Working from home sounds like a dream—until you’re balancing a laptop on your knees, hunting for outlets, or sweating through meetings because the AC won’t keep up. The reality? Your home office setup matters way more than you think. But the good news: a few smart changes can boost your focus, energy, and maybe even let you enjoy your morning commute (from bedroom to desk) a little more.
Carve Out Your Work Zone
First things first: make a dedicated “work only” spot. You don’t need a fancy office or an extra bedroom. Even a corner of your living room or kitchen can work if you set it up right. Pick a space with enough light and an outlet or two, then claim it as your own. Add a plant, a good lamp, your favorite mug—anything to give it a bit of personality. Keeping work in one place helps you mentally clock in and out and keeps chaos out of the rest of your home.
A clear boundary between work and leisure helps you switch off at the end of the day, which is just as important for your brain as your body.
Get Comfy, Get Ergonomic
That couch might feel inviting at first, but your back and neck will start screaming if you make it your office chair. Find a supportive chair with adjustable height and a table that lets you type with your arms bent comfortably. If you’re improvising, stack books to prop up your laptop to eye level.
Lighting is huge, too. Natural light ups your mood and energy, but if that’s not in the cards, a soft desk lamp can save your eyes. Glare is the enemy—keep screens at a right angle to windows and avoid overhead lights that make you want to squint.
Master the Temperature
There’s nothing worse than sweating through an important meeting (except freezing through one). Proper temperature and air flow aren’t a luxury—they’re critical for comfort. If your house never seems to find a happy medium, check your air conditioning sizing calculation. This helps figure out just how much cooling (or heating) your space actually needs, so you’re not wasting money or shivering all day.
Got the setup and it’s still not cutting it? The U.S. Department of Energy has easy-to-follow info on getting your HVAC system balanced and keeping your workspace truly comfortable.
Stay Connected—and Unwired
Working remotely means solid internet is non-negotiable. Hardwire your computer if you can, or at least position your workspace close to the router. Use a surge protector to avoid surprises when the power blips. For bonus points, grab a wireless mouse and keyboard to keep your setup flexible when you need to shift spots for a change of scenery.
Make It Your Own
The reality is, you’ll spend a good chunk of your week in this space. Bring in snacks, music, artwork—whatever gives you a little boost. Even if you’re still working at the dining table, five minutes of intentional setup pays off in hours of better work (and a way happier spine).
A work-from-home setup doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A little effort, some fine-tuning, and a splash of “you” can change a makeshift corner into a place you actually want to start your day.