While many of us are transitioning back into office life, there’s no doubt that COVID-19 has forever changed the way we work, particularly in regard to working remotely. In fact, a recent survey from getAbstract revealed that, when asked whether they would like to go back to their pre-COVID-19 work arrangement, 43 percent of respondents said they would like to work remotely more often going forward.
Whether you’re a work-from-home pro or new to the game, here are seven essentials that will help you stay healthy, productive, and relatively sane. (Plus, you can find many of these at your local Goodwill Store & Donation Center!)
1) Desk or Table
It’s amazing how much more productive you can be when you have a designated workspace. A hub for your computer and office supplies, this can be a desk, a folding table, even a TV tray – just as long as it’s sturdy and big enough to accommodate all your work accoutrements.
2) Lamp
Do you love lamp? Because I love lamp. Especially in a room with little natural light, a good lamp will help brighten up your workspace and prevent you from looking like a creepy shapeless blob on video calls.
3) A Good Chair
Most chairs in your home aren’t ergonomically designed for long hours of sitting and working. Your sofa, as comfy as it may be, will absolutely wreck your back and neck after a while. Find a chair that you can adjust to comfortably type at your workspace and support your spine.
4) Surge Protector Power Strip
Look, you may play things fast and loose with your personal electronics by plugging them into an extension cord or right into the wall, but we’re in prime storm season here. Save yourself the headache of frying your company-owned equipment in a power surge or lightning strike.
5) Coffee Maker
If you relied on the generosity of your employer to provide your weekday caffeine fix, working from home is a rude not-quite-awakening. Find a good coffee maker, French press or pour over pot, and get juiced.
6) Sweat Pants, Yoga Pants, Gym Shorts
Embrace this era of videoconferencing by sporting the mullet of wardrobes: business casual tops and some comfy free-for-all bottoms. (They only see from the chest up, right? Enjoy the work-from-home freedom!)
7) Wine Glasses
Because, after a long day of work-from-home, you’ve earned it.
Ready to get to work? Find the Goodwill location nearest you to shop all your work-from-home essentials.
WATCH: Chicago Blackhawks Legend Adam Burish Shops For Home Office Items at Goodwill!