> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.peterkos.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Home office setup ideas & checklist 2021 - URL: https://www.peterkos.org/home-office-setup-ideas-checklist-2021/ - Published: 2021-02-06T15:20:30.000Z - Updated: 2023-01-07T15:22:44.000Z - Description: Home office setup ideas and checklist 2020. Best home office setup for productivity. - Author: Peter Kos - Tags: .productivity, WFH ***Updated February 2021*** [#WFH home office setup ideas & checklist](https://www.peterkos.org/home-office-setup-ideas-and-checklist-2020/) was my most popular post of 2020\. Here's a fresh version for 2021\. We're closing in to the first anniversary since #WFH started trending, and many modern workplaces are considering permanent shift to a hybrid working model, combining working from home arrangement with a few days at the office. ## Building a workspace At the end of the summer 2020, I found a small office to rent – it's an upstairs office of a small family business. At €200/month, it's a worthwhile investment for the peace and quiet that allows me to focus on my work without distractions. > If the former premise was **mobility**, it was all about **video** now. Most of the meetings are on Zoom or WebEx, so **audio and video are the new outfit**. With real office space, I also had to invest in real office gear. Let's just say that it was a nice excuse for the geek in me to go on a shopping spree. ## Here's a list of my home office setup: ## Limited budget home office setup ideas When you're trying to prioritize home office kit needs, think about the most important things first – **how you look and sound**. So fix your video, light, and audio first. Remember the basics: - **light in your face** (not from your back) - when speaking, try to **look in the camera lens** instead of on the screen - **always mute yourself** when not talking (use "Spacebar to unmute function!) - While on call: **treat the camera like a gun**: consider it's always on (loaded), and you're not on mute (even [when you *think* you are](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOWGe7uOuPU&ref=peterkos.org)). With a limited budget, I'd advise you to first invest in a [diva ring light ](https://amzn.to/2HwZTf4?ref=peterkos.org)and use your smartphone to dial into the videocalls — the video is going to look awesome. Next, take care of the sound — any headphones are good, but [AirPods Pro](https://amzn.to/2KFGWbt?ref=peterkos.org) are the best. Taking things next level, get a separate [webcam](https://amzn.to/2J7e0IH?ref=peterkos.org); it's more convenient than a phone & infinitely better than your computer's built-in camera. And get a [stand to lift that laptop](https://amzn.to/33b4HhZ?ref=peterkos.org) to your eye-level. Then get the [external microphone](https://amzn.to/3l0Tmad?ref=peterkos.org). ## Add an ultra-wide monitor to your setup. [Ultrawide monitor](https://amzn.to/3nTamAZ?ref=peterkos.org) is pure luxury, but it's an investment in productivity — it's like having multiple screens in one, and it's a super-fast way to work on all the screen real estate. Once you go for an external monitor, a separate [wireless keyboard](https://amzn.to/3ftTj5K?ref=peterkos.org) and a [mouse](https://amzn.to/2V0BTUU?ref=peterkos.org) are a must. I love [Logitech MX keys](https://amzn.to/3ftTj5K?ref=peterkos.org) because they are great for touch-typing, and they make it easy to connect to multiple devices ([Mac Mini M1](https://amzn.to/3jpH1x1?ref=peterkos.org) and [iPad Pro](https://amzn.to/3aJ8Mg2?ref=peterkos.org) in my case). The reason I have both the [Apple Trackpad 2](https://amzn.to/33ehTTl?ref=peterkos.org) and the [MX Master 3](https://amzn.to/2V0BTUU?ref=peterkos.org) mouse is to let my wrists relax. Working with a mouse for too long gives me pain. I'll usually have a mouse on the right-hand side and trackpad to the left of the keyboard, and I'll switch between using one or the other. ## Sounding great, looking great. Why [Harmann Kardon SoundSticks](https://amzn.to/2KFDEF5?ref=peterkos.org)? Just look at them. They appeal to the Apple fanboy in me, and they sound great too. Do you need them? Not really. In the above recommendations, I assume that you already have a PC/laptop. Check what connection ports it has, make sure you can support and connect the gear you're buying. A [nice USB-C hub](https://amzn.to/3l9nrV6?ref=peterkos.org) might be an option, but check the reviews. [Benq ScreenBar Plus](https://amzn.to/39V1KFT?ref=peterkos.org) is a simple lamp for the top of the screen. They are so popular that you can't buy them from Amazon.de anymore, so I ordered a [€22-knock-off](https://amzn.to/3tAPPVs?ref=peterkos.org). **It's perfect**. Fits on top of my screen, holds the [LG StreamCam](https://amzn.to/39V1KFT?ref=peterkos.org), and has 3 different light settings (warm, bright, cool). It works great for the brightening up the videoconferences too. [![](//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08MXTBHZW&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=DE&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=blackbirdee-21&language=de_DE)](https://www.amazon.de/Gogotool-Schreibtischlampe-Augenpflege-einstellbare-Helligkeits/dp/B08MXTBHZW?%5F%5Fmk%5Fde%5FDE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=monitor+lampe+usb&qid=1612623868&sbo=Tc8eqSFhUl4VwMzbE4fw%2Fw%3D%3D&smid=A2I806H4EJWU0A&sr=8-15&linkCode=li3&tag=blackbirdee-21&linkId=e89f072dabce5f6f940db4ad62cbf43a&language=de%5FDE&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Fil&ref=peterkos.org)![](https://ir-de.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=blackbirdee-21&language=de_DE&l=li3&o=3&a=B08MXTBHZW) Have questions? ### **Reach out:** - 📬**[Click HERE](https://www.peterkos.org/#/portal/signup)** to subscribe to my newsletter. - 🦜 if you're on [Twitter, let's](https://twitter.com/ofkos?ref=peterkos.org) follow each other - 👍 like [my Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/peterkos.org) - 🔗 let's connect on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkos/?ref=peterkos.org) Share your feedback and get in touch via direct messages on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/ofkos?ref=peterkos.org), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/peterkos.org), or [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkos/?ref=peterkos.org). ### Office / atelier? Yes, it was in this office that I finished [my first book](https://www.peterkos.org/my-first-book/). Writing in the wee hours, before sunrise, with a pleasant scented candle. And I'm writing [my second book](https://www.peterkos.org/challengeaccepted-preorders/) here as well. Subscribers to my newsletter have access to the chapters drafts as I'll be **writing in public** this time. Subscribe to join me on the journey of writing this book: ## Don't miss other articles in the [WFH Series](https://www.peterkos.org/tag/wfh/): [Working From Home: 10 Time Management tips & tricksThis is my collection of tips & trips for time management (while Working From Home).![](https://digitalpress.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/251kd6z/2020/11/Peter-kos--1-.jpg)Finding Your EnoughPeter Kos![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1585855584657-31e7b2bca9e4?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=MXwxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fHxlbnwwfHx8&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&q=80&w=2000)](https://www.peterkos.org/wfh-time-management/)