shift from office desk to home desk is still not the most natural of transitions. Luckily, there’s a ton of virtual support out there to help us get back on streamlined workflow track as hazy summer nears its end and back-to-school-season energy sets in. We harnessed our product-hunting prowess to bring both intrepid newbies and seasoned telecommuters in need of an autumn refresh a collection of work-from-home organization items you can order online and receive ASAP.
We’re taking our top WFH tips and pairing them with multiple product suggestions: starting small with time-management notepads and butt-support cushions, then moving up to bigger fish like standing desks and tech organizational systems. Scroll on to get in tip-top shape for giving this remote-productivity thing a run for its money all fall long.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.” data-reactid=”12″>For some, working remotely has become a way of life over the past few months. But, no matter how long we’ve been taking Zoom calls from our kitchens, the shift from office desk to home desk is still not the most natural of transitions. Luckily, there’s a ton of virtual support out there to help us get back on streamlined workflow track as hazy summer nears its end and back-to-school-season energy sets in. We harnessed our product-hunting prowess to bring both intrepid newbies and seasoned telecommuters in need of an autumn refresh a collection of work-from-home organization items you can order online and receive ASAP.
We’re taking our top WFH tips and pairing them with multiple product suggestions: starting small with time-management notepads and butt-support cushions, then moving up to bigger fish like standing desks and tech organizational systems. Scroll on to get in tip-top shape for giving this remote-productivity thing a run for its money all fall long.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Create A Dedicated Workspace
A dedicated workspace looks different for everyone depending on the size and layout of your space — but, a good place to start is with an at-home desk.
Whether you want to go for a more streamlined standing setup, a wall-mounted system, an in-bed/on-couch lap desk, or a classic standalone model, finding the proper pedestal for your work will enhance your abilities to complete it.
Safavieh Hayden Modern 3-Shelf Standing Desk, $, available at Overstock.com
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Create A Dedicated Workspace
A dedicated workspace looks different for everyone depending on the size and layout of your space — but, a good place to start is with an at-home desk.
Whether you want to go for a more streamlined standing setup, a wall-mounted system, an in-bed/on-couch lap desk, or a classic standalone model, finding the proper pedestal for your work will enhance your abilities to complete it.
Safavieh Hayden Modern 3-Shelf Standing Desk, $, available at Overstock.com
Foundstoneu2122 Hayward Solid Wood Floating Desk, $, available at Wayfair
Winston Porter Walnut Tyriq Ladder Bookcase, $, available at Wayfair
MoWdwrk Small Oakwood Desk, $, available at Etsy
bee9designshop Fold Away Lap Desk, $, available at Etsy
If working from a laptop at home feels restricting, compared to your previously more expansive in-office layout, try investing in a larger monitor, connective cables, wireless keyboard, and mouse to open things up.
There are plenty of more affordable separate screen options (aka under-$100) out there if you’re on a tighter budget — plus, when you’re no longer WFH, they can serve as an extra TV for elevated Netflix streaming in bed.
ViewSonic 22 Inch IPS 1080p Frameless LED Monitor, $, available at Amazon
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Invest In A Tech Setup
If working from a laptop at home feels restricting, compared to your previously more expansive in-office layout, try investing in a larger monitor, connective cables, wireless keyboard, and mouse to open things up.
There are plenty of more affordable separate screen options (aka under-$100) out there if you’re on a tighter budget — plus, when you’re no longer WFH, they can serve as an extra TV for elevated Netflix streaming in bed.
ViewSonic 22 Inch IPS 1080p Frameless LED Monitor, $, available at Amazon
Acer 23.8-Inch (1920 x 1080) Widescreen Monitor, $, available at Amazon
Now that you’ve got your workspace carved out, it’s time to streamline the essentials — from paper goods to larger tech items, invest in organizational systems that elevate your WFH setup by keeping clutter at bay for a more unencumbered workflow.
Urban Outfitters Paulina Desk Riser, $, available at Urban Outfitters
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Organize Your Desk Essentials
Now that you’ve got your workspace carved out, it’s time to streamline the essentials — from paper goods to larger tech items, invest in organizational systems that elevate your WFH setup by keeping clutter at bay for a more unencumbered workflow.
Urban Outfitters Paulina Desk Riser, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Grovemade Desk Tray Light, $, available at Grovemade
Dotted Line Grady Deluxe 24″ Desk Organizer Set, $, available at Wayfair
UrbanHideout Mouse Pad with Phone & Tablet Holder, $, available at Etsy
Design Ideas Indigo Desk Organizer, $, available at Anthropologie
Grovemade Maple Desk Shelf, $, available at Grovemade
Finding the right body support for your WFH setup is key — and whether you invest in the entire chair, add a seat cushion, or go the foot-riser route, make sure it’s a product with ergonomic benefits. Aka one that provides your entire body with proper alignment and pressure-relief for prolonged periods of sitting.
Foundstone Mila Task Chair, $, available at Wayfair
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Support Your Body
Finding the right body support for your WFH setup is key — and whether you invest in the entire chair, add a seat cushion, or go the foot-riser route, make sure it’s a product with ergonomic benefits. Aka one that provides your entire body with proper alignment and pressure-relief for prolonged periods of sitting.
Foundstone Mila Task Chair, $, available at Wayfair
Cushion Lab Extra Dense Ergonomic Lumbar Pillow, $, available at Amazon
DeinDekor Designer desk chair from Velour / Office Chair 7 Colour, $, available at Etsy
Everlasting Comfort Under-Desk Memory Foam Footrest, $, available at Amazon
AllModern Cabrera Task Chair, $, available at AllModern
Yicaihong Store Magic Rest Ergonomic Keyboard, $, available at Amazon
While we rely heavily on our smartphones and computers for keeping track of time, reverting back to a dedicated timekeeper can help tighten productivity AND remind us to take breaks. Try using everything from a journal that holds you accountable to a time-management clock that carves out and alerts you on anywhere from five to 60-minute work periods — so you can get up and stretch your legs before getting back to it.
For some bonus wellness points, add in a smart water bottle that either marks off hydration time OR gives you a glowing reminder to keep sipping.
mooas Multi Cube Timer/Rotating Timer, Clock & Alarm, $, available at Amazon
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Set Firm Work Hours & Wellness Reminders
While we rely heavily on our smartphones and computers for keeping track of time, reverting back to a dedicated timekeeper can help tighten productivity AND remind us to take breaks. Try using everything from a journal that holds you accountable to a time-management clock that carves out and alerts you on anywhere from five to 60-minute work periods — so you can get up and stretch your legs before getting back to it.
For some bonus wellness points, add in a smart water bottle that either marks off hydration time OR gives you a glowing reminder to keep sipping.
mooas Multi Cube Timer/Rotating Timer, Clock & Alarm, $, available at Amazon
Habit Nest The Morning Sidekick Journal, $, available at Amazon
Hidrate Spark 3 Smart Water Bottle, $, available at Amazon
Again, keeping virtual to-do lists may have worked for our previously more in-transit schedules — but in a stuck-at-home setting, sometimes getting back to our hand-written roots is most impactful.
Try keeping either a physical productivity planner (that you can also use for mindfulness journalling) or a strategically prompted to-do pad that will help you keep your workflow (and your mind) clean, clear, and ready for action.
Knock Knock Pen-To-Paper Mousepad, $, available at Urban Outfitters
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Keep Track Of Priorities
Again, keeping virtual to-do lists may have worked for our previously more in-transit schedules — but in a stuck-at-home setting, sometimes getting back to our hand-written roots is most impactful.
Try keeping either a physical productivity planner (that you can also use for mindfulness journalling) or a strategically prompted to-do pad that will help you keep your workflow (and your mind) clean, clear, and ready for action.
Knock Knock Pen-To-Paper Mousepad, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Erin Condren Layers LifePlanner™, $, available at Erin Condren
Successfully working from home doesn’t just hinge upon balancing your employment priorities, it’s even more important to maintain a self-balance too. Adding certain atmosphere-enhancing goods to your space can help elevate your mood for a healthier and more productive daily workflow.
Think everything from ambiance-boosting desk lamps to air purifiers, plants, desk diffusers, and candles.
Gantri Cantilever Table Light, $, available at Gantri
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Enhance Your Atmosphere
Successfully working from home doesn’t just hinge upon balancing your employment priorities, it’s even more important to maintain a self-balance too. Adding certain atmosphere-enhancing goods to your space can help elevate your mood for a healthier and more productive daily workflow.
Think everything from ambiance-boosting desk lamps to air purifiers, plants, desk diffusers, and candles.
Gantri Cantilever Table Light, $, available at Gantri
Bloomscape String of Succulents Collection, $, available at Bloomscape
Levoit H13 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier, $, available at Amazon
HAITRAL Modern Table Lamp – Gold, $, available at Amazon
ONUEMP Cactus Portable Diffuser (White), $, available at Amazon
While one of the best things about WFH is getting to wear whatever the heck we want, sometimes staying in the same pair of PJs for three days straight can make us feel a little less than productive — which is why it’s worth investing in (or revisiting if you already own) a few chic-but-comfy clothing essentials.
Opt for matching loungewear sets that look stylish while feeling super soft, or go the flowy house-dress route for an easy elegant look that won’t make you too buttoned up.
Uniqlo WOMEN ULTRA STRETCH LONG-SLEEVE SET, $, available at Uniqlo
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Build A New Work Wardrobe
While one of the best things about WFH is getting to wear whatever the heck we want, sometimes staying in the same pair of PJs for three days straight can make us feel a little less than productive — which is why it’s worth investing in (or revisiting if you already own) a few chic-but-comfy clothing essentials.
Opt for matching loungewear sets that look stylish while feeling super soft, or go the flowy house-dress route for an easy elegant look that won’t make you too buttoned up.
Uniqlo WOMEN ULTRA STRETCH LONG-SLEEVE SET, $, available at Uniqlo
Everlane The Tiered Cotton Dress – Black, $, available at Everlane
ASOS DESIGN Lounge jersey slub tie waist casual jumpsuit in oxblood, $, available at ASOS
Found: The Comfiest Chairs To WFH In” data-reactid=”782″>Found: The Comfiest Chairs To WFH In
15 Cheerful Lamps To Brighten Up Your Home Desk” data-reactid=”783″>15 Cheerful Lamps To Brighten Up Your Home Desk
Portable Lap Desks That Are Total Space Savers” data-reactid=”784″>Portable Lap Desks That Are Total Space Savers