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Ben Halpern
Ben Halpern Subscriber

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What is key to a great home office setup?

I'm moving places in a couple weeks and I'm primed to really create a great home office situation.

How should I go about doing this, any tips?

Oldest comments (61)

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healeycodes profile image
Andrew Healey

Plants! 🌱🌿🌾

I really underestimated how they make a space feel. I'm currently trying to automate a watering system 😊.

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Michael Lustig - halfjew22@gmail.com

In the same vane as underestimating the plants value, don’t underestimate how good it feels taking care of something (despite the extra effort)

Automating is a cool project, but doesn’t it bring you a feeling of joy when you water them yourself? 💦 🌱 = 😊

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healeycodes profile image
Andrew Healey

I agree!

The automation is for when I'm away for a while.

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technoplato profile image
Michael Lustig - halfjew22@gmail.com

Super cool. What’s your approach looking like?

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healeycodes profile image
Andrew Healey

Preliminary research at the moment.

I have a few Raspberry Pis and bits and bobs I've been testing but I'll be buying the watering parts this week 😊.

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technoplato profile image
Michael Lustig - halfjew22@gmail.com

So cool! Best of luck.

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Jonny Eom

Thoughts on fake plants?

Or do real plants make a significant difference?

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Andrew Healey

I prefer real because then actions are required. It’s the caring that’s significant for me.

Fake can still look nice though 🙂

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jonnyeom profile image
Jonny Eom

Never thought of it that way. I always thought it just the green that helped.

Any plants you recommend?

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healeycodes profile image
Andrew Healey

Sansevieria. It's hardy and doesn't need tons of water or light.

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ruffle1986 profile image
Tamas Fodor

I highly recommend tiger plants and/or aloe vera. They don't require much care so you don't have to worry about them and they'll be always green. I believe it's enough to water them once a month. And they not fake :D

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vepo profile image
Victor Osório • Edited

I'm always doing home office. In my house I have a reserved room with a table, lot of books.

But the most important part is make sure that you can isolate yourself from your house. Prepare for work: water, coffee and close the door.

I could work from home all maternity license from my wife... Six months!

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Cécile Lebleu • Edited

One of the most important things for me in a home office is having a window to look out from, preferably with some nature outside. It’s relaxing and helps against eye strain. This view is definitely the thing I miss the most from my previous home office. Every few minutes I’d look out for a split second to see a bird, squirrel, or just the trees moving. There was even a river! I can definitely feel the difference in eye strain and stress levels.
https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/xqg02zzc6f5dkki48t5e.jpeg

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lmuzquiz

I agree. Windows are the best on an home office. Even more if they have a nice landscape or at least a small garden to show

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Jacob Evans

Isolation. I can sit on a floor in an empty room with my laptop if I am isolated and it's quiet 🔇 🔕

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Vishnu Haridas

Headphones! That's the key to escape from all the distractions of the home.

Better to have a separate room that is free from all distractions.

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Deeksha Sharma

A decent enough working desk, chair and a desk lamp so you don't hurt your back while working. That's all you need to be productive :)

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C.S. Rhymes

A good speaker system is a must

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gaxap33680

if you want best speaker check this review boneheadphone.com/best-soundbar-un...

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Michiel Hendriks

A nice view! One that you can stare at while you sit behind your desk.

Being able to not look at the problem you are working on is a valuable tool to solve problems. It's also a nice way to relieve stress. The most perfect case would also allow you to go outside a bit (e.g. a balcony).

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Holy-Elie Scaïde

Not really a home setup, but more of a temporary Airbnb setup:
Separate work\other stuff location
Headphones (Construction site nearby)
Comfort (I travel with my mechanical keyboard and an adjustable stand)
Something to look at (either a picture or a window) while thinking

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bobwalsh47hats profile image
Bob Walsh

The things you use several times a day should be within arm's reach. Things used once a day, a little further. Other stuff: extracted away into labeled (labelers now cost $10 on AMZ) storage containers.

But the real starting place is your chair, your [adjustable] desk, the distance between your screen and your eyes (arm's length), the height of your monitor(s) so you do not bend your head and look down/up at them. Ergonomics will come back to bite you.

You want if possible natural light: but orientate your desk so you are not looking into the sun half the time, or fighting glare.

There's more (cables!, music, Alexia, oh my!) but that will get on the right road.

Cheers,
Bob

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