A lot of us are now working from home. Although we all have unique workspaces and varying work from home setups, we all need tools to make our work from home experience just a bit smoother.
Let’s face it, we all have our favorite tools. Tools are useful. They make tasks simpler, make labor more effortless, and make things more accessible. Some are just built to make it easier for us. Here are some of the most useful tools that worked, and still works, for me.
Headsets: I have a few of the over-ear kind lying around. Why do I have more than one, you ask? I have headsets for each machine I have – one for my laptop, one for my desktop, and an ever-reliable Bluetooth headset which is my current favorite. I mostly use it for my phone. I use it to listen to podcasts when I’m doing chores around the house. Bluetooth technology makes it easier for me to move around. Both of my other headsets dedicated to my laptop and PC are wired. They are connected with a plug and play USB, which means no configuration is needed. The long cable means I can still walk around while taking calls. Very handy when I have to reach for objects (like stationery supplies) while in a meeting. Both have noise-cancelling features, a handy mute function, volume control, and a mic that swings 180 degrees so it won’t be an issue which way you put the headset on.
A Portable Cordless Mini Desk Vacuum: I like keeping my desk clean and this battery-operated mini vacuum helps me do the job. It’s great for picking up dirt, dust, and crumbs. I use it to “sweep” my desk before and after work to keep things spotless and tidy.
A Standing Towel Holder: This one was a house-warming gift originally used to hang cloth kitchen towels. However, I have repurposed it as a hook for my headphones to keep them off my desk and out of the way when not in use. And, like many things on my desk, it keeps my desk tidy and uncluttered. Also, it looks good.
An Additional Monitor: My PC has 2 monitors. I don’t remember the time when I’ve only had 1. Adding a monitor has saved me so much time and has doubled my productivity. I can switch tasks easily and have easier access to open tabs at a glance.
A Whiteboard: I use the kanban method a lot to track the progress of my tasks. I also use web apps that help me with personal project management, such as Trello. But I like to have visual reminders in my home office that I can simply look at without having to fire up my PC.
What are your favorite tools that make your work from home life easier? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!
Written by Jaie O. TheHelp