10 Actually Useful Work-from-Home Essentials

When I first started working from home, I searched high and low for lists of work-from-home essentials, hoping to find a list of amazing tools that would help me organize my space and stay productive.

 

Instead?

 

I found lists filled with things like:

• A blanket
• Your favorite coffee mug
• A candle
• A notepad and pen

…Seriously?

 

I don’t need a list to tell me to have a pen handy in my office or to grab a blanket if I get cold. That’s common sense, not an organizational or productivity tip.

 

What I really needed (and was looking for) was a list of work-from-home essentials that would actually help me stay focused, comfortable, and productive during long workdays at home.

 

So, after years of working remotely (and moving and rearranging my setup again and again), I’m sharing the things that truly make a difference. These are the practical, overlooked tools that I use every single day. Not just cute desk accessories, but real essentials for anyone building a sustainable, effective work-from-home routine.

 

Here are my 10 work-from-home essentials

 

 

1. Extra Screens

Having a second (or third) monitor is a total game-changer (honestly, anywhere you work, not just at home). It boosts productivity, helps you multitask more easily, and keeps your digital workspace organized.

 

I use two monitors plus my laptop as a third monitor, and I love being able to keep different projects on separate screens. Some people prefer one ultra-wide monitor, but personally, I’ve always loved multiple screens.

 

No matter what your preference is, if you haven’t upgraded to at least a second monitor, you need to. This is one work-from-home essential that’s worth the investment.

 

 

 

2. Ergonomic Wrist Pads: A Small Work-from-Home Essential with Big Impact

For whatever reason, I didn’t have wrist support when I first started working from home (and eventually my wrists suffered, lol).

 

A comfortable wrist pad for both your keyboard and mouse makes a huge difference over time. I use this set from Amazon, and it’s lasted years. I’ve replaced it once, a few years ago, with the same one, because it held up great the first time around, and it’s very comfortable.

 

 

3. An Insulated Coffee Cup (Yes, Really)

I know, I know. At the top of this post, I rolled my eyes at lists that tell you to grab your favorite coffee mug. But there’s a big difference between a cute mug and a cup that actually does its job.

 

I use an insulated cup a lot, especially in the winter, and it keeps my coffee hot for hours. I use this one from Rtic. No more microwaving the same cup three times before lunch, no more cold, sad sips halfway through a project, and no more walking to the kitchen just to reheat something.

 

A lid is a bonus, too. When your coffee sits next to your monitors, keyboard, and power strip, a spill-proof cup is a form of insurance.

 

If you’re building a little coffee corner in your workspace, my coffee station organization ideas can help you make it work in a small space.

 

 

4. Noise-Canceling Earbuds or Headphones

Working from home sounds peaceful until the dishwasher kicks on, the doorbell rings, and someone starts asking for snacks, all during a meeting.

 

A good pair of headphones or earbuds is one of the fastest ways to protect your focus. I use my Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro wireless earbuds. wireless earbuds, and I love them. They feature a competent active noise cancellation (ANC) setting, and the mic holds up well on calls. Since mine is an older model, it’s not available for purchase anymore, but you can get the Galaxy Buds4.

 

Being wireless also means I can walk to the kitchen for a coffee refill without getting tangled in a cord.

 

If you’re on a lot of video calls or share your space with other people (or tiny humans), this is a work-from-home essential that pays for itself in sanity.

 

 

5. An External Speaker

Whether you like ambient music or blasting your favorite tunes, a good speaker is key to creating a work vibe that keeps you motivated.

 

I used to use traditional speakers until one blew out; now I use an Echo Dot as a Bluetooth speaker, and I love it. It sits on my desk, connects to Spotify, and fills the room with music.

 

Work-from-home essential? For me, absolutely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. A Mobile Pedestal for Storage and Seating

One of my favorite space-saving work-from-home essentials is my little 2-drawer metal mobile pedestal with a cushion on top.

 

It provides me with extra storage drawers and doubles as a seat when my husband pops into my office to chat for a few minutes. Plus, I can roll it around or tuck it away when I need to.

 

If you’re working with a small space, this is a great multi-functional addition to your office.

 

 

7.  A Sit-Stand Desk or Desktop Riser

Not everyone wants to stand while they work (especially if you’re chasing a toddler the rest of the day like I am), but for some, a sit-stand unit can help reduce back pain and boost energy.

 

I’ve used both types for sit-stand desks: a fully adjustable unit and a desktop riser. They each have their perks. 

 

Even if it’s not for everyone, a sit-stand desk is still one of those work-from-home essentials that can improve your workday if you find yourself getting stiff or restless at your desk.

 

 

 

8. A Power Strip with More Outlets Than You Think You Need

I never realized how many things I had to plug in until I started working from home. Between my monitors, laptop, speaker, phone charger, power bank, printer, and more, it adds up.

 

Unlike an office building, where wall outlets are typically everywhere, most rooms in a house only have a few outlets. So, I use a heavy-duty power strip with 8+ outlets (like this one from Belkin) to keep everything running smoothly.

 

If you’re setting up your home workspace, this is one work-from-home essential that’s easy to overlook but absolutely necessary.

 

 

9. A Chair Mat (Especially on Carpet!)

If your home office has plush carpet, rolling your office chair around is a nightmare without a mat.

 

In office buildings, carpet is usually low-pile and office chair-friendly. At home, it’s the opposite. A good chair mat helps your office chair glide easily, saves your carpet, and saves your back from weird strain.

 

I didn’t realize this was a work-from-home essential until I moved my office to the guest room (which has carpet). I probably won’t work without a mat now (even on a hardwood floor, since it helps protect the floors!).

 

 

10. A Footrest

This one is easy to overlook, but it can make a big difference, especially if you’re short or your chair doesn’t adjust well. When your feet dangle, or you’re shifting around all day, your back and legs notice.

 

My footrest is a little stool my grandfather made, and it lives under my desk. It’s small and sturdy, and I love that he made it. I never thought of it as a “work-from-home essential” until I realized how much more comfortable I am with my feet propped up during long days.

 

You don’t need anything fancy. If you don’t have a handmade heirloom (most of us don’t!), an adjustable footrest works great, and in a pinch, a sturdy box or a small step stool will do the job. (Actually, before I had a little stool, I used to put my feet on top of the printer that lived under my desk. Probably not the smartest, but it worked!) Just make sure your knees are at a comfortable angle, and your feet have a place to rest.

 

 

Bonus: A Motivational Quote Where You’ll See It

This one’s free. Mine is printed on a piece of computer paper and taped to the back of my desk cabinet door. It’s been there for years, ever since I started my job after college. It’s my favorite quote for work and life:

“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” (often attributed to Franklin D. Roosevelt)

It’s a quiet little reminder that hard days shape us. Find a quote that speaks to you and put it somewhere you’ll see it. 

 

 

I hope this list of work-from-home essentials is helpful and allows you to build a workspace that’s practical, comfortable, and tailored to how you actually work.

 

Forget the fluffy lists with throw blankets and desk trinkets. These are the things that make real remote work smoother, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

 

Looking for more work-from-home tips? Check out my favorite productivity hacks here!

 

And if you do need help picking a candle, blanket, or the perfect pen, let me know. I’ve got recs for those too!

 

Happy Working!