The transition to working from home (WFH) isn’t always a smooth one: you might not have the space or resources to set up a dedicated office space in your home, and fit it with top-of-the-line ergonomic furniture and technology. But just because you don’t have a fully equipped office in your apartment or house doesn’t mean you can’t create a work from home setup that works for you. Here are some affordable, DIY tips to make your WFH setup a work-friendly environment.
DIY Laptop Stand
Whether you’re working at a desk or your kitchen table, one of the easiest ways to upgrade your work from home setup is to make a laptop stand. Elevating your computer screen to eye-level and using a portable keyboard will do wonders for your posture and enable you to work more comfortably at home. You can buy a laptop stand, but why bother when there are numerous DIY alternatives? For example, you can make a perfectly functional laptop stand using just a shoebox and some basic craft materials. For something more long-term you can construct a laptop stand using scraps of wood if you have them handy. In a pinch, you can also stack up some large books to get your laptop to the right height and improve your WFH ergonomics. For more WFH posture tips, check out our blog post here.
DIY Cable Organizer
Clutter can be a big impediment to productivity, and unfortunately, even the tidiest of us struggles to keep tech clutter at bay. Charging cables as well as monitor and computer wires take up valuable space and can become tangled, chaotic messes. Fortunately, there are several low-cost DIY ways to keep your cables untangled and organized. Use bread tags or colourful tape to label different wires and avoid unplugging the wrong cable from your power bar. You can also install adhesive hooks or binder clips onto the side of your desk to keep chargers off your work surface but still within arm’s reach. Finally, keep unused cables safe from tangling by storing them individually in labeled cardboard toilet paper rolls or secured with velcro cable ties.
DIY Brainstorming Zone
Brainstorming is a vital part of problem-solving and creative thinking, however, when we think about brainstorming it usually involves multiple team members thinking out loud and a whiteboard on which ideas are jotted down. And while the arrangement is different for those that WFH—there are no physical meeting rooms, for instance—there are benefits to carrying over the office tradition of the whiteboard.
Installing a whiteboard and investing in some colourful markers will make your home office more dynamic, encouraging you to step away from your screen for a few minutes to brainstorm and mind map. Writing ideas by hand in an easy-to-visualize way can help you visualize the problem and come up with an innovative solution. It’s an easy work from home setup upgrade that can make a big difference.
Upgrade your WFH Lighting
We can’t overstate the importance of getting the lighting right in your work from home setup. Lighting influences your productivity and health—not to mention how you look in video calls. For example, working in poor lighting for many hours of the day puts strain on your eyes and can lead to headaches and can decrease your energy level. For the best lighting scenario, we suggest positioning your desk in front of or next to a window. This will give you access to energizing natural light without causing glare on your screen. You’ll also want to install a desk lamp to reinforce whatever overhead lighting your room may have. A desk or adjustable task lamp will keep your work area illuminated and save your eyes from strain.
DIY Ergonomic Chair
If you are spending hours at your home office seated in front of your computer, the need for an ergonomic chair is essential. Unfortunately, good office chairs can be pricey and—if you’re working in a small space—take up lots of room. The good news is that your back doesn’t have to suffer if you don’t have a top-of-the-line desk chair to sit in: there are ways to make any chair more ergonomic.
For lumbar support, simply roll up a bath towel, secure it with string or elastics and place it between your chair and your lower back. This will help support your spine and maintain its natural curve while you work.
You can also integrate a DIY footrest—such as a shoebox or stack of books—to improve your seated alignment and relieve pressure on your hips and knees.
For more WFH Tips…
Our SkillPack blog has many more guides and tips for freelancers and employees that work from home. Check out Working Remote Tips That Work for You, How to Stay Motivated as a Freelancer, and many more.
