Remote work isn’t exactly a novelty anymore; it’s pretty much just how many people are working today. Dining tables, spare rooms, and even that awkward space under the stairs have all served as makeshift offices at some point. The thing is, some setups do the job, and others do not.
But let’s be honest, propping up a laptop on any flat surface doesn’t make it a proper workspace. A decent home setup needs to support the way you think, move, and get through your day without making you dread logging in.
Even the way we send documents has changed. For instance, when it comes to faxing, you no longer need to faff about with printers or fax machines. Those days are long gone. With online faxing services like FaxBurner, you can easily send and receive documents straight from your phone or email.
So if your current home workstation feels like it’s been cobbled together, or you plan on setting one up, this guide walks through the home office essentials that can make remote work a bit more manageable. You’ll also find some cool tips to help you become more productive.
The Foundation: Your Physical Workstation
To set up your physical workstation, start with what you need, and that’s a chair that supports your body and a desk that gives you space to move without feeling boxed in. If your setup forces you to hunch, twist, or reach too far, staying productive gets harder by the hour.
A proper chair should hold your back in a neutral position, support your arms, and allow your feet to rest flat on the floor. Therefore, go for one with height and tilt controls so you can adjust it as needed.
And don’t forget your desk. It should be wide enough to comfortably hold all your desk essentials, with a depth that isn’t too shallow and a height that complements your chair.
Now add the smaller upgrades like:
✅ Adjustable lighting – A soft desk lamp helps reduce glare and eye strain, especially when working after sunset.
✅ Monitor or dual-screen setup – Extra screen space makes multitasking easier, especially for research, editing, or side-by-side viewing.
✅ Laptop stand – Raises the screen to eye level and encourages better posture.
✅ Wireless keyboard and mouse – Frees up desk space and helps keep your wrists in a relaxed position.
✅ Wrist pads and footrests – Adds comfort during long sessions by supporting your joints.
Tech Must-Haves for a Smart Home Office
Once your physical setup is sorted, you’ll need the right tech to support your work. Great equipment improves your workflow, helps you stay consistent, avoids delays, and keeps your focus where it should be.
So, start with your connection. A strong, stable internet setup matters more than anything else. If your Wi-Fi signal drops every time someone starts a video call, upgrade your router or add a Wi-Fi extender. It’ll save you from frozen screens and slow loading times.
Here’s what else to include:
✅ Noise-canceling headphones – Blocks background sounds and keeps calls clear
✅ External webcam – Better video quality for meetings and virtual check-ins
✅ Backup power strip with surge protection – Keeps devices plugged in and safe during outages
✅ Bluetooth speaker or white noise machine – Great for ambient sound or music when working solo
Stick to tools that fit your workflow. Flashy gadgets aren’t worth it if they don’t improve how you work day-to-day.
Communication & Workflow Tools
To stay on track and manage work smoothly from home, you need a few smart tools that can help with communication, task tracking, and daily admin. These don’t need to be complex, but they definitely need to be reliable, simple to use, and suited to your workflow.
Some great tools include:
✅ Cloud storage platforms – Upload and access documents from any device using platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox
✅ Project management platforms – Tools like Asana, Trello, or Notion help you plan, assign, and follow through on tasks
✅ Productivity apps – Pomodoro timers and distraction blockers keep your focus sharp during deep work blocks
✅ Faxing apps (if needed) – When it comes to sending or receiving important documents, leave out the fax machine. Online faxing services like FaxBurner let you manage it all from your phone or laptop through their app. Just upload the file and send. Incoming faxes show up as PDFs, so everything stays digital and easy to handle.
Organizational Tools to Reduce Clutter
A tidy workspace makes it easier to focus. When everything has its place, both physically and digitally, you waste less time looking for things and spend more time actually getting work done.
Here are a few tools that can help with that:
✅ File organizers and wall shelves – These give you a way to store what you still need on hand, without letting it take over your desk. Use vertical space to free up room.
✅ Label makers and cable clips – Knowing where things are saves time. Label drawers, folders, and boxes. Use clips to hold cables in place so they’re not falling behind furniture.
✅ Digital planners – Apps like Todoist, Notion, or Google Calendar can replace sticky notes and printed to-do lists. Everything stays synced across your devices, and updates are instant.
✅ Fireproof document safe – If you keep printed copies of contracts, receipts, or tax paperwork, store them somewhere protected from damage like spills or heat.
✅ Paper shredder – When documents are no longer needed, shred them instead of letting piles build up. This also helps protect personal and client information.
To help you choose between physical and digital tools, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
Personal Comfort & Self-Care
Working from home can blur the line between work and rest, so your setup needs to support both focus and comfort. Long hours at your desk can be taxing if the space feels cold, flat, or too utilitarian.
A few intentional changes can help you stay alert, reduce fatigue, and create an environment that feels good to sit in, day after day.
These personal touches add warmth without clutter:
✅ Desk plants and natural elements – Small indoor plants like pothos, ZZ plants, or succulents can brighten up your workspace and improve the atmosphere
✅ Blue-light blocking glasses – Helpful if your eyes feel strained after long hours of screen time
✅ Reusable water bottle and coffee warmer – Keeps drinks at the right temp and cuts down on trips to the kitchen that break your rhythm
✅ Motivational wall art or a vision board – Can serve as a quiet reminder of goals, priorities, or personal affirmations
✅ Seat cushion or soft throw – Adds comfort without getting in the way of your setup
Mobile Home Office Setup
Working remotely doesn’t always mean staying at home. You might need to visit family, work while traveling, or just switch things up for the day. A mobile setup gives you the freedom to stay productive without needing a full desk or office.
You don’t need anything complicated. A few well-chosen tools can help you work smoothly from a hotel room, coffee shop, or even the backseat of a car if needed. The goal is to keep your workday moving without stress, no matter where you are.
Here’s what to include:
✅ Lightweight laptop support table – Folds up easily and gives your laptop a stable surface when you’re working from a couch, bed, or hotel room
✅ Portable Wi-Fi or hotspot tethering – If your location has unstable or no internet, mobile data tethering can keep you connected
✅ Compact power bank or charging hub – Keeps your devices powered during long stretches without access to an outlet
✅ Travel mouse and foldable keyboard – These take up less space and make working on a tablet or phone more manageable
✅ Mobile faxing with FaxBurner – When you need to send or receive documents while on the go, the FaxBurner app handles it all from your phone. You can upload a file, get a temporary fax number, and view incoming faxes as PDFs.
Tips for Productivity and Focus
Once your setup is in place, the next challenge is staying consistent. Working from home comes with its own set of distractions, like laundry, background noise, social media, or just the urge to snack every hour. A few simple habits can help you stay focused without burning yourself out.
To help you with that, try these strategies:
✅ Timeboxing your schedule – Break your day into chunks of focused work and short breaks. This makes big tasks feel more manageable and helps you track how your time is spent
✅ Movement reminders – Use stretch or walk reminders to avoid staying in one position too long
✅ Set digital “Do Not Disturb” windows – Mute notifications during key work blocks to keep your attention where it belongs
✅ Batch similar tasks together – Group things like emails, calls, or admin work to avoid constant context switching
✅ End your day with a quick reset – Take a few minutes to tidy your space, jot down tomorrow’s to-dos, and mentally clock out
Final Thoughts: Build a Workspace That Works for You
While it helps to have a home office setup with the right ambience, furniture, and lighting, you also need a space that supports how you think and work. Everything from your chair to the apps you use determines how productive, comfortable, and focused you stay through the day.
You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. You can start with what you use most, then layer in tools and upgrades that match your routine. That includes how you fax documents if necessary.
Instead of printing or scanning, use FaxBurner to send and receive documents directly from your phone or inbox. So sign up for the free plan and start sending faxes online from your phone or email today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum setup I need to work from home?
At the very least, you’ll need a reliable laptop or desktop, strong internet, and a quiet spot where you can focus. Add a chair that supports your posture and a table or desk with enough space for your work tools. From there, you can build out based on your workflow.
What tools help reduce distractions at home?
Use a Pomodoro timer to break work into focused sessions. Distraction blockers like Freedom or Cold Turkey can help limit social media use. Noise-canceling headphones or soft background sound can also help if your space gets noisy.
Do I need a printer or scanner for remote work?
Not always. Most paperwork can be handled digitally. Online faxing services like FaxBurner enable you to send and receive documents from your phone or email.
How can I stay organized without paper?
Go digital where possible. Use apps like Notion or Todoist for planning, Google Drive for file storage, and calendar apps for scheduling. Label cables and drawers to reduce physical clutter, and store any necessary documents in a small fireproof box.
Can I work while traveling?
Yes, with a mobile setup. Bring a foldable laptop stand, portable charger, hotspot access, and the apps you rely on. If you need to handle documents while away, the FaxBurner app makes it easy to send or receive files on the go.
