After over 30 years of remote work experience, I’ve learned which essentials are truly indispensable.

More people are transitioning to home-based work than ever, with many employers indicating they will not require employees to return to the office full-time. This shift makes it essential to evaluate your workspace and working methods, investing gradually to enhance your comfort and productivity. If you are employed full-time, your organization may assist with this. If you’re freelancing, focus on creating a healthy work environment, step by step.

You don’t need to achieve a perfect setup. While I now have a dedicated workspace (which is pure bliss!), my office doesn’t resemble those curated Pinterest boards. Always prioritize comfort over aesthetics.

Each person's job and their preferred working style will vary, but over my extensive remote working journey, I have identified key tools that I rely upon.

1. A Quality Office Chair

Investing in a good office chair is crucial if you spend long hours at your desk. I’ve tested numerous chairs over the years and currently use a Herman Miller Aeron, which I purchased second-hand on eBay at a significantly reduced price. It has saved me countless trips to the osteopath, alleviating my previous back issues.

Your ideal chair may differ, but look for one that is adjustable and supportive of your working style. Some prefer standing desks, while others benefit from using a stability ball or a kneeling chair for better posture.

I also use a footrest and an adjustable stand for my iMac to ensure an optimal working position. There’s a wealth of online advice regarding ergonomics and workstation setup. Research, experiment, and find what works best for you.

If your job involves frequent phone calls, consider using a headset to reduce neck strain.

2. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

I use Bose noise-cancelling headphones and recently transitioned to wireless, although my previous pair served me well for 15 years. I also have Apple EarPods, but I find them less comfortable and less noticeable.

I wear my larger headphones when I need to concentrate. At home, they signal to my family that I’m not available, even if I’m moving around the house. In public spaces, they communicate to others that I’m engaged in work or reading and not open to casual conversation.

These headphones are fantastic for minimizing distractions or enjoying music, interviews, or movies at any hour.

3. Backup System

I use an external hard drive to back up my iMac every 30 minutes, and I also rely on Backblaze for automatic cloud backups. It keeps multiple file versions, which is invaluable if I accidentally delete something important.

I once lost years of work due to a sudden Mac failure without a backup and also lost a book draft left carelessly in a car overnight in London.

Am I overly cautious about backups now? Perhaps. But I refuse to lose work again.

4. Water Bottle

I used to suffer from afternoon headaches and migraines. Since I started drinking eight glasses of water daily, those problems have significantly diminished.

I keep a glass of water on my desk at all times and refill it whenever I get up. I also carry a lightweight water bottle when I leave home. If the water is within reach, I drink without thinking; if not, I forget to hydrate, leading to irritability and dehydration.

5. Adequate Lighting

A high-quality, adjustable desk lamp can dramatically improve your workspace and reduce eye strain. I bought mine second-hand over 20 years ago, and I’m worried about how I would replace it if it ever breaks.

Consider your lighting if you frequently participate in video calls. I have my desk in a dim corner and use an inexpensive ring light from Amazon that works well.

When hosting workshops or speaking to larger audiences, my son’s professional lighting equipment is ideal. If space allows, investing in good lighting is worthwhile.

6. Timer

My go-to productivity tool is a timer. While my phone has a timer, it’s too easy to get distracted by notifications. My physical timer is simple, inexpensive, and silent until it goes off. I prefer it over ticking timers, which can be distracting.

I set it for 10–15 minutes before checking social media to avoid falling into a time sink. I also use it for focused writing sessions or 30 minutes of email management.

The timer helps me stay focused, reminds me to take short breaks, and when things get messy, I set it for 10 minutes of cleaning to tackle the chaos.

7. Task Manager

A task manager is essentially a to-do list, but with enhanced features if you opt for digital apps. I use the Things 3 app, which syncs across my devices. I've tried various task management systems over the years, but Things stands out for its simplicity and user-friendly design.

It alerts me to birthdays, deadlines, and recurring tasks, helping me manage multiple projects effectively.

Many alternatives exist, from Notion to Trello and Asana, or even the bullet journal method. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter which system you choose, as long as you have a reliable way to organize tasks and manage your time effectively.

8. Journals/Planners

I keep an A4 notepad on my desk for client notes, phone messages, doodles, and random thoughts. The Notes app on my iPhone has replaced my old notebooks for capturing ideas on the go.

Having a journal is vital in my creative process. I’ve developed a loyalty to Leuchtturm 1917 notebooks for their quality paper, numbered pages, and variety of layouts.

In my journal, I write Morning Pages, explore my thoughts, clarify my feelings, and note down my complaints. Spending time with my journal is rarely wasted; it helps me assess where I’m at and what I need to do next.

I also do most of my weekly and monthly planning on paper, using printouts of Charlie Gilkey’s project planners.

9. Pilot V5 Pens

As a writer, I have a particular fondness for certain pens, and the Pilot V5 is my favorite. I panic about potential shortages, so I bought 200 of them at the end of 2020, leading to a humorous moment when my husband questioned if that would be enough.

The takeaway? Once you discover the tools that work best for you, stick with them and ensure you have an ample supply.

10. A4 Envelopes

I’ve learned that simplicity is key when it comes to organizing paperwork. Much of it is now scanned and stored digitally. I keep a few essential documents in a metal cabinet and organize notes related to current projects in labeled A4 envelopes.

Once completed, I store any necessary documents in labeled envelopes or scan them into digital storage. I also maintain a small fireproof box for crucial paperwork.

11. Appropriate Software

Your software needs may differ, but mine includes Scrivener for writing, Vellum for book design, and various other tools for writing-related tasks. I still use Microsoft Office occasionally, but I find Airtable more effective for spreadsheet tasks, and Google Docs is perfect for collaboration.

12. Desk

My desk was once large and unattractive, but I envisioned a beautiful Scandinavian desk for years. After a prolonged search, I found an oak version that fits my needs perfectly, with ample storage and a stunning design.

13. Excess Supplies

I stock up on essential supplies like printer paper and ink cartridges to avoid running out at inconvenient times. While these items aren’t expensive, running out can cost you time and opportunities.

14. Little Luxuries

As a coach and writer, I create a calming atmosphere before sessions by lighting a scented candle and clearing my workspace with essential oils. I also enjoy having fresh flowers in my office to enhance the ambiance.

15. Music and Ambient Noise

Music plays a significant role in my work routine. I curate playlists for different tasks, but sometimes even instrumental music can be distracting. On those days, I turn to mynoise.net for a soothing background sound.

These are my essential tools for working from home in 2024. What are yours?

Sheryl Garratt is a writer and coach dedicated to helping creative professionals achieve success in their work. If you’re looking to grow your creative business, I offer a FREE 10-day course with 10 steps to success — with less stress. Sign up here.