My Productive Home Office Set-up

Productivity

Jun 19

One of my favorite ways to procrastinate is to seek out articles and videos about productivity. Even more fun? Items about home office set-ups. I’m always eager to find ways to tweak my office space, especially my desk. Having a clean, productive desk when you work from home is so important.

When you set your own office hours, as I’ve been privileged to do for more than a year now, you want to walk into a workspace that is calm, organized and functional. And since I recently upgraded my desk to a spacious sit/stand desk, I figured I would share a little what I’m using these days to keep me productive in my home office:

IKEA Bekant white sit/stand desk, 63” x 31 1/2” I am nearly 6 feet tall. I used to have a standing desk riser, but I found that it wasn’t adjustable enough for my needs. When I stood, my monitor was in perfect position. When I sat, the monitor was a tad too high, causing me to crane my neck. This motorized desk, which I recently found at a big discount in the “As Is” section of my local IKEA, lets me put the desk at the exact right height, whether I’m sitting or standing, with the touch of a button.

IKEA Millberget swivel chair This is a comfy place to park my keister when I’m inclined to sit. Plus, the white just feels less “office-y” to me than a black desk chair.

iMac (Retina 5k, 27-inch, 2019) I recently upgraded the memory from 8 GB to 16 GB using RAM from MacSales.com. The difference in speed is incredible; it’s like having a new machine. As much as I’m lusting after the new, thin and colorful iMacs, I know I’ll be using this trusty workhouse for some time to come.

Apple Magic Trackpad 2 I’ve long been a devoted mouse user, but I decided to try a trackpad earlier this year. After a couple days of getting used to it, I’ve grown to enjoy swiping on this. My trusty mouse that came with my Mac still has a place on my desk, since I like to switch between the two devices. Whichever one isn’t being used gets tucked under the next item.

Satechi Type-C Aluminum Monitor Stand Hub I invested in this before I found the sit/stand desk. It lifts the monitor to a comfortable viewing angle to help reduce neck strain and encourage better posture. Plus, it has three USB 3.0 ports, micro/SD card slots, and and audio jack port in front. No more awkwardly reaching around to the back of the iMac.

Anker Wireless Charger Keeps my iPhone charged and at an angle for easy viewing.

Nantucket Note Card Box I bought this years ago from Levenger and even indulged in adding my initials to it. It’s a pretty and practical place to store pens as well as note cards. it’s made of solid bamboo, with a removable partition in the middle.

Leather By Dragonfly Field Notes Memo Cover Like the Field Notes pocket notebook it’s made designed to protect, this handcrafted leather memo cover is minimalist, pleasing to the eye and tough. I keep this on my desk — or stash it in my purse when I’m on the go — for jotting ideas and reminders and storing business cards.

Elfa White Mesh File Cart These days my files are mostly digital, but this cart is nice for storing the few paper files I keep around, with room for supplies like envelopes.

IKEA Linnmon white table with white Adils legs, 39 3/8” x23 5/8” This was especially useful as an extra writing space when I was using a small wooden dining table as my desk. It’s still nice to have a monitor-less space. I keep the file cart tucked beneath it.