Working from home doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the quality of your office environment. Whether you do it full-time or you have a hybrid schedule, having a comfortable remote space can make or break your success on a given assignment. Below are 20 office essentials that will work overtime—and help you actually look forward to being on the clock.
1. AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier; $30
Dry air in your home office can make a day at work feel like a real slog, but with this cool mist humidifier, you can make the space more inviting and conducive to getting tasks done. Built with an extra large, 2.2-liter water tank, it comes with a rotating nozzle and knob dial for adjusting how much mist pours out, and it automatically shuts off when the water reservoir drains completely. According to the brand (and several shoppers), it also operates at whisper-quiet levels, so it won’t break your concentration while you tackle projects at home.
Buy it: Amazon
2. Youbetia Desk Organizer; From $18
From stray pens to wayward clips and notebooks, office accessories can clutter up a desk space very quickly. Fortunately, with a desk organizer like this, you can corral all those assorted odds and ends into one centralized holder and save a lot of space in the process. This sturdy organizer is made from alloy steel, comes in eight different colors, and offers two trays plus five upright and divided sections, the latter of which are perfect for storing folders, papers, and more.
Buy it: Amazon
3. TushGuard Seat Cushion; $25
With its U-shaped design and memory foam interior, this ergonomic seat cushion from TushGuard can be a big help for folks looking for more support while they sit at a desk. It’s ideal if you have a less-than-stellar office chair but aren’t ready to plop down cash for a better replacement. This budget-friendly cushion molds to your body’s shape and provides cradling comfort around the coccyx, which may help to relieve the hip and joint pressure that can be caused by sitting for long periods of time.
Buy it: Amazon
4. FEZIBO Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk; From $130
Upgrade your desk in more ways than one with this electric standing version, which offers ample space for you to fit your laptop and other office essentials. Made from industrial-strength steel, this standing desk can support up to about 176 pounds and offers three preset settings, so you can adjust the elevation from between 27.3 inches to about 45 inches off the ground.
Buy it: Amazon
5. Brother P-Touch PTD220 Home Office Everyday Label Maker; $40
Personalize your home office with this easy-to-use label maker from Brother. Designed with a QWERTY keyboard, this device can fit up to two lines of text per label, and you can choose from 14 fonts, 11 styles, 99 frames, and more than 600 symbols to make labels for every occasion. You can also customize the look of each label by using one of the 25 preloaded templates included with the device.
Buy it: Amazon
6. OMOTON Laptop Stand; $20
Instead of hunching over your desk, keep your laptop at eye level with the help of this all-aluminum stand. It fits most 11- to 16-inch Apple and PC laptop models and even includes a nook underneath to stow your keyboard and mouse when not in use.
Buy it: Amazon
7. Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair; $250 with the on-page coupon
Buying an ergonomic office chair is like buying a good mattress: It pays off long-term to invest in a high-quality one because you’re going to be spending a lot of time in it. This model from Duramont is one of the best because it has a mesh back (so it doesn’t trap in heat), has a contoured seat cushion and adjustable arm rests, and offers customizable back and lumbar support. While you can definitely find office chairs for less, this one is recommended by experts because it has the kind of durable construction and supportive features that make it gentle on your back and joints.
Buy it: Amazon
8. InvoSpa Shiatsu Back Shoulder and Neck Massager with Heat; $50
Even with the best of office chairs, you might have neck or shoulder discomfort from time to time if you’re sitting for long periods. A massager can provide some much-needed relief, and this popular one from InvoSpa recreates the feeling of a deep-tissue, kneading massage. It’s also fully wearable, so you can even use it as you work, and the built-in heat function can help take the whole experience to the next level.
Buy it: Amazon
9. INCHOR Cord Organizer, Pack of 2; $6
Never have time to tackle that jumbled mess of cables from computers, modems, and device chargers? You can hide the mess away with this pack of two cord organizers, which come with three and five slots, respectively. Durable 3M adhesive pads help keep the blocks in place (even on glass, metal, or wood surfaces) while you get to keep a tight lid on all your power strips and other cords so you don’t have to constantly detangle them.
Buy it: Amazon
10. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under-Desk Elliptical Pedaler; $117
If running to the gym during your lunch break is a hassle, consider bringing the gym to your office in the form of this under-desk elliptical instead. The low-profile pedaler is designed to fit under most desks and arrives fully assembled, so you won’t break out in a sweat just thinking about how to put it all together. This piece of workout equipment even offers multiple levels of adjustable magnetic resistance and could be great if you’re looking for a low-impact workout.
Buy it: Amazon
11. Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard; From $24
The right keyboard could make you more efficient in your work space. This Bluetooth-powered one can work with virtually all your devices, whether you’re using Windows, a MacBook, an iPhone, or even an Apple TV. You can connect it to up to three gadgets simultaneously, and it has a wireless range of roughly 32 feet, so you can use it all over the house if needed, not just in your office.
Buy it: Amazon
12. ComfiLife Foot Rest for Under the Desk; From $36
Maybe you’d prefer relaxation to getting a workout under your desk. If that’s the case, then this padded foot rest could be just what the doctor ordered. Available in two shapes (classic or teardrop) and three different shades, this foot rest is designed to fit under most desks and is made with high-density memory foam for added comfort. According to the brand, it may help relieve hip and back discomfort by taking pressure off your joints.
Buy it: Amazon
13. HP DeskJet 2755e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer; $60
You might not need to print out too many documents if you’re working from home, but during the times when you do, it helps to have a printer around so you don’t have to run to the local library. This wireless color printer from HP is one of the most popular—and affordable—models around, and it can print up to 5.5 pages per minute in color or 7.5 pages per minute in black ink. By using the brand’s smart app, you can also scan, print, and copy documents with ease right from your phone.
Buy it: Amazon
14. Simple Houseware Desk Monitor Stand Riser with Adjustable Organizer Tray; $30
If you want to reduce neck and back strain, as well as clutter from your busy desk, then this adjustable monitor stand is for you. It can raise your computer monitor about 6 inches above your desk surface and comes with a customizable drawer tray that you can use to stash home office essentials like pens, paper clips, and more. There’s also a built-in slot holder in case you want to keep a tablet or smartphone within arm’s reach, and features two side caddies for additional storage.
Buy it: Amazon
15. Kodak Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector; $220
Headed into the office for an in-person meeting? This portable pocket projector (it’s small enough to fit in your back pocket) from Kodak turns any smartphone or laptop display into an 150-inch high-definition digital projection that supports 4K resolution. Just connect your device to the projector via the included HDMI or micro USB cables and you’ll be the king or queen of the boardroom.
Buy it: Amazon
16. SentrySafe Fireproof Safe Box with Key Lock; $40
You can keep all your important papers, photos, and USB flash drives secure with this box from SentrySafe. At 0.18 cubic feet, it’s compact but can still store a lot of valuables, plus it’s fire-resistant for up to 30 minutes at 1550ºF. With the built-in key lock, you can also keep prying eyes out and ensure your private documents stay tucked away.
Buy it: Amazon
17. Lorell Deep 2-Drawer File Cabinet; $76
Every home office needs a file cabinet to keep important papers organized. This simple but secure vertical cabinet from Lorell is compact with two drawers that are made of sturdy steel. It’s also small enough to keep under a desk—and most importantly, out of the way.
Buy it: Amazon
18. Fellowes Powershred 12-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder with Safety Lock; $98
Guard against identity theft with this paper shredder, which can shred up to 12 sheets of paper at a time. It’s also strong enough to destroy credit cards and paper clips with ease. Now you can dispose of important documents without stressing it; plus, the five-gallon bin it comes with means you’ll have plenty of space to get rid of junk mail, too.
Buy it: Amazon
19. Amazon Basics Rectangular Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat; $14
If you use a standing desk in your home office, then this non-slip, anti-fatigue mat is the best solution for comfort and support. By standing on it, you’ll take pressure off your joints and lower back, so you can work better without dealing with the wear-and-tear of standing up all day.
Buy it: Amazon
20. VOBAGA Coffee Mug Warmer; $25
Keep your coffee the ideal temperature while you work with this mug warmer, which comes in five cute colors. Although it might look basic, it actually offers three temperature settings, so you can choose to keep beverages cool at 104℉, or heated at 131℉ or 149℉, respectively, with just the push of a button. You don’t have to worry about shutting it off, either, as the device will power down automatically after continually working for four hours.
Buy it: Amazon
A version of this article was originally published in 2018 and has been updated for 2023.
This article was originally published on www.mentalfloss.com as 20 Home Office Essentials That Will Upgrade Any Work Space.