Top 10 Desk Setup Hacks For Remote Workers

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As a remote worker, you’ve probably realized that having a well-organized and comfortable desk setup can make a world of difference in your productivity and overall well-being. Whether you’re working from a small apartment or a spacious home office, it doesn’t matter. The right setup will help you feel more inspired! These desk setup hacks will help you create a workspace that inspires creativity and keeps you focused.

1. Choose the Right Desk and Chair

A modern home office with a white chair, a standing desk with dual monitors, a Mac Pro, and a large indoor plant. The room has large windows allowing ample natural light and bookshelves on the left.

Let’s start with the basics: your desk and chair. Investing in a high-quality desk and an ergonomic chair is crucial. Trust me, your back will feel okay. When I first started working from home, I used a regular dining chair, and after a few weeks, my back was screaming for mercy. A comfortable chair with proper lumbar support can prevent those dreaded back pains and improve your posture.

Adjustable desks that allow you to switch between sitting and standing are fantastic. They help you avoid the fatigue that comes from sitting all day. An adjustable desk transformed my workday, providing much-needed movement and energy.

2. Optimize Your Lighting

A well-organized home office featuring a white desk with drawers, a monitor, a laptop, and various office items. The area has a lamp, plants, bookshelves, and a carpet. The room is softly lit, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Good lighting is essential for reducing eye strain and creating a pleasant work environment. Natural light is the best, so if possible, set up your desk near a window. However, don’t rely solely on natural light; a good desk lamp with adjustable brightness can make a huge difference, especially during those late-night work sessions.

In a seminar I attended, many remote workers who work in a dimly lit room complained about squinting at the screen and getting headaches. We were advised to use a lamp with a warm light setting that mimics daylight, and it’s made a world of difference. Proper lighting can enhance your mood and keep you energized throughout the day.

3. Keep Your Desk Clutter-Free

A minimalistic home office setup with a white desk, a chair, a plant, and a wall-mounted lamp. The scene is bright with natural light coming from a window covered by sheer curtains.

A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind. Keeping your workspace tidy can significantly boost your productivity. Use organizers, trays, and drawers to keep everything in its place. When everything is organized, you can focus better and work more efficiently.

Most of us have papers, pens, and gadgets scattered all over our desks. It’s usually chaotic, and you will constantly feel overwhelmed. Invest in a few organizers, and watch your desk become a serene and inviting space. Having a clutter-free desk can turn your workspace into a haven of productivity.

4. Ergonomics Matter

A modern home office with two standing desks, each with a laptop and various office supplies. The room has wooden flooring, white brick walls, plants, and large windows.

Ensuring your desk setup is ergonomically correct can prevent strain and injury. Your computer screen should be at eye level, and your keyboard and mouse should be positioned so that your arms are at a comfortable angle. A monitor stand or even a stack of books can elevate your screen to the right height.

I used to hunch over my laptop, leading to neck and shoulder pain. I took pain meds yet it continued. Little did I know that raising my screen to eye level and using an external keyboard could change all of that. Proper ergonomics can make working long hours much more comfortable.

5. Personalize Your Space

A bright, minimalist home office corner featuring a wooden desk, a wooden chair, several potted plants, and a chest of drawers with books stacked against it. The walls are adorned with framed pictures and decor, and large windows let in natural light.

Your workspace should reflect your personality and make you feel at home. Add personal touches like photos, plants, or artwork. These items can boost your mood and make your workspace more enjoyable.

One of my mentors has a small plant on his desk that somehow stays alive despite his lack of a green thumb. It adds a touch of nature and a splash of color to his workspace and I liked it. You should give it a try. It doesn’t matter if you are not a greenery person. Personalizing your space can make it a place where you genuinely enjoy spending time.

6. Invest in Quality Tech Accessories

A home office setup viewed from behind a leather chair. The desk has a monitor displaying a leaf image, a tablet showing the time, a laptop, and various office supplies.

Having reliable and high-quality tech accessories can enhance your work experience. Invest in a good-quality keyboard, mouse, and headphones. These tools are essential for productivity and can make your workday smoother and more efficient.

Until you try it, switching to a mechanical keyboard and a precision mouse has a noticeable comfort and efficiency and you will love it. Quality tech accessories can improve your workflow and reduce strain.

7. Manage Cables Effectively

A person connecting a yellow ethernet cable into a white wireless router with three antennas on a white desk. A laptop and a small potted plant are visible in the background.

Cable management might seem trivial, but it can make a big difference in maintaining an organized workspace. Use cable clips, ties, and organizers to keep your cables neat and out of sight. This not only looks better but also prevents tangling and potential damage.

I once tripped while trying to rush out of my desk. I used to have a tangled mess of cables behind my desk. After that event, I made time to organize them. And you know what? My desk looked cleaner and organized, plus finding the right cable became a breeze. Effective cable management can declutter your space and possibly cause a fall.

8. Stay Hydrated and Healthy

A person writing with a pencil on paper at a desk, with a glass of water and a pen placed nearby. The background is slightly blurred, showing office surroundings with a plant.

I love this part! Keeping water and healthy snacks within reach can help maintain your energy levels throughout the day. Staying hydrated is crucial for concentration and overall health. A water bottle and a few healthy snacks can keep you fueled and focused.

Once I learned the importance and benefits of water to remote work life, I kept a large water bottle on my desk and a small stash of nuts and fruit. This helps me stay hydrated and avoid unhealthy snacking. For real, prioritizing hydration and healthy snacks can sustain your energy and keep you productive.

9. Use Dual Monitors

A workspace with two computer monitors on a wooden desk. One monitor displays a mobile app interface, and the other shows a website. The desk has various items including a keyboard, a mouse, a plant in a woven pot, and a cat figurine.

If your work involves multitasking or dealing with multiple applications, dual monitors can be a game-changer. They provide more screen real estate, making it easier to manage different tasks simultaneously.

I have always wanted to talk about this. Adding a second monitor to my setup drastically improved my workflow. I could have my email open on one screen and my main work on the other. Dual monitors can boost your productivity and efficiency.

10. Take Regular Breaks

A cozy coffee setup featuring a person pouring hot water from a metallic kettle into a pour-over coffee maker. The scene includes a tray with stacked cookies, a glass jar, a brown coffee cup and saucer, and a napkin.

Last but not least, don’t forget to take regular breaks. Sitting for extended periods can lead to fatigue and decreased productivity. Short breaks can rejuvenate your mind and body, keeping you fresh and focused.

My remote work stress has opened my eyes to various work break techniques. There is the Pomodoro Technique, 52/17 rule, 112/26 rule, and many more. These methods keep me productive and prevent burnout. Regular breaks can refresh your mind and enhance your productivity.

Creating Your Ideal Workspace

Follow these desk setup hacks to transform your workspace into a productivity powerhouse. A well-organized and comfortable desk setup not only boosts your efficiency but also enhances your overall well-being. Whether it’s investing in ergonomic furniture, optimizing your lighting, or personalizing your space, each small change can make a significant difference. So, take a few steps today to revamp your workspace and enjoy a more productive and enjoyable work-from-home experience.