-as-you-go hotspot. We like the MightyWiFi HotSpots, which come with 50GB of U.S. data to start and connect to your computer via USB.

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9. Nespresso Machine

If you really miss that 10:45 a.m. break walking down to the local Starbucks or Coffee Bean for an espresso, you can replicate that experience at home with a Nespresso machine. We like the mini option, namely because it’s small enough to take back into the office if you are only working at home temporarily.

There are larger options, like the Nespresso by De’Longhi EN520SL, that make larger drinks like latte, cappuccino and Italian macchiato. Of course, you can always just stick with your regular coffee maker as well. We like the Hamilton Beach 46205, because it’s inexpensive (usually $30 on sale) and comes with a removable water tank (no more water spilling everywhere!).

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10. Dry Erase Paper / Whiteboard

One of the first things I missed when moving from the office to my home for work was all the writing surfaces ideal for brainstorming ideas. You can simply buy your own whiteboard to alleviate that, but I actually prefer a sticky whiteboard film product called Wizard Wall.

The advantage of Wizard Wall is that you can cut any size to fit a specific space. I decided to cover a portion of my desk with it, ideal for jotting down notes while working. And just like any whiteboard, you can run a dry eraser over it and wipe the sheet clean.

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11. All-in One Printer

If you work in an industry that still requires faxes, copies and hard copies of documents, having an all-in-one printer at home can be extremely useful. We typically lean toward laser printers in this category as laser replacement cartridges are more cost efficient than ink cartridges.

If you only need black & white printing, we like Brother’s line of monochrome all-in-one printers. Our advice is to just go with what’s on sale, like this recent 50% off deal. You can typically find deals in the $60 to $100 range on models that are $150 to $200. If you want color printing, check out HP’s OfficeJet Pro series.

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12. Safe / Digital Backup

If you work with sensitive or classified material, having a safe to protect hard copies or an external hard drive to store a backup of digital files is definitely important. For an office safe, we like the SentrySafe models with digital keypad. These are fireproof (usually up to 1 hour at 1700 degrees), waterproof (up to 24 hours in 8-inches of water), and can withstand a 15-foot fall.

If you prefer to stay away from digital keypads, they also have dial combination options. Amazon has a line of smaller safes as well, if you are looking for something less expensive or that will fit in a tight space. As for a digital backup, any external hard drive will do. Just make sure you choose one with enough storage space to backup your entire system periodically.

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13. Activity Booster

I try to get up and take a 10 minute break from my desk chair every couple hours or so. There are numerous studies that show how taking small breaks can boost your productivity throughout the day and help you avoid burnout. It’s also great at reducing stress, ideal for anyone with high-anxiety jobs.

You can just go take a walk outside, lift some free weights or go knock out the dishes piling up in the sink. If you want to have some fun with it, you can also pick up a Nintendo Switch and a game like Ring Fit Adventure to boost your heart rate for a few minutes. Dancing games are also popular as well as VR games like Beat Saber; a great way to get your blood flowing!

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Bonus: Productivity Apps / Communication Apps

I can’t get though my day without using Slack for communication. It’s a fantastic way to chat with groups of coworkers. Skype and Google Hangouts are great for video conferencing. Trello is fantastic for task management among large groups.  As for productivity, ToDoist is one of the most popular to-do list applications and it’s free for basic users.

LastPass is ideal for keeping your passwords straight, ideal for anyone working on lots of websites. Just Press Record is great for iOS users that wants a versatile voice recording app. Forest is a fantastic time management app for both iOS and Android.

13 Essentials that make Working from Home Productive & Easy

Working from home and spending a good bit of time on video conference calls? Sitting in front of a laptop all day doing remote, distance learning? If you are using Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts or any other type of video communication tool, there are a number of ways you can step up your game when it comes to recording yourself.

Here are our top picks to get you streaming like a champ:

Ditch your laptop camera. Get a dedicated webcam

Laptop cameras are notoriously terrible for a number of reasons. Most manufacturers go with low cost components to keep the overall price down. While smartphones are getting insanely powerful image sensors, laptops are stuck with low resolution, grainy image sensors that are pretty much terrible in nearly all lighting conditions.

You are much better off going with a quality webcam like the Logitech C920S HD Pro. It comes with a privacy shutter as well as 1080p video recording quality. The camera has autofocus and light correction. There’s also a clamp on the bottom of the webcam that you can use to attach to the top of your monitor (or the bottom if you prefer it angled up.

3 more tips:

• Keep your camera at eye level. Check the angle when starting up your video app to see how it looks.
• Look in the camera while speaking, not your screen.
• Don’t sit so close. Position yourself “shoulders to head” on video or as far back as “waist to head.”

Webcam mics are ok. Standalone mics are amazing

You can definitely hear the difference in audio quality when comparing your traditional laptop microphone, a webcam microphone and a professional level microphone. There are a number of options, but we really like the Blue Yeti brand of microphones. It’s consistently been one of the top rated microphones for podcasters and makes your voice sound super professional on work calls.

The Samson G-Track Pro is also an excellent option, ideal for anyone seeking granular control over their sound. If you are looking for something less expensive, check out the Samson Meteor Mic as well as the Blue Snowball microphones. Best buy has quite a few of these in stock at the moment (and shipping immediately).

Here’s a good video that let’s you listen to the audio difference in different types of microphones:

Get a Headset you can wear for hours

If you are in class all day and want to avoid disturbing others in your home, invest in a set of headphones that are overkill when it comes to comfort. I’ve always preferred the Sennheiser brand of headphones, specifically because the fabric used on the cans as well as the headrest is so comfortable.

If you prefer leather, check out Sony and Bose headphones. Noise-cancelling is also a fantastic feature, if you need to concentrate in a busy, loud household. If you are looking to save money on a microphone, consider getting one with a built-in microphone (just do a search for gaming headsets).

Lighting Matters

Even if you are stuck with a laptop camera, getting your lighting correct will be a massive improvement in video quality. If you are in a dark room, considering moving lamps behind your camera. You can also pick up some inexpensive LED lighting (studio lights like this) to position behind your camera (or mount on the wall).

3 more tips:

• If you have a window in the room, do not sit with it behind you. You want the window in front of you, bring all that natural light on your face.
• If you have additional lights, try a 3 point lighting setup; overhead, to the left, to the right. If your face is a clock pointing at noon, set your lights up at 10 and 2.
• If you don’t have additional lighting, create a white background in Paint and open it full screen during your call. The monitor will give you a bit of extra lighting.

Custom Backgrounds are Useful

If you want to hide a messy room or are positioned in an active area of your home, consider using a background that superimposes yourself in front of a static image. In Zoom, this is called the virtual background feature.

There have been a massive number of articles popping up showing off static backgrounds, everything from Seinfeld’s apartment to a conference call bingo card. Just make sure you aren’t using anything too risky, otherwise your co-workers / classmates might get offended.

Go with a wired Internet connection. Or Wi-Fi Mesh

Stability on a conference call or during classroom learning is highly important, especially if you are the presenter. You best bet for a completely stable Internet connection will be a wired connection, direct to your router.

If that’s not a possibility, considering upgrading your router to a Wi-Fi Mesh system. I did this three years ago and it’s been one of the best decisions for Wi-Fi stability as well as coverage. Most systems provide coverage of 2,000 square feet or more, ideal if you move around your home each day while working. Personally, I use the Netgear Orbi.

2 more tips:

• Make sure others in your home aren’t using up all your bandwidth on Netflix or other streaming services while you are on a call.
• If you are using older computer hardware, avoid running processor / RAM intensive programs when on a conference call.

Here’s what will make you look / sound better on Zoom conference calls

I’ve been working from home for several years, long before the coronavirus came along. With so many people transitioning to work from home this past week, it can certainly be challenging to focus on work with all the bad news in the world. Here’s the five things I’ve found most important when working from home:

Find Your Routine

I’ve often read the best approach here is to keep your routine identical to your workday. I’ve found that’s good advice for the first couple weeks, but not as you get more comfortable with your own productivity working from home. Yes, it’s important to get into the mindset of working. If putting on dress clothes helps you with that, then fantastic.

Based on my own experience, my productivity skyrocketed when I incorporated the time I was saving on routines into my traditional 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. work schedule. For instance, without a commute, I use distraction-free early morning time to catch up on email, write blog posts, schedule up social posts, prep newsletters for the day before anyone comes into the office.

Setting up a task list for the day (Todoist) is tremendously helpful. Give yourself goals to hit at specific times. If you need even more structure, setup a shared doc between you and your manager with all the things you want to accomplish each day & update it as you complete things. RescueTime is also an awesome app, if you need to track your time throughout the day.

Just as important as starting out the day with a routine, it’s also important to end your work day with a routine. For me, I close out all my chat applications and shift away from my work area into a relaxed space. I will check my email again before bed, but I typically give myself an hour away from anything work related. Take your dog for a walk, get started on dinner, just find something that’s relaxing.

Isolate Your Work Space

Carve out a portion of your home that’s dedicated as a workspace. It doesn’t matter if you live in a giant house or a cozy apartment. Just pick one spot where you can focus. If you have a desk, great. If not, use your kitchen table. You can get a laptop table and sit on your couch. If you have a spare room to use, shut the door. Eliminate as much distraction as possible.

If you are in a public area of your home (with your spouse, kids or roommates roaming around), you also want to isolate your senses to improve focus. Noise cancelling headphones are ideal. Laptop or monitor sun shades focus your vision on the screen, similar to blinders on a horse; ideal for keeping focus off a nearby television (again, assuming you are in a shared space). You can always try asking your company for help before buying these products yourself.

If you have kids, I can completely understand why you can’t isolate yourself at the moment, with all the school closings. A few ideas:

• If you have a spouse also working from home & have a flexible schedule, create shifts. Swap off spending time with the kids and working throughout the day.
• Lean into meal planning. If you setup meals in the morning for everyone, you don’t have to thing about getting lunch ready in the middle of the workday.
• Set up tasks / activities for the kids when you have critical work needs; conference calls, busy work hours, etc…

Overcommunicate

One of the things I really missed when moving to WFH was the comradery among my co-workers. I missed chatting about their lives or making jokes or grabbing lunch together. There’s a real sense of loneliness that sets in when you realize you aren’t part of that world anymore, even if it’s a temporary period.

Digital communication certainly helps though. Look to Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, Discord and other chatting communication tools to keep in touch with your co-workers. This is a great time to invest in a digital webcam and headset, ideal for group meetings. (Also useful when keeping in touch with family during the coronavirus stay-at-home orders).

Be proactive about setting your status on your main chat client. If you are taking your scheduled lunch break or stepping away for 15 minutes for a walk outside, use the status to keep your co-workers informed. Also, be proactive about initiating chat with coworkers, setting new meetings for important projects. Be proactive about introducing yourself to new coworkers as well, perhaps someone that you haven’t even met in person yet.

If you are talking on the phone all the time for business, you may want to consider a dedicated line for business. It doesn’t even have to be a landline or a second mobile phone. You can use virtual number products like Google Voice or a Skype phone number without having to purchase additional hardware.

Reward Yourself

Think about how you spent time away from your desk when in the office and apply the same relative structure at home. Do you typically take an hour lunch break at work? Try to do the same at home. Or, more creatively, eat at your desk and split up that break into 20 minute periods you can use to talk a walk outside. There are numerous studies showing how short breaks throughout the world day can improve your creativity.

When you accomplish something on your To-do list, reward yourself with a snack or a quick fun activity. After I finish a long blog post or mail out the newsletter, I like to take 10 minutes and play through a couple songs in Beat Saber in VR. It’s fun, gets my heart rate up and alleviates stress. I feel refreshed and energized when I return to the computer, which helps with the rest of my tasks.

The same goes for improving your skill set. Be proactive about looking for training opportunities. When you are out of the office, you may miss out on opportunities offered to those in the office. Request online or in-person training courses that you think will help you do your job. Even better, seek out learning opportunities within your own company to get more one-on-one time with colleagues.

Understand your Limits

About six years ago, I came down with a cold. I thought “No problem. I’m at home, I can work through a cold.” Then it turned into the flu. I thought “No problem. I may need to take a nap during my lunch hour, but I’ve got this.” Then it turned into pneumonia in both lungs. The only sick time I took off was when I was admitted to the hospital to recover. That was stupid.

When you blend your workspace with the area you would use to recover from an illness, there’s a real inclination to take health issues somewhat less seriously; especially when the bed is only a room away. I would urge everyone to use sick time when you have it, PTO when you need it; especially as it relates to the coronavirus or any other serious illness. The same goes for setting ground rules if you have an ongoing medical issues that require consistent monitoring.

Here’s 5 tips for success when working from home