23 Work-From-Home Essentials to Keep You Motivated Every Day

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You're probably already well-versed in basic work-from-home essentials (phone mounts, ergonomic pillows, etc.), but whether or not you've upgraded your personal office to a truly aesthetic level is determined by the likes of TikTok and Pinterest. After all, we've recently been presented with viral work-from-home products like Logitech's Pebble keyboard and, of course, the Stanley and Owala tumblers to keep at our desks nearby. (Is it just me, or does everyone on your Zoom call drink out of the same exact water bottle?) While you can easily upgrade your personal work station with functional and compact home office furniture, sometimes it's the little things that count and make us feel most productive as we go about the day.

Eager to provide you with life-changing tools that will actually motivate you to get out of bed, get dressed, and approach your desk with enthusiasm, we scoured reviews and even tested plenty of these items for ourselves. From the popular Alix Earle light that works wonders as a video conference illuminator to the Hobonichi Techo planner for keeping our goals in reach and the Beats Studio Pro headphones that are equipped with unparalleled audio tools, there's a must have here you need to try. Click through to collect them all, and check out our guide to space-saving small apartment furniture if you need help extending this practice to the rest of your home.

Hanging Loft Cord Organizer
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Hanging Loft Cord Organizer

Kikkerland Hanging Cable Loft Cord Organizer ($18)

You've no doubt got a lot of cords at your setup, from chargers to connecting cables. This cable organizer is so genius, as it supports a full outlet extension box, and makes your space clean and easy.

AirPod Case and Cleaner
amazon.com

AirPod Case and Cleaner

Ornarto For AirPods Pro 2nd/1st Generation Case with Cleaner Pen and Eartips Cover ($10, originally $13)

If you're constantly plugging in your AirPods for use during the workday, it's in your best interest to keep them clean and in an eye-catching case nearby your desk. This efficient set comes in 15 unique colorways, ranging from neutrals to brights, so that you don't lose your handy little earbuds wherever you go.

Cord Organizer
amazon.com

Cord Organizer

AGPTek White Cable Sleeve Cover ($13-$19)

Keep your electronic cables organized at your WFH space with this cable sleeve cover, which is made of polyethylene to protect and hide all of your wires. The material of the tube protects against damage, and it's easy to cut if you need to alter the length of the sleeve after purchasing. However, this item is available from 6.6 to 25 feet for purchase.

Door Noise Blocker
amazon.com

Door Noise Blocker

Holikme Door Noise Blocker ($13, originally $20)

If you live in a small space with more than one resident working from home, a noise blocker is crucial when it's prime meeting time. Simply measure the gap and width of the door so you know what size you need, and install it easily with the hook-and-loop fastener. The foam tubes on each side of the door won't budge when you open and close the door, so it's easy enough to keep the design installed throughout the day.

To-Do List Notepad
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To-Do List Notepad

Russell + Hazel To Do Adhesive Notes ($14)

Writing down quick notes or a to-do list can be super helpful in making sure you stay on track. These pads are both useful and aesthetically pleasing — they even have space for you to check off each task.

Electronic Wipes
amazon.com

Electronic Wipes

Windex Electronics Wipes ($16)

Once you achieve the elevated, luxe, or laid-back and casual WFH aesthetic you're looking for, there's nothing left to worry about besides upkeep. Windex offers this three-pack of screen wipes that will last you a long time, since you can clean all of your electronics at once with a single wipe. From the monitor to your cellphone, you'll feel like your space is more inviting when everything at your desk is dust-free. Twenty-five wipes come in a pouch, and the advanced formula maintains that the drying effect is streak-free.

Wall Organizer
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Wall Organizer

Made by Design Mesh Wall Office Supply Organizer ($18)

This mesh wall organizer will save you desk space by allowing you to store notebooks and important documents on your wall. It's perfect if you're working from a small space and don't have room for extra shelving or a storage unit. With three assorted-size compartments, this lightweight fixture can hang anywhere nearby your work station for easy reach throughout the day.

Headset
amazon.com

Headset

Logitech H390 Wired Headset ($22, originally $25)

Logitech's wired headset is only $25 and a bestseller in its category. Available in black, off-white, or rose, to match with the rest of your electronics, the design is equipped with enhanced digital audio and a noise-canceling microphone, so you'll be understood clearly during your meetings. There are in-line controls on the attached cord that allow you to easily mute a call or adjust volume, and you can simply plug in the headset via USB with a conveniently long cable. What's more, these are built for maximum comfort with padded ear cushions and a swivel-mounted headband that's adjustable.

Charging Pads
amazon.com

Charging Pads

Yootech 2 Pack Wireless Charger ($24)

These wireless charging pads are compatible with your smartphone, AirPods, and the Google Pixel. Your devices will always be ready to use and nearby when you have one of these circular discs sitting on your work-from-home desk. What's more, they take up zero space and also don't involve messy cords that will get tangled with the rest of your appliances.

Video Conference Light
amazon.com

Video Conference Light

Newmowa 60 LED High Power Rechargeable Clip Fill Video Conference Light ($32)

Also famously known as the "Alix Earle selfie light," this clip-on attachment works wonders for providing an aesthetic glow on Zoom, Facetime, or Hangouts. Just fasten it onto your phone and prop it up nearby while you're on a conference call, and your space will instantly look more professional.

Two editors showed how the light looked on their different skin tones in this Alix Earle light review, with both editors attributing the product five stars. "I use the Newmowa light for all my virtual meetings, even when I take them on my large desktop instead of my laptop. I simply clip it onto my portable phone stand that sits on my desk, and it instantly enhances and clarifies my face on the video call. Of course, the lightweight, portable design is what makes it so convenient — plus the 135-minute battery, which can be easily recharged in about an hour," one editor wrote.

Planner
PS Photography | Kyley Warren

Planner

Hobonochi Techo Hon A5 Planner ($37, originally $73)

If you're looking for a sleek, elevated planner that allows you to write out short- and long-term goals, you'll want to consider this investment for the year. Available in navy and white, the book is built to last with lightweight Tomoe River S paper, which is significantly thinner than traditional sheets, thereby keeping your baggage lighter. Keep it by your desk to jot down daily, weekly, or monthly goals.

Our Shopping editor, who has tested countless products, gave this trusty journal four stars in her Hobonochi Techo Hon A5 Planner review.

"The Hobonichi Techo planner is unlike anything I've ever used before, simply because it combines the benefits of a daily planner, weekly planner, and even monthly planner into one functional product that's designed to last. The journal feels less like a traditional planner and more like a life book that allows me to write out my to-do list down to the hour or even strategize my goals four months in advance. Talk about range!" — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Shopping

Monitor Desk Riser
amazon.com

Monitor Desk Riser

Songmics Bamboo Monitor Stand Riser ($45)

Keep your computer at eye level with this ergonomic monitor stand, available in a gorgeous wooden bamboo shade. It even has a place to put your coffee mug, a phone stand, and compartments for eliminating clutter.

Viral Water Bottle
PS Photography | Kyley Warren

Viral Water Bottle

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler ($45)

Staying hydrated is a must, and when working from home, it's easy to forget to drink. However, investing in a viral item like the Stanley or Owala tumblers ($38) has truly made staying hydrated somewhat "trendy," if you will. Regardless of which design you go with, you'll love the advanced lid construction of these water bottles.

In our This vs. That review of the Stanley tumbler vs. Owala tumbler, editor Kyley Warren determines who each bottle is best for: "If you're someone who is constantly on the go and want a cup that you can comfortably carry along on your commute, I think the Owala is ultimately the better option. It's cheaper, has a more comfortable handle design for carrying purposes, and minimizes spills much more than the Stanley. Alternatively, if you're in the market for a stylish option that'll keep your liquids colder for a longer period of time (or warmer, depending on what you fill it with) and is easier to keep clean thanks to its dishwasher-safe design, the Stanley Tumbler is definitely your best bet."

Desk Charging Station
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Desk Charging Station

Prosumer's Choice Bamboo Charging Station ($48, originally $99)

Your desk can get cluttered quickly. Keep your phone and more tucked away in this polished desk storage organizer. The structure includes a phone or tablet mount, and can hold power strips or surge protectors up to 11 inches in length. The bonus is it comes in an aesthetically pleasing solid bamboo construction.

Aesthetic Keyboard
amazon.com

Aesthetic Keyboard

Logitech Pebble 2 Combo ($60)

If you've been on TikTok recently, you've probably seen these unique pebble keyboards that come in a variety of colors and help amplify your work-from-home station. Logitech's wireless version, which can connect via Bluetooth, comes with a quiet mouse and slim design that's super lightweight. It also happens to be made with recycled plastic and comes in responsibly sourced packaging, so it's a purchase you can feel good about. Pick up the combo in black, tonal white, or a gorgeous blue ($50, originally $60) with contrast circle keys.

AirTags
PS Photography | India Yaffe

AirTags

Apple AirTag 4 Pack ($75, originally $99)

You may not think you need to keep tabs on your electronics that are usually placed at your work-from-home desk. But one day of relocating to the nearby coffee shop on the corner, and that will likely change. We suggest tagging your most important items, like chargers and laptops, just so you can track where the essentials are at all times. If you have a WFH job and you do travel a lot, these can be reassigned to your luggage for trips as well.

Our editor rated these five stars in her Apple AirTag 4 Pack review, writing, "I thought these little devices were brilliant. Each AirTag is tiny; all four fit in the palm of my hand, as shown above. They took about 30 seconds to set up; all you need is your iPhone close by, and they pair automatically."

Temperature-Controlled Mug
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Temperature-Controlled Mug

Ember Mug² Temperature Control Smart Mug 10oz ($103)

If you're anything like us, you can nurse a beverage for hours. Keep your coffee and tea piping hot all day long with this temperature controlled mug, which is available in white or black and comes with a matching saucer. The built-in rechargeable battery has a 1.5-hour life and the smart LED light indicates when your beverage has reached the desired temperature, which you can set in the accompanying app.

USB-C Dock
dell.com

USB-C Dock

Dell 130W Laptop Computer Dock ($185, originally $200)

Whether you work with one or two laptops or multiple monitors, a portable USB-C dock can come in handy for keeping your devices powered up — at up to 90 watts with this Dell ExpressCharge system. You can read the fine print to determine whether this dock is compatible with an alternative manufacturer (spoiler: it is for HP and Lenovo models), but it offers the greatest compatibility across all Dell computers. In fact, you can charge a device up to 80 percent within an hour, and receive 35 percent charge in just 20 minutes. There are a total of eight ports and slots for ultimate configuration.

Speaker and Charging Dock
amazon.com

Speaker and Charging Dock

Logitech Logi Dock, All-in-One USB C Laptop Docking Station ($199)

If the quality of your audio is crucial during meetings, and you also have lots of electronics that need consistent charging, this Logi Dock will be the foundation of your work-from-home space. It can charge up to five USB peripherals and two monitors at once, and you can sync your calendar to it so that you're notified of upcoming meetings and can join them instantly at the click of a button. The built-in noise-canceling microphone means that this speaker can capture your voice clearly without surrounding noise, so if your partner is on a call one room over, it won't pick up their audio.

Wireless Portable Printer
amazon.com

Wireless Portable Printer

Canon Pixma TR150 Wireless Portable Printer ($199, originally $250)

Sometimes, you just really need to print something, such as a shipping label or important document. This top seller on Amazon is compact and portable, so you can take it into any space, and even direct it to print from your mobile device. While there's an optional battery kit, you can print up to 330 pages alone on a single full charge.

Portable External Storage Device
samsung.com

Portable External Storage Device

Samsung Portable SSD T9 ($250, originally $300)

A portable SSD is necessary when you're working from home on a laptop and may be dealing with larger files. My go-to is the T9 2TB, which is one of the fastest on the market. It's equipped with an advanced thermal solution that withstands and controls heat while it works. Whether you use it to connect to your desktop, camera, or even as a gaming console, it offers plenty of compatibility and space for storage. It even supports ultra-high resolution video recordings, as well as ProRes 4k recordings on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, so your videos won't be compromised.

Noise-Canceling Headphones
PS Photography | Marisa Petrarca

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Beats Studio Pro ($349)

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are great for honing in on your work and soundproofing yourself from the rest of the world. There are two modes on this set: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode, which can be switched with the click of a button. With a battery life of 40 hours before requiring a charge, these also come with Spatial Audio personalization, which replicates an immersive, three-dimensional theater-like sound.

Our editor gave them five stars in her Beats Studio Pro headphones review, writing, "The noise-cancellation effect is excellent; I'm able to hear when someone's speaking to me while canceling out background noise almost entirely."

Monitor
hp.com

Monitor

HP Series 7 Pro 27 inch 4K Thunderbolt 4 Monitor ($649)

Introducing a larger monitor into your work-from-home lifestyle will prove to be majorly beneficial, both for accessibility purposes as well as personal motivation. In other words, you'll never look back. If you've never tried a dual-monitor setup, you can also tack on a conferencing monitor that comes equipped with a camera for video calls. This will expand your desktop real estate and allow you to view several tabs at once. This monitor in particular comes with factory-calibrated color accuracy on a DreamColor-class display, as well as high-resolution video, high-speed data, and up to 100W charging capabilities, so you'll be working more efficient than ever. It's compatible with a Macbook, too, if that's your laptop of choice.

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— Additional reporting by India Yaffe


Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.



India Yaffe was an associate editor on the Shopping team at PS for five years. She focused on curating the best fitness, fashion, beauty, and home products on the market for the PS audience.