Thanks to the seemingly nonstop wave of COVID-19 variants (looking at you, Delta and Omicron), we're still starring at the same four walls and missing the days of office chatter and comfortable chairs. Let us guess — many of you are in the same boat. You’re probably nostalgically thinking about all your storage space, desk plants, and lunch hangs. And all the while, you may be eyeing your home setup and wondering how it got so messy.
Well, let us introduce you to these products. We’ve got things to hold papers, to decorate, and to transform your makeshift home office into something way more legit. Time to really get this place in shape.
This post was originally published in September 2020 and has since been updated.
For when you need to charge your phone, laptop, and desk lamp…
Get an extension cord. This one is 10 feet long and has multiple ports available. You won’t have to sacrifice battery life, which means no frantic scrambling when you realize a device is at 10%. Phew. ($11.89, Target)
For when you can barely see out of your glasses...
Give 'em a wipe. These won't cause streaks and are individually wrapped. They also work on your laptop and phone screen. Ah, the relief. ($22.25, Amazon)
For when your mouse absolutely hates your kitchen table…
Pad time. So you can scroll smoothly. The best part? This one also doubles as a notepad so you can stay organized. You'll be able to jot down to-do tasks, important meetings, and other noteworthy items. Two birds, one stone. ($11.25, Amazon)
For when you’ve got a ton of papers taking up your desk space…
Organize ‘em. With three slots, you’ll be able to separate mail and work files. Plus the gold will add a touch of glam to your home office. Style meets function. ($19.99, Cost Plus World Market)
For when sitting on your bed has caused some serious back issues…
Move to a chair. Yep, it's time to actually sit up. This option is constructed with a series of bands that conform to you, so you’ll finally be able to get some support. The bands distribute weight evenly, so you won't feel lopsided while sitting. The adjustable chair can also swivel 360 degrees and recline. Hi, new best friend. ($299.99, The Container Store)
For when you decide to pull a late-nighter…
Dim the light. Because having your overhead room light on at 10 pm is just too much for your eyes. Now you'll be able to work once the sun goes down without feeling like your screen is too bright. This one also has a built-in USB port for easy charging. Lamp, meet desk. ($69.99, Wayfair)
For when you wanna add a touch of cozy to your work space…
Photo time. But make it string lights. This wire is over 9 feet long and has 30 clips for cute throwback photos of vacations and time spent away from your home. Remember those days? ($19, Dormify)
For when your feet are always ice cold at your desk…
Warm 'em. Turn your feet into literal baked potatoes with these unbelievably cute slippers that are USB-powered. They’re the perfect pair to keep under a desk as you work. The slippers heat up pretty quickly and will stay warm for hours on end. Trust us — we’ve tried them. ($48, Urban Outfitters)
For when you decide to liven up your desk with some greenery…
Pick a pot. This two-piece set (the bottom piece acts as a drainage dish) is beautifully painted and anxiously awaiting a green buddy. Add to cart. ($69, Jungalow)
For when you’re getting that tingly feet sensation...
Lift them. You’ve been sitting at your desk for hours. Now you’ll be able to rest your feet more comfortably. This hammock is fully adjustable and can work with any desk. It'll keep your feet elevated so you won't get that annoying pins-and-needles sensation. Ah, sweet relief. ($16.99, Amazon)
For when you’re always nervous that your video will turn on too soon…
Get a little privacy. Pop on a webcam cover and feel free to roam about the cabin. Then slide it over when you’re ready to say ‘hey’ on your company-wide video call. No more awkward shots of you getting situated at your desk. ($6.99/2 pack, Amazon)
For when your commute is from one side of the couch to the other…
Bring the office to you. This tray lifts your laptop so you're at eye level. Aka you won’t have to strain your neck by constantly looking downward. It also features a tiny drawer and air holes for overheating. ($26.99, Amazon)
For when you need to make the most out of your dining room chair...
Add a pillow. This one is designed to relieve lower back pressure by keeping your spine in an ideal posture. It's made from extra-dense memory foam and has a strap so it'll sit securely on the back of a chair. Solutions, here we come. ($65, Cushion Lab)
For when your kitchen table is your desk…
Keep it clean. Say goodbye to watermarks. These cute and colorful coasters will do a simple job so you don't have to look at a messy table. ($16.27+/2 pack, AlejoMi on Etsy)
For when you've got a wire jungle underneath your desk…
Clip them. Consider these gold ones a small style win. No more cheap-looking plastic ones. You can use them for your WFH setup and for lamps you have placed around your home. Sometimes it really is the little things in life. ($12.98+/2 pack, Brighttia on Etsy)
For when you've got fingerprints and crumbs all over your laptop…
The microfiber pad removes icky prints and smudges from the screen, while the soft brush sweeps away any dirt and leftover crumbs from your most recent snack. When it’s not in use, just pop the cover over the pad and retract the brush so both stay clean and protected in your desk drawer. Midnight munch while you’re scrolling Zillow? No one will ever know. ($10.99, Amazon)
For when your partner is really stingy with the heat in your home...
Keep a blanket at the ready. Just add your name at checkout for a two-tone blanket fully personalized to you. We have this one and keep it draped over our desk chair at all times. It’s pretty thick so it feels substantial draped across a lap or over shoulders. Psst...it’s available in a few colors, like blue and pink. ($78+, Baublebar)
If you buy anything from this email, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate too) when we published. Thanks.
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