# Home office setup list — build a workspace that works

When you work from home, a wrong desk, chair or light quickly shows up as back and eye strain. This list runs from furniture to cables and small comforts, and with a room code you can split the shopping with your partner or flatmate. No sign-up needed.

**In short:** A home office basically needs a desk, an ergonomic chair, a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse; then add a desk lamp, a surge protector, a cable organizer and, if you take calls, a webcam and a headset. Spend on how you sit first, because back and eye strain come mostly from the desk, the chair and the lighting.

## What's on the list

- Desk
- Ergonomic chair
- Monitor
- Monitor stand
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Laptop stand
- Webcam
- Headset
- Desk lamp
- Surge protector
- USB hub
- Cable organizer
- Footrest
- Notebook and pens
- File organizer
- Printer
- Desk plant
- Water bottle

## Tips

- Set the top of the monitor at eye level, elbows at about 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor; ergonomics matter as much as the shopping.
- Place the screen at a right angle to the window, since light from directly in front or behind causes glare and tires your eyes.
- Stand up for a few minutes every hour and look away from the screen often; it noticeably eases back and eye strain.
- Buy the chair and desk first and the accessories later; on a tight budget, the first investment belongs in how you sit.

## Frequently asked questions

### What do you really need for a home office?

A desk, an ergonomic chair, good lighting and a surge protector are the essentials. A monitor, keyboard and mouse come on top, and if you work on a laptop, a laptop stand helps too.

### How do you set up a laptop ergonomically?

Raise the laptop on a stand and use a separate keyboard and mouse. That brings the screen up to eye level and keeps your hands and shoulders at a comfortable angle.

### How do you tame the cable mess on a desk?

Gather your devices on one surge protector, run the cables under the desk with a cable organizer and cut the number of connections with a USB hub. Labelling the ends saves you guessing which is which later.

### Can I change the list?

Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.

### Do I need an account?

No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.

### How long is the list kept?

As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.

### Can I install it on my phone?

Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.

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[Start a room with this list](https://ortakliste.app/en/list/home-office-setup-list) — 19 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.